Greetings. I have been unofficially pursuing a COSC (www.cosc.edu) B.S. with dual concentrations so as to yield something analogous to a BSEE & BSCS (I'm nothing if not plucky <g>). I'm reconsidering my strategy, and I'd appreciate some sage advice from any of the remaining Gang of Six (five? Seven?). Some of you particularly smart whipper-snappers can reply too. <g> It's been suggested that I consider a COSC BS w/concentration in "Individualized Studies", which, in my case, would consist of electronic technology, computer programming, and whatever else a well rounded Ind Study degree might require. I'm tempted to do this as it could not help but be more expedient, and because UND has made the first (and only!), real, mostly-distance, ABET-accredited BSEE available (http://www.und.nodak.edu/dept/sem/html/electrical_engineering.html). Why settle for a BS w/concentration in Engineering Studies when one can have a genuine, ABET-accredited BSEE instead? Aside: Possible answers to my previous, rhetorical question: a) Because a UND degree costs only slightly less than the entire state of North Dakota. b) Because I'll be too old to lift my BSEE, let alone use it. c) Because a parchment in the hand is worth two in the registrar's office. d) ... Back to the query... The main problem with an Independent Study concentration is with its marketing. While one might be able to prize open an HR door with a BS w/concentration in Engineering Studies degree, so long as ones resume includes a parenthetical "analogous to BSEE" comment, I've no clue how to put a linguistic smiley-face on an Independent Study concentration. Is there a more traditional degree that would be similar to an Independent Study BS such as I've outlined? How would you market an Ind Study concentration, or would you even try? Cordially, Richard Kanarek Written using WordStar 4
Hello Richard, I saw the BS in engineering studies at COSC too and it seemed like it could be tailored to fit a bonifide engineering curriculum. Do you think the name of your engineering degree would be of issue? I would think as long as you include the term "Engineering Studies" in the title of the degree and, perhaps, explain the curriculum to be strikingly similar to a BSEE, ME, CE, etc. Perhaps, mention it including diff/integer equations, calculus based physics and engineering courses. Don't get me wrong don't fill up the entire page with your coursre schedule just enough to let them see a couple engineering "buzzwords". Is the BS in individualized studies different than having the BS w/ a concentration in engineering studies? Is there some kind of self design degree that COSC offers? I wonder if they would display your projected concentration(s) on your transcripts. Say, BS Individual Studies w/ concentration in Electronic Technology and Computer Programming. Perhaps I will read the COSC catalog again... You have experience in the industry correct? If so, I wouldn't worry to much about what your degree title is.. Then again, I'm not an HR person or a hiring manager. Perhaps an HR person would specifically look for a BSEE because a manager in that department specifically asked for it.. Just mention that it is similar to a BSEE on the resume. Best Regards, Bill
Dear Bill: Howdy. I fear we are drifting off my topic, but, as you're as entitled to enlightenment as I am, I'll indulge you <g>. "I saw the B.S. in engineering studies at COSC too and it seemed like it could be tailored to fit a [bona fide] engineering curriculum." I *suspect* that you are quite correct. The only problem with a COSC Engineering Studies degree is -- other than having to spend the rest of your days explaining how it's analogous to a BSEE (or whatever) -- is that the degree isn't ABET accredited. While ABET hasn't yet managed to molded itself into the oppressive, self- serving, bureaucracy that Regional Accreditation is (IMHO), they certainly are trying. Having an ABET accredited degree is a requirement with some employers, and state P.E. licensure boards generally make life more difficult for non-ABET degree holders (based upon my research, not personal experience). Of course, a COSC Engineering Studies degree is apt to be more obtainable, customizable, and economical than an ABET degree. Further, one might well not need or benefit from ABET accrediation. "Is the B.S. in individualized studies different than having the B.S. w/ a concentration in engineering studies?" Yes, an Individualized Studies degree is entirely different from a concentration in Engineering Studies. My (possibly flawed) understanding is that a Ind Studies concentration is a coherent & sensible combination of subjects. An Independent Studies concentration, like all other concentrations, would need to be reviewed and accepted by COSC. For more accurate information, you'd probably want to ask a COSC counselor and/or visit COSC's web site (www.cosc.edu). Is there some kind of self design degree that COSC offers? As you probably already know, all COSC degrees permit a certain amount of self-design; a COSC student can take individual courses from any regionally accredited institution anywhere. The Independent Study concentration merely (AFAIK) adds to that flexibility. I wonder if they would display your projected concentration(s) on your transcripts. Say, B.S. Individual Studies w/ concentration in Electronic Technology and Computer Programming. If one were to go for a dual-concentration degree (analogous to a dual major degree and involving twice the number of major credits) then, presumably, ones transcript would list both concentrations. If one were pursuing an "Independent Studies" degree that happened to include Electronics Technology & Computer Programming (but not in the quantities that a concentration in either would require), I'd ass-u-me the transcript would only indicate "Independent Studies" and leave it to the reader to discern the nature of the studies. Best Regards, Richard Kanarek