Technical Degree Completion-HELP!!

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Tech66, Oct 13, 2008.

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  1. lawrenceq

    lawrenceq Member

    I called IU about a hour ago. I am trying to get them to look over my transcripts and tell me what I would need.

    What did they tell you?
     
  2. Assuming you mean the US Government, I'd be interested in a regulatory or policy cite for that if you know of one.

    I'm not a personnel guy, but have 15 years with Uncle and this is a new one on me.
     
  3. -kevin-

    -kevin- Resident Redneck

    Dennis,

    It is fair to ask for supporting citations:

    http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/standards/IORs/gs1100/1102QAs.htm

    " Second, it removes language that permitted examinations to substitute for the 24-hour requirement since acceptable examinations have not been designated. With the exception of college course credit obtained through testing programs designed to grant credit by examination (such as the College Level Examination Program), you cannot take a test to qualify in lieu of the 24 hours."

    And I will gladly note that I was wrong on CLEP (time flies when you are growing old). I should have checked the latest standard before posting. I'm glad you asked so that I could post the current information. You may still have a tough time with portfolio and other non standardized tests. While I'm not an 1102, I do hold a CO warrant and had to have 24 hours of courses, not CLEP, etc... for qualification.

    But this is just one area, I know that many engineering positions require ABET accredited degrees, and many Law positions require ABA accredited degrees.

    If anyone is interested the OPM series standards are below, but these are not the only standards. Each agency may have particular requirements.

    http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/standards/indexes/num-ndx.asp

    Again, Thanks for keeping me honest Dennis.
     
  4. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    >>


    To piggy back on this, I earned almost all of my gen ed credits through CLEP/DSST. My road was a little longer, I spent 18 months on exams, but I took classes too. I know you already have your associates, you probably have only a handful of general ed classes finished- so seriously look into CLEP. That is precisely what they were designed for. (I'm not touching the issue of needing hours/vs/classes, but it was my own personal policy to take only classes for my core/concentration/major as a precaution for grad school- at TESC that's 33 hours in any of the liberal arts majors. Not sure how that works in the program your looking at- that isn't a policy anywhere really, it was just my conservative approach to maximize efficiency with minimized risk)

    Anyway, if I had $30,000 to spend.... I'd spend $5,000 kickin butt at TESC as fast and cheaply as possible knocking out my bachelor's degree, and then spend my remaining $25,000 on the best traditional school I could attend....oh wait...that IS what I'm doing LOL.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 14, 2008
  5. Tech66

    Tech66 New Member

    I actually applied to the program and had all my transcript sent in at that time. It took about 2 weeks...then I received a transfer evaluation showing everything they took and did not take for transfer. For the degree, you need 66 hours of elective credit, 51 of those are free electives...the remaining 15 have to be arts and sciences. I got all 51 for technical AF/Army training.

    I have completed 40 hours of general ed...so I need 29 hours to complete degree. Go to IU School of Continuing Studies Website...it will give you all the info you need.

    Dan
     
  6. Daniel Luechtefeld

    Daniel Luechtefeld New Member

    Chief,

    Thank you for your service.

    1. Avoid any BSEET degree program that isn't accredited by ABET. Such a degree will limit your options with respect to employers that are focused on hardware engineering - an ABET-accredited degree is a must in this sector.

    2. Focus on the kind of assignments you'd like to be eligible for over the next 5-7 years:

    -Do you want to stay in muddy boots assignments out with the troops in the field? Then take a technology-focused management/leadership degree.

    -Would you like to move into a role in a PM/PEO designing and fielding a new system? Then work toward a more hard-skill engineering degree.


    Best of luck - Daniel
    former 352C CW2
     
  7. Thanks for the link. I didn't think it was an honesty issue, more a "good grief, did I miss the boat on a policy change?" concern on my part.

    Last I looked, the vast majority of Fed jobs with a specific educational accomplishment-- either a degree or particular coursework-- only required that it be from an institution with recognized accreditation, with the exceptions you noted (primarily those jobs requiring licensure or eligibility for licensure.)

    One exception to the "recognized accreditation" rule was the USDA Graduate School, which carries (carried?) no accreditation at all, but was specifically referenced as OK by policy.

    Oddly, CLEP and DANTES weren't.. but I can't see OPM promulgating regulations that would purposely disadvantage servicemembers (who have historically been BIG consumers of both testing programs.)
     
  8. -kevin-

    -kevin- Resident Redneck

    the USDAGS actually has a large number of ACE reviewed courses:

    http://www.acenet.edu/nationalguide/index.cfm

    in fact, many government agencies have courses that are ACE reviewed. Take a gander, there are many that are distance learning.

    Not the same as accreditation but worthwhile nonetheless.

    Regards,
     
  9. pizza111

    pizza111 New Member

    My 2 cents -

    IU is too traditional and set in their ways – you’ll get lost in the forest of roadblocks, TESC is doable and dollar smart $$ >> another would be RWC – they will hold your hand and pocketbook and you will finish with them.
     
  10. Tech66

    Tech66 New Member

    Chief, thanks for the reply. I plan to be in the trenches the next five years or so. I really want to finish the EET degree for now. Although I am good at math...don't really want to load up with that as in a more traditional engineering degree. What do you think about the Army doing away with the Eagle Rising? Take care.

    Dan
     
  11. spmoran

    spmoran Member

    Bellevue University

    You may want to check out Bellevue University. They have a very generous transfer policy (96 SH of lower level credit) and the last 47 hours of upper division can be completed online. I did 127 SH in 25 months, with my last 47 in the B.S. Business Information Systems accelerated online program. Much of my cohort were military personnel. My entire undergrad degree cost < $15K from start to finish.
     
  12. airtorn

    airtorn Moderator

    Hey everybody, look, it is that website again. :rolleyes:
     

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