Discrete Mathematics, etc. for Technology degree

Hi all, back with some more questions related to Mathematics for schools like Excelsior-- hoping to get experienced distance learner/math geek input.

Excelsior says in the AS Technology program that you need to have at least one computer-related math class like Discrete Mathematics or Calculus. I'm hoping to fast track this degree, so I'm looking at options.

It would seem Discrete Math only needs Algebra to get in, so that would be preferable. Problem is, it's a tougher class to locate than Calculus. TESC has it, but it'd cost at least $250 per unit to get it. There are some DL colleges in CA that offer it, but not right now!! I've done some Googling, but haven't been able to find much. (I think the webcrawlers at the search sites haven't been getting that far down many schools' sites yet). I can't find anything like CLEP for this, either. Anybody know of inexpensive and readily available DL classes for Discrete Math?

And Calculus. . . it looks like some B&M's want a long trail leading up to this (Geometry, Trigonometry, Precalculus). Is that route still a necessity, or can you "jump forward" to Calculus? Any input would be appreciated.

 

The best value for a distance learning course in discrete math is:

Discrete Mathematics - Texas State University at San Marcos

The cost is only $255 for the 3-credit course plus a $25 fee:

Costs

I haven't taken the course myself, yet. However, from what I have read, the course primarily uses the 4th edition of the Rosen textbook on discrete mathematics, which can be cheaply bought on eBay. (The latest edition is the 5th edition.)

Two people have posted previously about this course. One person got an A in the course (which was more like an A-) and the other person got a B.

 

I am presently enrolled in Excelsior in the BS/CIS program. I was able to take a DSST statistics test for the math requirement. Check with your advisor, maybe this option is available to you.

 

BTW, the link I gave to the discrete math course is not valid. The correct link is:

http://studyanywhere.txstate.edu/corr_math_2358

 

You need a good background in Trig to do a calculus class. Because of our extremely varied high school education system, some students have already had this in high school, some haven't, or some had it but slept through it and still passed without learning anything.

As a result, most colleges and universities now require some sort of pre-assessment exam to see if you are ready for calculus. If you pass this, then yes, you can "jump forward" to Calculus. If not, then you would need to take Precalc first, or at the very least Trig. (Precalc is typically a trig class combined with an algebra/geometry class)

You might also be able to take a "Survey of Calc" or "Business Calc" class, which is basically calculus without trig. You would need to check however if Excelsior would accept this for your program.

LSU Independent study has a pretty cheap calculus course. BYU has a Survey of Calc course.

 

Another option is to take the "Game Mathematics" course from The Game Institute. For info about Excelsior's credit policy with the Game Institute:
https://www.excelsior.edu/portal/page?_pageid=57,329356&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

The course tuition is $225 but it also costs something like $55 for the proctoring, which is done by LaserGrade.

I believe there is only one proctored exam (a final) and you get to take a sample final exam online for practice which closely resembles the actual final exam. The final counts for the entire course grade.

 

Thanks all, for the responses. . . You've probably saved my bacon on this one, as math is one of my least favorite subjects.

Now onto the individual replies. . .

 

I ran across TX State San Marcos when doing other related searches on Math. For whatever reason, I couldn't find Discrete.Math. I keep hearing good things about that program, so I'll keep this handy.

 

I like this idea. This might be the fastest route.

 

Re: Re: Discrete Mathematics, etc. for Technology degree

Thanks. You confirmed pretty much what I had been thinking. Thankfully, it looks like there will be better options than a bunch of tests followed by a bunch of classes.

 

This is the most FUN option, especially given that I could take a Math Primer course from Game Institute to get back up to speed. Only bummer is, I couldn't find a viable link to read anything about the class. I can assume it would have the same costs/testing specs as the Game Math class, but one would hope the math primer to be a shorter and less expensive course. I sent Game Institute an E-mail about the Math Primer class today because it piques my interest.

 

Last, but certainly not least.

Thanks again, all.

While my second choice will likely be the Game Institute, my first would be to try a CLEP Algebra/DSST Statistics route. I might still actually go for the Math Primer from Game Institute anyway just to get myself back up to speed.

We'll see how things play out over the next few weeks/months. I'm trying to line up as much credit as I can for EC ahead of applying so I can cut the amount of "wait time" for the degree.

 

Pete,

I took the Disc Math course at TX State San Marcos. I'm currently finishing up the CIS (just 2.5 courses to go yeah!) at Excelsior. I took Calculus I back when I was going to CC.

What is your current math background? How much math have you taken? To complete a Disc Math course via DL you'll definitely need the course prereqs.

Since it seems that you are not yet enrolled in Excelior you should keep two things in mind:
A) If they change their math requirements for the degree you're interested in, then all the work you spend in a course or exam may be for nothing, or may not fulfill the requirements. (AFAIK they just changed the math reqs for the BS IT degree)
B) Since you're not yet enrolled you can't ask your advisor if what you're spending your time and money on will fulfill the requirements in the first place. Just because certifiednetpro can use a CLEP or DSST for his math doesn't mean that you'll be able to. I find it interesting that he/she can do that because AFAIK (as an enrolled student) you really do need to have a Disc Math course to complete the CIS. Don't count your chickens before they hatch... once I enrolled I unfortuately found out that certain CLEPs/DSSTs, Microsoft certs, Cisco certs or courses which I had taken were duplicated credit.

Brandon

 

When I enrolled in October 2005, the discrete math requirement may have been more flexible than now. I took both Calculus and Statistics in CC and that waived my discrete math requirement.

Anyway, I'm still considering taking the discrete math course at San Marcos since a discrete math course is required for most computer science graduate programs in addition to statistics and/or calculus.

 

Thanks. . . very useful info.

My current math background is that I took Algebra I and II wayyy back in high school, and barely passed.

Right now, I'm thinking I might try brushing up with a CLEP book on Algebra, then seeing if I can take an exam for that. That would kill a small number of birds with the same stone. . .I'd know better where I stand, I could probably apply it toward credits, and if I pass it would give me prereqs for other classes.

I am starting to agree about the chickens bit. . . it looks like I will have to wait until I shell out for Excelsior to find out what will take and what won't.

 

Discrete Math

The SUNY Learning Network (State University of New York) offers lots of math courses including Discrete Math.

Check out this link:

http://sln.suny.edu/sln_courselistings.htm

 

Students who enroll after August must take discrete math plus another math course:

 

Thanks, all! Information is really helpful.

As I may post elsewhere. . . not being able to use certs for core requirements has me thinking over the EC thing again. But, if I do go that route, between prior work and certs there still won't be too much to do. . . math would be among the very few necessary core reqs.

 

Pre-Discrete Math Prep?

Does anyone know which Discrete Mathematics DL course has the lowest level or prerequisites?

I have taken math up to Intermediate Algebra already, but it has been so long, that I have forgotten most of it. I don't even remember much Elementary Algebra.

At some schools, just to be prepared for the discrete math course, I would need to retake elementary and intermediate algebra and perhaps need to take geometry, trigonometry or college algebra.

That is a years-long list of classes and most of it would be not be providing any college level credit. Very annoying especially since I know I would not be using any of it on the job.

Any suggestions on the best/shortest preparation to be ready to enroll in a discrete math course?

 

Re: Pre-Discrete Math Prep?

I've downloaded some pdfs that teaches you Discrete Math. Although, I haven't read them yet, I've been concentrating on finishing up the Cleps.

Just like you, I have not touch Algebra in upteen years. Hopefully, I can learn something from the pdfs. That way when I take a class (Discrete Math) I have some understanding.