Advice Needed On How To Proceed

I have recieved news from University College @ University of Denver that they will only accept a regionally accreddited Bachelors for entrance into their Masters Program.

_____________________________________________________________

Dear xxxxxxx,

Six months have passed since you first contacted University College of the University of Denver. I would like to reiterate the great benefits of choosing University College.

*Evening and weekend classes.

*On-campus and on-line course offerings.

*Eight start times per year.

*Five and ten week courses.

*No GRE or GMAT required.

I hope you will find that University College is an excellent choice through our student support services and applied education.

Thank you.

XXXXXXXX

___________________________________________

Hello XXXX,

I will soon be finishing a Bachelors of Science in Telecommunications Technology and am very interested in the Masters of Applied Science in Telecommunications program.

I do have a problem though, the school I am going to (Mt. Sierra College) is Nationally Accredited. I do not hold a regional accredited degree at this time. I do hold an associates of Applied Science in Information Technology from ITT Technical Institute, but they are also Nationally Accredited.

I do work for a regional cellular telecommunications company as a Service Technician and would find the Telecommunications degree with a focus on wireless networks to be a huge boost to my future potential with this employer.

I understand that policy is policy, but just wanted to see if there were any steps I could take to gain admittance to University College.

Thank you,

XXXXXXXX

_____________________________________________

Hello XXXXXXX,

Regretfully, the requirement for a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree cannot be waived under any circumstances. A person in your situation might benefit greatly by switching into a baccalaureate program that does have regional accreditation, as you may find yourself barred from admission to any accredited graduate program. Here at University College, we have recently launched a Bachelor of Arts Completion Program (BACP) that might be suitable to someone in your situation. The coursework you took at Mt. Sierra wouldn’t be transferable, but the associate level coursework probably would.

If you’re interested in one of our graduate programs, the BACP option might be an especially attractive option for you since you would probably be able to count a couple of the courses that you take toward both your undergraduate and graduate degree. I’ve copied XXXXXXXX, the admissions coordinator for the undergraduate program, on this message. She can assist you in discussing the program in greater detail.

Best wishes

_______________________________________________________________

XXXXXX,

Please let me know if you are interested in the Bachelor of Arts Completion Program. I can review your transcripts and let you know how long it would take to complete an accredited bachelor degree. Thank you



XXXXXXXXX

Admissions Coordinator - Bachelor of Arts Completion Program

University of Denver University College

2211 S. Josephine

Denver, CO 80208

______________________________________________


Oh well, I do have many other options that would take my nationally accredited degrees, but was wondering if there were any quick programs out there that would take about 54 regional accredited Credits, about 90 National credits from ITT Tech, and about 90 to 100 national credits from MT. Sierra college and put me close to a regionally accredited bachelors degree?

Will any of the Big three take the national credits? What about doing all of those FEMA courses on top of all of these credits I already have and trying to Credit bank all of these at COSC?

Thanks gusy!

 

Capella University MIGHT - their catalog leaves a good deal of wiggle room on that subject:

https://www.capella.edu/inc/pdf/catalogs/catalog.06-07_2.pdf. (page 12)

Shawn

 

Athabasca University offers a 3-year Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree with an Applied Studies or Arts and Science concentration/major/area of study. The degree plans for Bachelor of General Studies - Applied Studies - 3 Year (90 credits) and Bachelor of General Studies - Arts & Science - 3 Year (90 credits). The associate degree from ITT might be eligible for the applied studies requirement; the degree has a 21 credit hour prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) feature in the event the courses do not directly transfer into the programme. The general education courses would likely have to be taken. The BGS degree has no residency requirement so you can complete any missing courses at a regionally accredited school.

 

By the way, Athabasca University is regionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

 

The University of Denver letter: With a nationally-accredited degree, "you may find yourself barred from admission to any accredited graduate program."

On the other hand, you may not. My research data from 7 years ago showed about a 40% acceptance rate for such degrees at regionally-accredited schools, and I strongly suspect it is higher now.

 

You might try Bellevue University, Western Governors University or American Military University/American Public University. Bellevue is very liberal with their transfer credit policies, although I believe they require 30 credits be earned through coursework in their program. The latter two are both regionally and nationally accredited, and as such would be more likely to accept more of your credits.

 

Price is no barrier also, BTW.

I do have a lot of general Education classes already completed with my regional accreddited degree.

I did not include any classes below that were taken in as transfer credits, everything listed below is it's own class, taken by me, that I have recieved credit for (There are a couple left on the list for Mt. Sierra that I will have taken by March of next year when I complete my degree):

Regionally Accreddited:

English Comp I
English Comp II
Intro To Programming using C & Lab
Intro To Programming & Lab
Beginning Bowling
Western Civ I
Western Civ II
Archery
Intermediate Spanish I
Intermediate Spanish II
Survey Of World Religions (Philosophy)
Intro To Computer Science Technology & Lab
Crimes of the 20th Century (Humanities)
Beginning Golf
Principles of Management

Nationall Accreddited W/ ITT:

IT104 Introduction to Computer Programming (VB) 4
IT109 Microsoft Desktop Operating System 4
IT203 Database Development 4
IT220 Network Standards and Protocols 4
IT221 Microsoft Network Operating System I 4
IT222 Microsoft Network Operating System II 4
IT250 Linux Operating System 4
IT302 Linux System Administration 4
IT320 WAN Technology and Application 4
IT321 Network Technology and Service Integration 4
IT330 Network Systems Management 4
IT331 Network Development Capstone Project 4

GE127 College Mathematics I+ 4
GE184 Problem Solving+ 4
GE192 College Mathematics II+ 4

TB133 Strategies for the Technical Professional+ 4


National with Mt. Sierra:


SOC-165 Sociology 4
TCT-100 Telecommunications Technology I & Lab 4
TCT-110 Intro. to Data Communications & Lab 4
TCT-115 Intro. to Voice Communications & Lab 4
SEC-130 Introduction to Information Security & Lab 4

SPH-305 Speech Communications 4
TCT-215 Switching Systems & Lab 4

BUS-100 Business Fundamentals 4
TCT-200 Telecommunications Technology II & Lab 4
TCT-210 Computer/ Telephony Integration & Lab 4

CIT-330 WANs & Internetworking I & Lab 4
ENG-300 Professional Writing 4
TCT-170 Introduction to Electronics & Lab 4
CIT-335 WANs & Internetworking II & Lab 4
PMT-310 Project Management & Lab 4
CIT-340 Internet I & Lab 4
TCT-350 Wireless Telecommunications I & Lab 4
TCT-360 Broadband Technologies & Lab 4
CIT-425 Networking Management II & Lab 4
ENG-335 Introduction to Literature 4
TCT-450 Wireless Telecommunications II & Lab 4
CIT-445 IntraNetworking II & Lab 4
PDT-425 Career Strategies 4
PSY-215 Psychology 4
TCT-460 Transport Protocols & Lab 4
PMT-410 Applied Project Management & Lab 4
TCT-465 Next Generation Networks & Lab 4
ECN-150 Economics 4
PHL-405 Ethics & Legal Issues 4
TCT-499 Capstone Senior Project & Lab 4

 

I'll second TCord's recommendations. Coworkers of mine have had great experiences with AMU, and I'm a Bellevue Alum, so I can attest to the flexibility. Admittedly, I didn't transfer NA credits, but they were willing to evaluate every potential source, and had transfer agreements with several institutions. You might check their policies . Good luck.

Dave

 

I do like the Majors that are at WGU, but, It does not matter as my employer does not care if it is NA or RA. The whole reason for getting the bachelors from an RA school is so that I can go into that master program. I am really attached to it and really want to complete it.

I will go with whatever is the absolute fastest. Do I just start sending my transcripts to these schools and see what each of them say?

 

Looked at Athabasca University, 90 credits for a general bachelors degree. Looks Good. Does not have a required amount of credits to complete AT THAT school, etc. Regional Accreddited, awesome!

Question, do you think the school being in Canada really matters? Will that affect admission to University College?





Accreditation in the United States

Athabasca University is the first Canadian university to be awarded accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). More details about accreditation in the U.S.A. are available.

 

Centre for Learning Accreditation
This information will help you to understand the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process and to decide whether this process suits your needs.

View our FAQ for answers to frequently asked questions.

What is PLAR?
PLAR involves the identification, demonstration, documentation, assessment, and recognition of learning that you have acquired experientially or informally and awards credit for learning related to Athabasca University (AU) degrees, university certificates, or diplomas.

Is PLAR for me?
PLAR may not be for everyone. You should think about your timelines, your learning style, and the type of educational experience that you want while at AU.

How does PLAR work?
PLAR is an umbrella term for several different processes that include portfolio assessment and challenge-for-credit.

Preparing your portfolio
There are two ways to prepare a course or program based portfolio. You can enroll in AU’s portfolio preparation course or go it alone, using materials and guidance from our centre.

Submitting your portfolio
Portfolio assessment
The assessment process is conducted by content experts, coordinated through the Centre for Learning Accreditation.

 

Bachelor of General Studies
(Three years—90 credits)


Regulations effective September 1, 2006


The Bachelor of General Studies degree is one of the most popular programs at Athabasca University. It provides a framework of individualized study within an Arts and Science or Applied Studies designation that offers students the freedom to choose courses to meet career or educational goals. Unlike the other degrees offered by Athabasca University, the Bachelor of General Studies does not have a residency requirement, and degree requirements may be completed at institutions other than Athabasca University.

The Bachelor of General Studies degree requires the completion of 90 credits and is comparable to a three-year program. Students may specialize or diversify their course selection, subject to the following requirements. This degree allows students the freedom to develop their own intellectual and academic interests. This does not mean that course selection should be casual. Students are expected to ensure their vocational or personal needs are well defined. All courses transferred to this degree must be university-level credit as determined by Athabasca University faculty.

Students are strongly encouraged to register in ENGL 255 early in their program. However, the Alberta Universities Writing Competence Test may be used to indicate competence in English writing skills. The English writing skills requirement is waived for students enrolling in the second undergraduate degree. Students complete the program regulations in effect at the time of their enrolment.


Athabasca University advisors have developed a program plan to assist you. Counselling Services offers an assessment Web site, "Mapping Your Future: Your Career and Athabasca University." Athabasca University has also developed program learning outcomes that describe the career options that may be available to you upon graduating.



Degree Regulations

Students must choose either an Arts and Science or an Applied Studies designation.


Program Structure

Total credits in the program 90

Residency requirement. None

Maximum Prior Learning Assessment and
Recognition (PLAR) credits

Arts and Science (PLAR Web site) 9

Applied Studies (PLAR Web site) 21


Minimum Credits Required

Credits in the area of designation 45

• Senior (300 or 400) level credits in the area of designation 30



Total senior-level credits(including above 30) 45

Humanities area of study*
*ENGL 255 and the 100-level ENGL courses will not satisfy the Humanities area of study requirement in this program. These courses may, however, count as part of the total number of credits required for the degree. 6

Social Science area of study 6

Science area of study 6





Maximum Credits Allowed

At the preparatory (100) level 6

At the junior (200) level in any one discipline 15




English Writing Skills Requirement

Students must meet the following English writing skills requirement in order to graduate. Please note, the English writing skills requirement is waived for students enrolling in the second undergraduate degree:



• pass the Alberta Universities Writing Competence Test. (For information about this test contact an Athabasca
University Learning Centre. Refer to Section 8.12 Learning Centres);

or



• hold credit in ENGL 255 (ENGL 255 will not satisfy the Humanities area of study. It will, however, count as part of the total number of credits required for the degree)

or



• have a grade of B- (70 percent) or better in an Athabasca University (Refer to Section 8.12 Learning Centres) English course above the preparatory (100)

or



• receive transfer credit for an English course in which a grade of B- or better was achieved.




Arts and Science Designation

To satisfy the 90-credit requirement to complete the BGS degree, students must complete 45 credits in courses with an Arts or Science designation (30 of these credits must be taken at the senior (300 or 400) level). Refer to Minimum Credits Required above.




Applied Studies Designation

The Applied Studies designation includes courses in Administrative Studies. Transfer courses in engineering, education, physical education, etc. are also applicable to the Applied Studies designation.

To satisfy the 90-credit requirement to complete the BGS degree, students must complete 45 credits in courses with an Applied Studies designation (30 of these credits must be taken at the senior (300 or 400) level). Refer to Minimum Credits Required above.

Students in the Applied Studies designation in the Bachelor of General Studies degree must also complete ADMN 233 or ENGL 255(or pass the Alberta Universities Writing Competence Test). ADMN 233 will partially satisfy the Applied Studies area of study requirement in this program.




Course Notes

The following courses can satisfy either the Social Science area of study or the Science area of study requirements, but not both. To use these courses to satisfy the Science area of study requirements, students must call Admissions and Evaluations Services, upon completion of the course, and request the change.



ENVS 253/GLST Global Environmental Change: The Scientific and Social Issues (3)
PSYC 289 Psychology as a Natural Science (3)
PSYC 355 Cognitive Psychology (3)
PSYC 387 Learning (3)
PSYC 402 Biological Psychology (3)
PSYC 304 Research Methods in Psychology*
*Students who have taken PSYC 404 are not required to take 304. (3)





Bachelor of General Studies Second Undergraduate Degree Regulations

The English writing skills requirement is waived for students enrolling in the second undergraduate degree.

Minimum Credits Required

Minimum credits not applied to a previous degree 48

Credits in the area of designation 30

• Senior (300 or 400) level credits in the area
of designation 30

Total senior-level credits (including above 30) 36

Humanities area of study* 6

Social Science area of study 6

Science area of study 6


Maximum Credits Allowed

At the preparatory (100) level 0

At the junior (200) level in any one discipline 12


* Although it is not required, ENGL 255 will not satisfy the Humanities area of study requirement in this program. It may, however, count as part of the total number of credits required for the degree.

Students must choose either an Arts and Science or an Applied Studies designation and complete at least 30 senior credits in the chosen designation.





Teaching Credential

For purposes of upgrading towards an Alberta professional teaching certificate, Alberta Education has specific requirements for the certification of teachers. Students planning to obtain a Bachelor of General Studies degree in order to meet certification requirements are advised to have completed a basic teacher preparation program acceptable to the Alberta minister of education. To obtain information regarding an assessment of the basic teacher preparation program towards the minimum requirements for certification in Alberta, and regarding the Bachelor of General Studies degree as a possible means to fulfilling the academic degree requirements, contact

The Registrar Alberta Education Teacher Certification and Development Branch
Devonian Building
11160 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5K 0L2
780.427.2045

Alberta teachers wishing to have Athabasca University courses or programs considered for salary purposes are
recommended to contact

Alberta Teachers’ Association
Teacher Qualifications Service
Barnett House
11010 - 142 Street
Edmonton, AB T5N 2R1
780.453.2411
[email protected]





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Maybe I missed something but why don't you complete the BS with the current school and transfer to a masters program that is RA and will accept an NA undergrad degree?

 

Can I credit bank all of my stuff at COSC before submitting them to Athabasca? Would this help in anyway to organize everything for the school and possibly get more of my credits accepted?

If I do the FEMA courses and credit bank them at COSC, will this help me to make sure I have all of the requirements for a degree at the time of registration?

You guys rock! Thank you so much for the help. I am not trying to be lazy, but I know a lot of you guys have done all this stuff before and it is good to hear from experience rather than be dissapointed after submitting everything.

THANKS!

 

Randell1234
Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Florida
Posts: 2,101

Maybe I missed something but why don't you complete the BS with the current school and transfer to a masters program that is RA and will accept an NA undergrad degree?
__________________
Randell









I REALLY want to take this program for the knowlege and skills I would obtain for advancement in the Cellular Telecommunications World. I really really would like to take this major and the classes offered as I find them very interesting and exciting!

I know there may be an easier option for me to get a masters faster, but I am not in a BIG hurry or anything, I just really want to take this particular masters program. Masters of Applied Science in Telecommunications, Wireless Networks.

 

I am definetly going to finish the BS with my current school, I find much value in it and my company has no issues with NA degrees. So I am not quitting my current program or anything....

 

Can you use the knowledge you gained to take the CLEP's and other exams to earn a BS/BA from COSC? That is kind of what I did.

 

Bingo. As Randell says keep searching for an RA university that understands national accreditation or try to talk to someone at the University of Denver who is knowledgeable about such subjects.

Dave

 

Bellevue accepts all NA credit, as does Liberty. Both schools offer interesting graduate programs as well.

Pug

 

Be careful if you go with a three year degree from Athabasca, as you might have trouble gaining entrance into certain graduate schools in the US. I'm sure there are just as many schools that will accept a three year degree as meeting the requirements for admissions. Just do your homework first.

Personally, I like Athabasca and I considered attending, going so far as submitting the application and fee, etc. I am really attracted to their Anthropology program, as it is the only regionally accredited, 100% online anthro program around anywhere (besides TESC, however the course requirements would likely come from Athabasca anyway).

Good luck.
Tom