Customizing your degree

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Carlos M. Lorie, Apr 27, 2003.

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  1. Carlos M. Lorie

    Carlos M. Lorie New Member

    Hi everyone;

    Could anyone tell me about learning contracts? I understand that you can create your own personal degree with a few colleges. In other words, you can customize your degree. Please let me know which colleges this will work with.

    Thanks guys:
     
  2. Jack Tracey

    Jack Tracey New Member

    My guess is that there are a couple of dozen schools that offer degrees of that sort, usually known as "individualized" or "interdisciplinary." You didn't say what level of degree you were seeking but here's a short list to get you started:
    Bachelors: Charter Oak State College
    Masters: Lesley University
    Doctoral: Union Institute
    You should search the archives of this sight for discussions on these and other similar schools. Good luck,
    Jack
     
  3. Carlos M. Lorie

    Carlos M. Lorie New Member

    Thanks Jack

    I am looking for a bachelor degree. I am in Florida, so a Florida school would be great.
     
  4. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    Union Institute and University operates a learning center in Miami, where it delivers learner-centered bachelor's programs.

    NB: I don't believe Charter Oak fits the definition of a degree program based upon a learning contract. But Empire State, UI&U, and many of the former UWW schools (like Skidmore) do.
     
  5. MarkIsrael@aol.com

    [email protected] New Member

    The term "learning contract" is used in a variety of contexts. I've encountered it in the context of "cooperative education": you and your employer agree that you will perform a specified piece of work for them that is of educational value to you, and a college agrees to award credit for it. The "learning contract" specifies what you agree. Of course, this just gets you a few credits, not a whole degree.

    If you want to "customize your degree", why don't you tell us what sort of degree you want, and why none of the standard majors will do? -- and we can work with that.
     
  6. Jack Tracey

    Jack Tracey New Member

    According to Bears Guide (14th Edition) you can earn a B.A. degree with an "individualized major" from Judson College. located in scenic Marion, Alabama. That's the closest I could find to Florida. I don't know if they utilize the learning contract method but there is obviously some negotiating that occurs in the process. Good luck,
    Jack
     
  7. RKanarek

    RKanarek Member

    Dear Mr. Lorie:

    Greetings.

    First, I believe "learning contract" refers to a (written) arrangement a student makes with his college to learn something in a specific way for a certain amount of credit. For example, you might come to an arrangement with Charter Oak State College (www.cosc.edu) to earn X number of credits in biology by vivisecting Y number of indigents, and then writing a report on your discoveries. <g>

    What I believe you are looking for is a "Specialized Studies" or "Individualized Studies" major/concentration/whatever. For an example of the genus, you may wish to visit Ohio University's description of their "Bachelor of Specialized Studies", located at http://www.ohiou.edu/univcollege/degree/special.htm .

    Although I never heard of such a thing before becoming involved with distance learning, apparently such degrees are not unknown. A search on (evil) Google for Bachelor of Specialized Studies turned up 150,000 hits! (I didn't try searching for Individualized Studies.) Also, Ohio University offers the same degree to its residential/traditional students, so such degrees are not exclusive to distance learners.

    If you're keen on being a residential/traditional student, you would probably be wise to simply contact every college near you and ask them if they offer a degree with a customizable major. If you intend to study by distance learning, then the location of the college is of less importance.

    Good luck!


    Cordially,
    Richard Kanarek
     
  8. Jack Tracey

    Jack Tracey New Member

    Good advice above although not all DL programs are 100% non-residential and so proximity can really effect cost.
    Jack
     
  9. Carlos M. Lorie

    Carlos M. Lorie New Member

    Hi guys
    I am trying to get a bachelor degree in anything. It will help me in getting promotions in my job, and make me feel better about myself. I have passed the clep test on Educational Psychology, Spanish, interpreting literature, business law, and principles of management. I have the airline transport pilot, flight dispatcher, flight instructor, Instrument flight instructor, multi-engine flight instructor, airframe and powerplant mechanic certificates. Additionally, I have taken the following courses at Everglades College (Nationally accredited by ACCSCT, and part of FL numbering system); English 1101, Intermediate Algebra, Introduction to computers, American Literature, Speech, Introduction to Psychology, Aviation History, Meteorology, Aviation Safety, Aviation Law and Biology. I am getting my associate degree this month at Everglades College. I think the bachelor of Professional Aviation at Everglades College is the best one for me now; however I want your opinions. Is there an easier bachelor degree for me out there?

    PS: John and Rick you guys are the best. You provided me the information I needed nine month ago. Thanks to you, I am getting my associate degree this month. I just wanted to let you know that you have influenced my life in a very good way. John your book should be studied by everyone thinking on getting a college degree.
     

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