Newb Here: Need Some Math Degree Help

First, great forum! I was first introduced to this site by an architect on a professional forum. I compared the site to the other DL learning boards, and frankly, they suck in comparison. This one is the best.

While I am a newb here, I DID spend about 12+ hours going through the forums searching for math degree info. I checked out some of the DL's listed, but in the end, I became more confused and don't know if I'm approaching this with all the information I need.

Soooo...here I am! I seek the Wisdom of the Elders!

I'll try not to bore the dear readers with too much historical information, but I need to illustrate my previous experience to assist in getting a broad overview of advice.
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I am a licensed architect, AIA (American Institute of Architects) member, and LEED AP (the "green" building stuff), and partner in a firm. I do not have a degree in architecture, though, but was able to test for licensure through experience (15 formal years). I don't know if anyone is familiar with becoming a licensed architect, but it is as close to hell as you can get. I had to take NINE tests, each like a mini-BAR or medical licensing exam, and the average time to complete the exams is 18-24 months. I did it in 20 months, but I know people who have been attempting the tests for years and years. Not fun. The LEED AP exam is just as difficult.

I have a fairly extensive computer background. I started working with computers in 1979 and have learned and forgotten many programming languages. After saying I was going to get a Comp. Sci. degree for 29 years, I finally started on it. This is very personal and has no bearing on my job.

Due to losing my mind in high school, I ended up getting essentially two degrees during my first stint in college: a B.S. in Art and English Education. I taught for about 2 years and learned that I'd rather be beaten with a 2x4 than be a school teacher. I went into architecture at that point.
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So what's the point? I'm one of those "jack-of-all-trades" people. I'm fairly good at both the sciences and liberal arts but not REAL good. Before I went bonkers in high school, I was a "math genius." Unfortunately, I made a nice mental block for myself and was unable to do higher order math for around 27 years. It's coming back, but O'-so-slowly--I have a long ways to go.

I have some random gewgaws of learning like 16 years of Yuen Kay San Wing Chun Kung Fu (owned my own school), other kung fu, Muay Thai, and 20 years of powerlifting. I have considered a degree in kinesiology in the past.
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WHEW!! If anyone is still awake after that diatribe, I'll get to the point.

The economy has me VERY nervous, and I also am getting tired of architecture. NCARB and NAAB have a tight rein on architect licensing and many states require a degree from an NAAB for reciprocity. There are no online B. Arch schools and only one DL M. Arch program (that I know of): Boston Architectural College, with a fandango price of around $14,000 a semester for a minimum 5 semesters. No thanks. They can go rot.

I want to return to my roots: MATH or a combination of comp. sci and math.

I have looked at Thomas Edison and while I like the program, I am confused about their online course offerings. I didn't see any of the required upper level core classes in their catalog. Am I missing something?

I looked at Excelsior, but I'm not sure what to make of their program/system of learning. Any elaboration or experiences out their with their math program?

The best, IMO, is UIL-Springfield, but I don't have some of the core classes to meet their admissions, and I'd rather not be stuck at a semester by semester time-line. I prefer Thomas Edison's approach since I can proceed as fast or as slow as I want (job constraints have an extreme effect on my allowable time). Anyone try the math program at UIL?

I liked that I could pick up the Calculus classes I need from Clovis and some of the other colleges mentioned, but I'd like to stick to one school and not have a hodgepodge.
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Some Future Plans
I want to get a Masters in Math--again, it is personal. I also know a math degree (BS or MA/MS) will give me basically carte blanche to pursue about any field. If I stay in architecture and get a math degree, I may get my Master of Science in Structural Engineering from an ABET school so I can get my PE licensure (I found one online). Time and money permitting, I wouldn't mind some dual major in Comp. Sci and Math at the BS level.

Main Questions
1) Any advice on how I can best pursue a BS in Math from a DL school? (it MUST be an RA school).
2) Any suggested routes I should go to approach this?
3) Should I be looking at a Masters instead or a BS/Masters combo? (I really need to learn the material as opposed to trying to test out).
4) Are their any online BS Engineering programs (structural) that are ABET accredited?
5) Am I just nuts?

Also, if someone digs up an M.Arch program that doesn't rape me financially and is NAAB accredited, LET ME KNOW!! I'll kiss your feet!

I know I'll have more questions. I apologize for this being so longwinded and any typos.

 

Chadron State College

Has a BS in Science (Mathematics)

http://www.csc.edu/extended/online/undergrad.csc

Tuition is reasonable as well:

http://www.csc.edu/businessoffice/flatrate.csc

 

Texas Tech Univ. offers an online B.S. in Architecture.


Good Luck!

 

CapellaRocks:

Great links! I vaguely remebered Chadron after going to the site. The tuition is extremely reasonable for out of state. It has moved up on my list.

japhy4529:
I looked at the TTU link, but unfortunately, a Bachelor of Science in Architecture is not NAAB accredited and does not qualify someone for NCARB Certification. In fact, you cannot qualify to take the ARE (Architect Registration Exam(s)) in most states without an NAAB degree. A professional undergrad degree in architecture is called a Bachelor of Architecture or B. Arch degree. I appreciate the looking though.

 

Ian,
Here's the link:
http://www.usc.edu/dept/civil_eng/dept/admission/graduate/masters-programs/
I'm 90% positive that program can be done online, but you might want to verify that. Also, after some more digging, I'm not sure if their program is currently ABET accredited or they are going to get ABET accreditation in 2009. They have a link to their ABET info.
If you contact them, post and let me know what they say.

 

Looks like a great degree - cost is around $40,000 though.

 

Hi iw - I know you did some searching but just in case I'm linking you to a recent thread

http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?t=29380

also

http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?t=27220&highlight=math

 

Hey, Kizmet, thanks for the links!

I did see those threads in my initial search, but apparently I missed a few gems. I'm going to go through them again to try to narrow down my selections.

I would like to get enrolled in some college for the Spring term to at least get my Calculus I out of the way. Not having that class is killing me.

 

If you need more time to decide on a program, but you want to get Calculus I out of the way...

Go to www.thinkwell.com - then under the homeschooing link go to Calculus. There is a sample video lecture - watch it for your evaluation.

After completing Thinkwell Calculus, you could then CLEP Calculus I, as well as complete the Calculus II and III exams at Ohio University. I know that you would like to complete all of your courses in one program; but I would take my time and find the RIGHT program for you. In the meantime, you could get started.

Now for the next twist...

Since you already have a BA, have you thought about a masters degree in math? You would have to (probably) take some prerequisites first - but with a masters degree many more doors will open (esp. teaching).

http://teach.sdstate.edu/users/cogswelk/DepartmentWebsite/MastersAdmissionRequirements.htm

Good luck!

 

Capella, thanks for throwing a wrench into the works! (ha-ha).

Seriously, I agree with your advice about getting the right program--I have to focus on that before my ADHD has me running around in circles

BTW, I did look at that exact page from South Dakota. In fact, I probably stared at it for about 30 minutes, thinking, "This would be the most sensible route--skip the BS (literally and figuratively)."

But, while I'm not an idiot, I don't know if I could knock out 6-9 undergrad classes in a year while enrolled in a Masters program. My job can get insane. Over the summer, there was a 6-week period where I worked 10-15 hours a day, 7-days a week with no break. It hurt me (physically), and I didn't get a chance to do the math classes I wanted. If I was 22 or 32 and not 42, I'd give myself a better fighting chance.

Maybe I should talk to them and see if they give professionals (and business owners) a little more leeway. Have you heard any ancedotal experiences about them?

 

My advice then is to work on the SDSU prerequsites first; LSU Independent Study has all of those courses, as well as the other options I mentioned. THEN apply for the masters degree at SDSU. I would never try to do both at once.

Shawn

 

Thanks again, Capella, for the suggestions and insight.

I like the idea of the CLEP for Calc 1--very possible.

LSU is a good idea also. In fact, if I remember correctly, the CC I attend was working on an articulation agreement with LSU. If I can get the blasted Calculus pre-requisites done, I should be able to open the throttle a bit.

I'm going to set my goal for jumping straight into a Masters program instead of a BS/BA. The ROI is much better, and since the building industry may take a long time to recover, I could at least do some teaching at a college (no public school teaching---ever again).

Of course, if everything goes to hell-in-a-handbasket, I'm going to get my TOEFL cert and head overseas. A friend of mine is making a killing teaching English while working a whopping 20 hours a week.

 

FOLLOW-UP:

Thanks to Capella, I've enrolled in LSU to complete my pre-requisites for my Masters in Math. I like their system since I have 9 months to complete the course but can complete it sooner if I don't suffer brain death

In a lithium-hazed world, I'd like to be able to complete all my pre-requisites in a year, but I don't know if I'll be able.

On a postive note, once I complete the classes, I may be able to pick up another BS in a related field with minimum effort due to having so many undergraduate semester hours.

Thanks again, everyone, for all the help!

 

Best of luck to you - please keep us informed on how the LSU classes, and the Masters degree goes!

Shawn