COSC "Individualized Studies" BS

Greetings.

I have been unofficially pursuing a COSC (www.cosc.edu) B.S. with
dual concentrations so as to yield something analogous to a BSEE &
BSCS (I'm nothing if not plucky <g>). I'm reconsidering my strategy,
and I'd appreciate some sage advice from any of the remaining Gang of
Six (five? Seven?). Some of you particularly smart whipper-snappers
can reply too. <g>

It's been suggested that I consider a COSC BS w/concentration in
"Individualized Studies", which, in my case, would consist of
electronic technology, computer programming, and whatever else a well
rounded Ind Study degree might require. I'm tempted to do this as it
could not help but be more expedient, and because UND has made the
first (and only!), real, mostly-distance, ABET-accredited BSEE
available
(http://www.und.nodak.edu/dept/sem/html/electrical_engineering.html).
Why settle for a BS w/concentration in Engineering Studies when one
can have a genuine, ABET-accredited BSEE instead?

Aside:
Possible answers to my previous, rhetorical question:
a) Because a UND degree costs only slightly less than the entire
state of North Dakota.
b) Because I'll be too old to lift my BSEE, let alone use it.
c) Because a parchment in the hand is worth two in the registrar's
office.
d) ...
Back to the query...

The main problem with an Independent Study concentration is with its
marketing. While one might be able to prize open an HR door with a BS
w/concentration in Engineering Studies degree, so long as ones resume
includes a parenthetical "analogous to BSEE" comment, I've no clue
how to put a linguistic smiley-face on an Independent Study
concentration. Is there a more traditional degree that would be
similar to an Independent Study BS such as I've outlined? How would
you market an Ind Study concentration, or would you even try?


Cordially,
Richard Kanarek
Written using WordStar 4

 

Hello Richard,

I saw the BS in engineering studies at COSC too and it seemed like it could be tailored to fit a bonifide engineering curriculum. Do you think the name of your engineering degree would be of issue? I would think as long as you include the term "Engineering Studies" in the title of the degree and, perhaps, explain the curriculum to be strikingly similar to a BSEE, ME, CE, etc. Perhaps, mention it including diff/integer equations, calculus based physics and engineering courses. Don't get me wrong don't fill up the entire page with your coursre schedule just enough to let them see a couple engineering "buzzwords".

Is the BS in individualized studies different than having the BS w/ a concentration in engineering studies? Is there some kind of self design degree that COSC offers? I wonder if they would display your projected concentration(s) on your transcripts. Say, BS Individual Studies w/ concentration in Electronic Technology and Computer Programming. Perhaps I will read the COSC catalog again...

You have experience in the industry correct? If so, I wouldn't worry to much about what your degree title is.. Then again, I'm not an HR person or a hiring manager. Perhaps an HR person would specifically look for a BSEE because a manager in that department specifically asked for it.. Just mention that it is similar to a BSEE on the resume.

Best Regards,

Bill

 

Dear Bill:

Howdy.

I fear we are drifting off my topic, but, as you're as entitled
to enlightenment as I am, I'll indulge you <g>.


"I saw the B.S. in engineering studies at COSC too and it seemed
like it could be tailored to fit a [bona fide] engineering
curriculum."

I *suspect* that you are quite correct. The only problem with a
COSC Engineering Studies degree is -- other than having to spend
the rest of your days explaining how it's analogous to a BSEE (or
whatever) -- is that the degree isn't ABET accredited. While ABET
hasn't yet managed to molded itself into the oppressive, self-
serving, bureaucracy that Regional Accreditation is (IMHO), they
certainly are trying. Having an ABET accredited degree is a
requirement with some employers, and state P.E. licensure boards
generally make life more difficult for non-ABET degree holders
(based upon my research, not personal experience).

Of course, a COSC Engineering Studies degree is apt to be more
obtainable, customizable, and economical than an ABET degree.
Further, one might well not need or benefit from ABET
accrediation.


"Is the B.S. in individualized studies different than
having the B.S. w/ a concentration in engineering
studies?"

Yes, an Individualized Studies degree is entirely different from
a concentration in Engineering Studies. My (possibly flawed)
understanding is that a Ind Studies concentration is a coherent &
sensible combination of subjects. An Independent Studies
concentration, like all other concentrations, would need to be
reviewed and accepted by COSC. For more accurate information,
you'd probably want to ask a COSC counselor and/or visit COSC's
web site (www.cosc.edu).


Is there some kind of self design degree that COSC
offers?

As you probably already know, all COSC degrees permit a certain
amount of self-design; a COSC student can take individual courses
from any regionally accredited institution anywhere. The
Independent Study concentration merely (AFAIK) adds to that
flexibility.


I wonder if they would display your projected
concentration(s) on your transcripts. Say, B.S.
Individual Studies w/ concentration in Electronic
Technology and Computer Programming.

If one were to go for a dual-concentration degree (analogous to a
dual major degree and involving twice the number of major
credits) then, presumably, ones transcript would list both
concentrations. If one were pursuing an "Independent Studies"
degree that happened to include Electronics Technology & Computer
Programming (but not in the quantities that a concentration in
either would require), I'd ass-u-me the transcript would only
indicate "Independent Studies" and leave it to the reader to
discern the nature of the studies.


Best Regards,
Richard Kanarek