A revisit to my early thread: "what's wrong with an unaccredited degree"

Thank you all, for your imput regarding "what's wrong with an unaccredited degree anyway", however, most of you took sides on the issue (RA vs. non-RA) without really resolving my posting. It would appear that nearly everyone suggests that I should "buck-up" and earn a DL degree through an accredited entity.

My suggestion that I "earn" my degree (or legitimize) my current knowledge through an unaccredited institution was unanimously frowned upon, with very few exceptions. The dilema I was having was how to convert what I already know, into a degree. The issue was only how to go about this without having to revisit basic math, when you are at the calculus-level.

I should have simply posted the following questions, in hopes that I would receive specific answers:

1. With someone having a vast array of experiences and knowledge in the area of business, should I (1) persue a Bachelor’s, or (2) Master’s?

2. With either suggestion, what is the quickest method of accessing what I already know and converting that into credits?

3. What is the quickest method to question number 2?

4. Are there schools that allow an adult to enter without an undergraduate degree and if so, who are they?

A few people made note that we are motivated to acquire degrees for two reasons: employment and personal fulfillment. I agree. As, I am and probably will always be self-employed (to some extent) the former is not an issue and the latter is the only motivation for me. I could, I suppose, proudly display my latest IQ test results or my membership with Mensa International, but neither would result in some form of recognition of the knowledge I already possess. A formal degree from some “legitimate” institution would be the only way.

So, I need your suggestions about the avenues that are available to me, not a debate between the parties regarding “good vs. evil”.

Any takers?

 

The point that most of the posts made was that an unaccredited degree would not fulfill any of your needs. Your first post also mentions that you wanted to do it without any work or effort which would eliminate any legitimate program. If your question is instead how do I accomplish it as quickly as possible taking into account my current knowledge the answer is of coarse accredited test based degrees.

A BA/BS is expected and I would pursue one before a Masters. With extensive knowledge the Big 3, TESC, COSC and EC, are by far the quickest route. I would expect this to be a rather easy step for a mature adult with life and business experience. CLEP and DANTES tests should allow you to complete this with your stated knowledge in 6-9 months of parttime work.

The next step is a Masters and the Heriot Watt MBA would be a perfect choice. Even with business experience I would expect this to be a challenge. I would also expect that you might learn more than you expect in this step. With your stated knowledge I would expect this to take 12-18 months or parttime work perhaps less.

The HW MBA is one of the few that can be earned without a Bachelors. I don't see much reason though to skip a degree at the Big 3 because I think it would prepare you well for the MBA.

As an alternative you could choose one of the eMBA programs offered around the country. It would cost more, be less convient, and be less related to your experience. It would have the advantage of being a US program and likely a name school.

The next step if you wanted to take would be a DBA or PhD. I'll leave that question to others.

I guess the thing that surprises me most is that someone with your stated experienced would not have researched this on their own. It certainly would not have taken more than a few days. Perhaps you have and are just looking for other points of view. Perhaps there are other reasons behind your posts.

Good luck

 

You should take a look at http://www.geocities.com/ba_in_4_weeks/mainmenu.html

especially the GRE tests. This may be a quick route for you considering your knowledge.

Good luck!

Gary