I have been researching distance learning for about 2 weeks now. Currently I have over 70 credits that I had earned in a pre-engineering program at a community college, although I do not have an associates degree. I have had a programmer/analyst job for 3 1/2 years now and would like to complete school to earn a BS in Computer Science. I have rulled down the hundreds of schools that offer classes online to just a few, all of which are RA (NJIT, Franklin, etc.). The problem is that most of my credits were earned many years ago (8-12 years ago). These credits include many of the math/science classes required (calc1,2,3; chem1,2; physics1,2,3; etc.) in most CS programs. Naturally, I do not want to take these classes again. So, my question is, what is the likelyhood that a traditional school will accept these old credits? I do understand that each school is different and a blanket statement can't be made about all traditiomal schools. But if anyone has any experience with this issue, please comment. Thanks Brian
Hi there, At least in terms of the math and science courses you should be OK. My wife transfered her ten year old credits to her current brick and mortar school with no problems. Calculus is calculus is calculus, assuming that you completed your calculus series. If you have courses like programming in Pascal, there may be issues as to whether they will count toward core requirements for your degree, but your credits should at least transfer. Especially for thinks like math/science. Of course, check with the college that you are looking at transfering to, but I wouldn't worry too much about the math/science credits.
At NJIT, credits (whether earned internally or externally) would expire after 7 years (IIRC). But I'm sure one could appeal for courses where the content would not have changed.
Regents (now Excelsior) took all my credits earned over a 35 year period. Excelsior a time limit on transfer credit towards technical degrees (except for units used as electives) so I earned their BS in Liberal Studies.
Thanks for the replies! So, a school not accepting old credits has to do with a change in the material for study. I just assumed that it had to do with the student forgetting what they learned over time. Therefore, the student would have to retake the course. Well, I hope that NJIT will reconsider accepting my credits (calculus is calculus is calculus right? same goes for lower level chemistry and physics right?). The only computer related courses that I've taken are Fortran and Cobol and these hav'nt changed in years. I just sent my transcripts to them today along with the $35 application fee. I could always go to a non-accredited school. Century said they would accept my credits regardless of how old they are. But, I would really prefer to go to an RA school. If anyone has ideas/opinions to offer, please keep the replies coming. Thanks again for the replies! Brian
try talking to key people One of the things you might try is talking with a department head at the school and program you are considering. They are usually in a position to grant variances to the rules (but get it in writing). The admissions counselors may know the rules, and exceptions as well. One of the things with colleges is there usually is someone that can grant an exception. The only exception (to the exception) is when the rule is based in the rules of a professional accreditation. For example the ICRC does not allow distance education continuing education credits for initial licensed alcohol and drug abuse counseling certification. No easy way for a college to get around that particular rule. The All the best!
Hello, I hope you take the opportunity to search for Lawrie Millers' postings and webpage. I have found it very interesting and a jumping point for some new ideas. I suggest you also have your employer write a letter if your work supports and uses the coursework in question. If you decide to explore the possibility of TESC I will be glad to offer suggestions to make the degree process less frustrating. Hille
My expericences were as follows: 1. Northeastern Illinois University (a local brick-and mortar school) said my science and math credits were expiring and I would have to take Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, etc. again. They also told me my humanities & social science type credits were "good forever." I told them that I could take Calculus, etc. again & it should be much easier the second time around. The admissions person turned pale in the presence of such a loon, and told me that I could take a "Governor's BA", in which case everything would be accepted. (At least, I think that's what the admissions officer was telling me.) 2. Illinois Institute of Technology, a school I had dropped out from, re-admitted me almost exactly where I had left off in the program. (They had added a couple of basic electrical engineering labs; I had to take the second lab in a sequence.) I took this opportunity with both hands. Jumping into the junior year of a technical program after a few years off can be challanging but not impossible. Prehaps I was a special case; I definitely was one of their prodigal sons. Judging from the responses, there seems to be some wriggle room on this credit expiration issue.
