Excelsior: BA with two specializations.

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by HikaruBr, Apr 16, 2009.

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  1. HikaruBr

    HikaruBr Member

    I've just asked Excelsior College by email if it was possible to graduate with a BA in Communications with two specializations (Media Studies and Journalism). I was told that's not possible.

    I think that's strange, specially because I remember reading about some people with a BA in Business from Excelsior with two emphasis (Marketing and Finance, for example).

    Am I crazy or Excelsior changed the rules?
     
  2. skidadl

    skidadl Member

    I believe that you may be referring to having two depths. For the BLS you are allowed to have two depths of study.

    At least this is what I think you may be referring to.
     
  3. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    Can someone have a BLS is depths of study like Spanish and Labor relations?

    Abner
     
  4. skidadl

    skidadl Member

    As far as I know. I have a concentration in business/administration and psychology.
     
  5. HikaruBr

    HikaruBr Member

    No, I'm not. Two depths are required of any BA in Excelsior.
    I'm talking about specializations within a major.

    For example, the Communications Major has a variety of specializations: Journalism, Media Studies, Public Relations, etc...

    I was hoping I would be able to get a BA in Communications in Media Studies AND Journalism.

    But I was told I can't - which is odd.
     
  6. HikaruBr

    HikaruBr Member

    I've just received a email form Excelsior, saying that I can't have have two specializations in a major, BUT I can have a major with specialization AND a area of focus (a "minor" in practice).

    That's still weird, but it's better than nothing. I could get a BA in Communications - Media Studies and a area of focus in Graphic Design or Advertising.
     
  7. Ted Heiks

    Ted Heiks Moderator and Distinguished Senior Member

    The Excelsior website says that the Communications major requires 33 semester hours with at least 15 hours of upper division credit. Unfortunately, I was unable to find out how many of those credits have to go into your specialization. I'm wondering whether the situation might be that the number of credits required for a specialization within the Communications major would be such that taking two specializations would exceed the 33 hour minimum. Now, if that's the case, I wouldn't see why you couldn't take excess credits in your Communications major and then apply those excess Communications credits as if they were your free electives. :confused:
     
  8. HikaruBr

    HikaruBr Member

    Exactly, it doesn't make sense. Here is the two emails that I received (I also asked about graduate credits applied to a BA):

    The second one, about area of focus:

    So, basically I can get a Communication: Media Studies and a Area Focus in Advertising, but I can't get a Communications: Media Studies and Journalism.

    For me there is no logic explanation why they have this policy, it doesn't make much sense.

    Well, anyway, is good to know that I can get a second BA in a related area in a very quick manner after I finish my Master.
     

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