fastest credible distance B.A. or B.S.?

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by JohnR, Jul 21, 2003.

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  1. JohnR

    JohnR New Member

    I just discovered this forum after reading John Bear's book. I'd like to know if anyone can recommend a credible college which is the fastest and most liberal in evaluating life experience or prior learning assessment, and will award a B.S. or B.A. for portfolio assessment in a short amount of time. I've got 4 years of school, but it was in Surgical Technology and computer training programs in schools which did not award college credits at the time(although many colleges now do, for the same training.) These courses were 10 -20 years ago, so I couldn't pass many CLEP tests on these detailed subjects at this point, even if they were offered, which they're not. (I've also got some CLEPS and ACT PEPS equal to about 30 credits in English and Science.) I don't care if it's a "great" school, or even has all the accreditations, as long as it's legal; just something 1) that will award a B.S. or B.A. so I can reference all my years of school on my resume, and 2) that will pass a background check without being called a "diploma mill" or something close to it and get me in trouble with an employer. Anyone know of anything?
     
  2. MarkIsrael@aol.com

    [email protected] New Member

    Welcome, John!

    You'll need to look at the Big 3 (Thomas Edison State College and Charter Oak State College are better for portfolios than Excelsior College), and at Western Governors University's BS/CIS:

    http://www.wgu.edu/wgu/academics/cis_bs_listing.html

    What have you been doing for a living since you took those courses? Most people base their portfolios on work experience.
     
  3. JohnR

    JohnR New Member

    Thanks for your helpful reply. For work, I worked for a short time in surgical technology (didn't like it), but spent most of my time in management in a telecommunications corporation. I'm now retired, but would like to go back to work, at least part-time, so a degree would be helpful. I'll have to look further into the colleges you mentioned, all of which I have heard of. One of my problems is that most of my more valuable experiences and courses are all over 10 years old. Only the most cursory verification can be done by the employing and teaching institutions at this point, as bosses and teachers have left, scattered to the four winds, etc. This may make portfolio assessment more difficult.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 21, 2003
  4. Mark Tisdail

    Mark Tisdail New Member

    John,
    You'll want to go this site and check it. A lot of use owe a big thanks to this guy.

    BA in 4 Weeks
     
  5. oxpecker

    oxpecker New Member

    I assume you mean: "A lot of youse owe a big thanks to this guy."
     
  6. Mark Tisdail

    Mark Tisdail New Member

    No, not really. I think a lot of (use, opps, er.. us) people here have used Mr. Miller’s site for all kinds of information. But how about if I change that to "few", just as to not to confuse people. :p
     
  7. kf5k

    kf5k member

    Here are some other options you have.
    DETC schools= www.detc.org/content/accred.html

    California approved schools
    www.cacollegeguide.com/
    click state approved

    These are legal schools that offer degrees of different levels of quality, some good and others just meeting lower level standards. There are schools here faster than others. I would suggest taking time to consider what you want, can afford, need, and then choose carefully. You may need a RA school, DETC school, or a state approved licensed school may suffice. Just make sure you know what you need and what you want first.
     
  8. JohnR

    JohnR New Member

    Thanks for the help. I just looked at the sites everyone recommended. It looks like there are quite a few schools to choose from, particularly among those licensed by California. I'll have to find one which will give the most liberal credits for portfolio assessment, as I can get some future credits from testing, but not that many -- often tests aren't available for what I've studied and done.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 21, 2003
  9. DaveHayden

    DaveHayden New Member

    Choosing a non-RA program is a choice that sets you for a lot of difficulties. Not the least of which is explaining why it is unaccredited but not a degree mill. Then, of course, there is that diploma check station Oregon is setting up on I-5!

    :D :D :D

    Seriously I can't think of ANY reason to choose an unaccredited degree over an RA one, but I can think of a ton of reasons for the opposite.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 21, 2003
  10. c.novick

    c.novick New Member

    John,

    I would really check out Thomas Edison State College or any of the Big 3.

    RA and with your experience, I'm sure you would fair well in a portfolio assessment.
     
  11. JohnR

    JohnR New Member

    Yes, I agree that accredited is definitely preferable to unaccredited. I would only consider unaccredited if: 1) it had a good reputation (and from what you're saying, few do) and 2) if I was not happy with the amount of credits offered for a portfolio assessment at the accredited schools. This could possibly happen due to the age of my college credits and work experience (some credits are from the 1980's.) I'll have to contact some schools and get more information.
     
  12. DaveHayden

    DaveHayden New Member

    Hi John

    A couple of points to consider. When you go for portfolio credit you complete a portfolio for each class or series of classes. If you want credit for 20 classes you would typically complete 20 portfolios. A couple of people I have talked to who have used portfolios describe it as quite a bit of work.

    If quick is a necessary part of your goal, using CLEP and DANTES tests is likely to be the quickest and cheapest way by far to get a legitimate degree. Definately check out the bainfourweeks site. While the title is mainly an attention grabber there are several members here who have completed an RA degree in a few months.

    As for unaccredited degrees you mention that it must be legitimate. While there are a few legitimate unaccredited programs, the vast majority are degree mills. Also, to the general public unaccredited equals degree mill. Do you really want to have to deal with that every time your degree comes up?

    In any event good luck in your quest. If you have questions be sure to ask. You will undoutably get a shower of opinions.
    :) :) :)
     
  13. Mike Albrecht

    Mike Albrecht New Member

    If you are particularly interested in Calirfonia you might want to check out The California Virtual Campus which lists a lot of the RA programs and courses availabel.

    Several of the community colleges and state univeristies have low cost courses and programs. There are also some degree completion programs (not listed on the above site).

    As to age of credits, please note that is often negotaible. I entered a PhD program (Colorado State - Industrial Engineering) a year ago (at an age over 50), my last degree (MBA) was awarded in1980, and it was accepted as partial fullfilment of credit requirments.
     

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