How to earn credits by testing out of courses

Hi,

Well I finally decided on Fort Hays State University to finish my bachelor's degree. I have read that there are ways to test out of courses. Does anyone know how many courses that this university allows you to test out of? Since, a lot of courses I took are from the 1980s some of them probably won't transfer and maybe I could test out of them.

Also, I have seen free courses listed on different websites and thought I may take some of those to test out of others.

Thanks

DJ

 

clep Testing Services College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) Credit Available at FHSU - Fort Hays State University

dsst Testing Services DSST Program Credit Available at FHSU(formerly DANTES) - Fort Hays State University

 

Straight from their web site...

 

You may be able to test out courses in addition to CLEP/DSST/etc. Check with the FHSU catalog or contact them to find a valid answer.

 

FHSU is great but other schools are more flexible.

If you're wanting to test out of a lot of classes you might like Excelsior, Charter Oak or Thomas Edison. They don't limit transfers or exams for credit.

 

Thanks for all the information that has been posted. Here are the things I need to take into consideration.

First, I have completed an AA degree in Medical Secretary which hasn't been of use because there are more students completing this degree than there are jobs in our area and doctor offices now use medical assistants interchangeably so there is even less need. Because of this most of might credits transfer over as vocational credits to four year colleges. Which added up to be a lot of credits.

Second, I have almost a full degree that I wasn't able to complete in the 1980's in Sociology due to medical reasons. I also have other course work in languages and ethnic studies because they dropped my program in ESL( French, Spanish, Chinese) and I had to change my major which was to Sociology. I have also taken other courses in psychology and government but not enough in either area for a degree in that area.

So, as you can see I have a large amount of credit hours and need to center those into a program which I can get employment with that major. I love to research information and am very familiar with computers and the internet. I cannot type more that 50 words a minute which also leaves out some possibilities. I am very creative and co-founded a non-profit organization for families that have children with special needs. I have been in charge of fundraising, organizing events and activities, creating newsletters and flyers, creating an online website, researching resources information, and business aspects of the organization.

I have also created an business online and sold items on eBay. I have also been a co-owner of a carpet store in the past and was in charge of all aspects of sales and business responsibilities. I have not recently worked for an employer due to medical issues and have concentrated on the non-profit organization and online business. My medical problem has improved and I want to get back into the workforce. However, without much information to put on a resume working for others this has been difficult.

Because of my love of researching information and creativity I have centered my interest on Marketing Research Analyst. So, I would like input from others about what path I should choose a program that does a lot of testing out of courses or starting at a Fort Hays State University because they have low tuition and cost has a large bearing for me since I will be paying for courses.

Please feel free to add comments...

DJ

 

You do not list your credits but if you have a large number I suggest you check out the Excelsior College BSLS. The large number (59) of electives that may include professional courses, might allow you to tailor the degree to suit your career goals.

 

I have at least 120 credit hours...

DJ

 

There are many schools that will let you apply far more challenge exam credits to a degree program than Fort Hays. Here just a few schools that will let you test out of the first half of your degree...

Liberty University
Troy University
The University of Wyoming
Empire State College
Peru State College
Columbia College

Since you have completed so many credits already, I would recommend checking with the three assessment schools to see just how close you are to completing a degree program. You might be a lot closer than you realize...

Excelsior College
Thomas Edison State College
Charter Oak State College

 

Remember that celleges (almost all of them) require a minimal "residency" requirement be completed at their school. This is typically 30 hours of credits, often more, that must be completed taking classes at the specific school. CLEP/DSST and classes completed elsewhere will not satisfy this requirement. For that reason several people have suggested Charter Oak State College, Thomas Edison State College, and Excelsior College (the Big 3)...this suggestion is made due tot he fact that these three schools are unique in that they have very low residency requirements of 3-6 credits. In fact there may still be a couple of degree plans at TESC that will allow you to transfer in all the credits needed to graduate.

By choosing one of the Big 3, you can utilize much of your existing credits, Take all the credit by exam (CBE) you want, and finish the degree as quickly and cheaply as possible. Depending on the degree chosen, you might be very close to completion.

What do you want the degree in? What are your existing credits in? We need a better measure of goals and assetts to give you proper guidance.

Nothing wrong with Fort Hays, but they are only well known regionally...I think you would be served just as well with a degree form one of the big 3, unless you live in that region of Kansas...something to be said for the home team (maybe).

 

Then for as little as four more required semester units you might earn a BSLS from Excelsior (120 semester units required).

 

Depends on what she has at the UL and exactly what Excelsior requires at the UL.....but I agree, very close. I have a BSLS and while it checks the box and I can talk a good game about what I studies, I'm still not conviced I wouldn't have been well advised to get a degree in Business Management.

 

That is why you should check out the Big 3 before moving on to something else. COSC took my 1986 credits in 2002 and they were electronics classes which usually having a shorter acceptance period (shelf life).

 

DJ,
It looks like you have received some great advice so far. I just wanted to let you know my situation. I am enrolled in Fort Hays State University. I graduated with an associate's degree in 1990 and FHSU accepted 55 credit hours out of the 70 credit hours that I earned.

Good luck to you, whatever you decide!

Julie

 

Just curious I have noticed some of you have concentrations in Sociology and wondered what you were able to do with it? I also noticed that at Excelsior they offer a dual program option. However, not many marketing courses in their marketing program. One important thing is having a major where there is employment demand and that pays fairly well so I can pay off my loans and be able to support my daughter with special needs as she gets older. I also want to go into an area that I like.

Concentrations are in sociology, psychology, medical, computer apps, and business. Enjoy research and looking at Marketing Research Analyst.

Thanks
DJ

 

If I'm not mistaken, you can take all the marketing exams or courses (even take the courses cheaper elsewhere and transfer in) at one of the Big3. :yumyum:

 

Again, I would like to thank everyone for this great information and helping me make a decision on how to finish my degree. I have looked at all three colleges listed and would like input on the pro's and con's of each of them. One plus is there is not a limit they will transfer into the program including credit by testing. However, what makes them different from each other and similar to each other?

Thanks
DJ

 

Excelsior is likely best if you do not live in CT or NJ, because it is private and fairly inexpensive if you plan to transfer or test out of your credits. Thomas Edison is a NJ state school that is more expensive for out of state students, but still reasonable, especially if you're transferring your credits or testing out. Charter Oak is much the same as Thomas Edison, but awards a General Studies degree with concentrations and requires the extra step of writing a concentration essay. A simple formula to follow is to pick Excelsior if you don't live in NJ or CT. At the same time you really can't mess up by choosing any of the three if you like something special about one. Their catalogs and guides are all available for download and you can see their degree requirements for the programs that interest you. Any way you go with the COSC, Excelsior or Charter Oak, though, will probably be much faster and cheaper than any other option.

 

I found COSC to be much better and easier to work with then Excelsior. TESC was just a rude group of people that were overpriced. I think COSC changed some of the degree titles (but I might be wrong). I liked COSC because they answered all my questions and helped me constantly before I even enrolled!

 

I agree with you about COSC's customer service. I took a course from them in the 90s and then inquired about a second bachelor's degree a couple of years ago and they were extremely helpful and nice both times. They definitely are easier to deal with before enrolling than Excelsior. Once you're in at Excelsior, though, the advisers are awesome and will do a lot of work to find and approve the courses/exams you need to graduate. I probably would have gone with COSC if I was from CT because they were so friendly and organized. Excelsior,though, was a very positive experience for me and I still benefit from that degree in a lot of ways, so I never miss a chance to recommend it.