Seeking advice...should I drop?

Two or Three - whichever is best for you.

 

I have an idea...

Why not continue where you are going and then rather than graduate transfer the credits to Excelsior? They're RA and they'll accept all your transfer credits. They do have a bachelor's in Criminal Justice. Just a thought.

 

Excelsior has unequivocally denied transfer of credit from any DETC school. Very hypocritical of them.

 

That's just ridiculous!

 

Yes...it is....oh well.

I don't really have a problem with Kaplan U...it's just that they are so stinking big...getting someone who is actually "helpful" may be a challenge. Of course this may be said for any school of size.

 

It's also... I dunno... it's... it's... Kaplan, for godsake. Blechhh!

But that's just me... and I'm an idiot, so what do I know.

But... [sigh]... Kaplan... oy.

That doesn't mean I don't wish you luck, of course. I just wish you didn't have such a gun to your head. But if it gets you into the SJCME MBA program any sooner, then I'm 100% behind it. Go get that Kaplan (blechhh) degree... and then onward and upward!!!

 

Aside from cost, what's the matter with Kaplan? They are RA, and they accept NA degrees in transfer. Definately nothing wrong with that. He could definately do a LOT worse than Kaplan. In fact, I wish more RA schools had programs and transfer policies like those of Kaplan.

As far as Excelsior not accepting DETC credits...you should check and see if your DETC courses have been reviewed by ACE. If so, Excelsior should accept them.

I thought I read on this board that Excelsior was in the process of working out an agreement to accept NA coursework/degrees?

 

Hey...Kaplan will get me there...and at least my degree won't be questionable. Kaplan was not my first choice...but it seems to be the best choice for me. Who knows, maybe I'll actually really enjoy it.

They are expensive though...ouch.

 

Nothing that will hurt or goof-up what you're trying to do. You've already pointed-out that its expensive, for what it is. It's also huge and you're sure to be just a number to them. It's also the name: Kaplan... the same name as the test-prep people, and well-known for its profit motive. But mostly my concern with Kaplan is that it has a bit of a history of jerking-around students. But maybe those days are past. It just wouldn't be my first... or even fiftieth choice. But, then, again, I don't have the gun to my head that you do. If Kaplan'll get it done, then more power to it... and you. Go for it. At least your bachelors will be RA even though you started-out NA... and relatively painlessly... which is what you were looking for. I'd say you've found it and should move forward as if it were the only choice... 'cause, in your case, it might just be.

 

Gregg...you got that right...although their is always University of Phoenix...but I think I'd rather do Kaplan.

"I thought I read on this board that Excelsior was in the process of working out an agreement to accept NA coursework/degrees?"

Well TCord...here is the email I recieved from them earlier this week....

"Dear Don:

Thank you for your inquiry to Excelsior College. Although Kaplan College holds National Accreditation, it does not hold Regional Accreditation. Excelsior College will accept credits from other regionally accredited colleges and schools. However, since Kaplan does not hold Regional Accreditation, we are unable to accept your credits in transfer.

I hope this information is helpful to you. If you need further assistance, please contact us again or call our toll free number at 1-888-647-2388 ext.****.

Sincerely,

Linda (Deleted to maintain privacy.....)
Admissions Counselor
***[email protected]***"

End Quote

So as you can see....it ain't an option.

 

What?!?

When re-typing the email for us, here, did your tired brain accidentally slip "Kaplan" in where you meant to write "CSU"?

 

Actually that's a cut and paste (edited of course) directly from the email they sent me.

 

I hate to say this, but I don't think Linda the admission counselor at Excelsior knows what she is talking about. Kaplan is a regionally-accredited institution. Perhaps that was a typo on her part.

Unless I misunderstand, are your current NA credits from Columbia Southern University? If that is the case, why not see if one of their "educational partners" will accept those credits in transfer and you can earn the rest of your degree from them. CSU lists the University of North Alabama, the University of West Alabama and the University of West Florida as their educational partners. All fo those schools are RA. They don't list criminal justice as one of the programs that CSU markets for them, but they may offer the program and allow you to transfer. Northcentral University is another school listed by CSU as a partner. It's worth looking into.

Also, don't underestimate the importance of whether the courses you have taken are evaluated by ACE. If they are, that will make transfer much easier for you.

Is CSU a candidate for RA? If they are, Excelsior will accept credit from schools which are candidates for regional accreditation.

Lastly, I would simply go over Linda's head. Appealing to a higher power may get you someplace.

 

To answer your questions:

1.) Yes Linda doesn't know what she's talking about, but I specified that Kaplan University, College for Professional Studies is DETC accredited. She probably simply assumed (incorrectly) that the whole University is DETC accredited....which it is not.

2.) I attend the College for Professional Studies...not CSU...but I did check into CSU's partners...they don't offer a DL CJ degree.

3.) I haven't checked to see if all my courses are ACE evaluated...but I doubt the Ashworth College courses are.

Lastly...it looks like Kaplan may take care of me on this...we'll see.

 

One other option for you might be Liberty University. They accept NA credits, and they offer a BS in Criminal Justice. I think the tuition there is also reasonable.

From Liberty U - "The Criminal Justice curriculum provides a strong foundation of both knowledge and skills in a wide variety of criminal justice related fields. Whether a student will pursue an entry level position, or is currently employed in law enforcement and wants to complete a four-year degree, the goal is to equip students to become qualified leaders in their chosen careers. Law enforcement officials who can document successful completion from a Basic Police Officer School (from an accredited police academy from their state) will earn up to 18 credit hours toward their degree. Military experience can also be evaluated for potential college credit."

Hope this helps.

 

Thanks TCord...looked into it. Their catalog specified that transfer credits must be RA. I do appreciate the help though.

 

Hmm...I could not find that on their web site. The interesting thing is I know they have taken credits from nationally-accredited institutions in the past.