This is my sense of it, too. But I believe the dual optionability of Excelsior' degree competion program is more rooted in its embrace of the working adult student: usually business or computers and most especially nursing degrees. In other words, many adults bring working experience or even the AS in nursing to the cellege, yet may want to earn a history or english degree and teach. This way, they get to have their cake, and get what they've already eaten recognized too! I dated a biology major at the University of Colorado at Boulder who practically complained that they only offered the BA in microbiology. I answered back that the most famous English university in biology - Cambridge, because of Darwin - STILL only offered the BA in biology. Tradition, anyone? --Orson
On the language issue, mostly it won't matter - especially if you're going to study US history at the graduate level. There are, however exceptions. Harvard requires at least one, with the expectation of two after one year; Chicago's committee on social thought requires two for applying, from a list of German, French and either (I forget) Italian or Spanish. In the 80s, a buddy competed his PhD in American history at Wisconsin, only completing the language requirement barely - after having competed all requirement save his dissertation. So - if you know your going into European history or Latin American, or anywhere outsie the US, a foreign language will always better agree with the admissions committe at the margin. Otherwise, especially if you are going for a terminal masters program, it really won't matter. Deb - care to share with us your hopes, options, plans, or dreams? We wil be better able to help you. --Orson PS I'm also completing my BA in history through Exclesior - but it's proving some obstacles...Feel free to PM me!
Plans I hope to get the Masters in either History or Literature in order to teach. I'm working for, and getting free classes at the University of Tampa. The problem is that night classes are limited and at the rate of 1 per semeter, it will be another two years to a BA. Deb
Re: Plans Now that we know the what (history of lit), now what about the where (level of teaching - HS, CC, university? And what part of the US)?, what about the why (personal satisfaction? scholarship goals? or career advancement?) And then, again, we are back to how: you sound frustrated with how long your present course will take - what alternatives are you open to or have considered? Or do you need ideas? --Orson
Frustrated by classes I'm in Florida and intend to teach here, either at the CC level or as an adjunct at the university level. Later I might consider some summer work further north, say OH or MI. It's a career change - I'm currently working computers and communications. I am not frustrated by the time to a BA but by the limited classes offered at night here, which is pushing the time even further out. (On the other hand, they are free.) My choices this semester in upper level classes were Bronte or Economic Political History of South America. At least in the summer I have Film Aesthetics. I have 100 plus credits but only 4 are at upper level (300 or 400). I CLEPed 32, all lower level. I'm hoping to finish the BS or BA at Excelsior through testing. So far the test I'm going for are History of Nazi Gemany and GRE in Literature. If that doesn't do it I can add American Dream and World Religions. UT gave me 4 credits for life experience, all at lower level, for writing. I've sold one novel, 127 short stories and over 30 magazine articles but I couldn't get them to give upper credit for it. I'm hoping maybe Excelsior will. If there is something I've missed or if anyone has any ideas on how to get some more upper level classes, I would love to them. Deb
Reaching? The only other thing I might be able to get life experience for would be animal or equine science. Has anyone heard of Excelsior granting this kind of credit?
Deb- Sounds like you have decent, viable plan. Only a deficit of upper level credits stand in the way.... Have you considered trying Ohio University testing to speed you up? I have no experience with the process, but I would think that COSC or Ohio or TESC would help you get credit for you writing and equine science knowledge.... (someone wanted to do the latter on the board within the last year or 18 months - why don't you search and contact them?) Now - do you know what your grad preferences might be? (Of course, you have a good amount of lead time to change or refine them!) I've only looked at Miami, Uof FL, and FSU myself - but all should serve you well. --Orson PS I have a friend of a friend at Univ of South Florida (?), hist dept, who I expect to meet in May - but I don't know if they have a grad progam.... PM if you think I may of any assistance in this regard.
Ohio? I haven't checked the Ohio test. I will see what I can find out. USF offers a Masters in History but none of it is online. The schools I have checked so far are Sam Houston and Fort Hayes. Both seem to have good programs though Sam Houston is military history not just general history. As you said, I have a while and who knows how many more colleges will be offereing online degrees by then. Seems like more get added every day. I will also check out that equine science information too. Thanks for the suggestions.
