Excelsior and the right degree program

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Dennis, Mar 13, 2001.

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  1. Dennis

    Dennis New Member

    Hello,

    Here is my situation:

    I'm currently toying with the idea of enrolling into a business progarm at Excelsior. I'd like to earn a Bachelor's in business but the problem is, I don't know yet in which area of business I want to major. So I thought to go for a Associate in Business(from Excelsior), first. I'd give me some more time to decide and after finishing the Associate's I could either proceed with a Bachelor's from Excelsior or switch to another(maybe more prestigious) College/University. Is this a sound reasoning? Or maybe I should put it in the following way:
    If you were in my position, would you make a similar decision?
    Though, I assume there is ,maybe, at least one weak point and that's the costs issue. If I complete the Associate first and then proceed with the Bachelor's, will it be much more expensive then if I enroll right in the beginning in a Bachelor's progarm?

    Thank you in advance,

    Dennis Siemens
     
  2. John Bear

    John Bear Senior Member

    Dennis wrote, in part, I don't know yet in which area of business I want to major. So I thought to go for a Associate in Business (from Excelsior), first. I'd give me some more time to decide and after finishing the Associate's I could either proceed with a Bachelor's from Excelsior or switch to another(maybe more prestigious) College/University. Is this a sound reasoning?

    Sure makes sense to me -- especially given the consistent survey data that more than half of Bachelor's degree holders are in some field other than their major five years after the degree is awarded. I would imagine the numbers are even higher for specialties within business: specialize in banking, end up in risk management; whatever.

    Regarding transfer to a 'more prestigious' school, bear in mind that, in general, the more prestigious, the fewer transfer credits accepted. Excelsior (and Edison and Charter Oak) will accept 100%; a few schools 75%; most schools 50%; and the elite ones typically 25% of the necessary credits.

    John Bear
     
  3. Sue Johnson

    Sue Johnson New Member

    Dennis,

    It's a good idea to get your Associate in Business from Excelsior and to get them to recognize all other transfer units that you may have. At Northcentral University, we will accept up to a total of 80 semester units from Excelsior toward our BBA degree (which requires a total of 120 su). Please contact me if you have any other questions: [email protected].
     
  4. mlomker

    mlomker New Member

    It'll be a little more expensive because you'll have to pay the graduation fee. I actually started out at the much more expensive Univ. of Phoenix and am finishing my BS in General Business at Excelsior.

    I wouldn't worry too much about what you major in...usually for employment purposes ANY bachelors degree is adequate. It's also pretty easy to get a 2nd bachelor's in another specialization later.
     
  5. Dennis

    Dennis New Member

    Thanks for the information, Sue

    I've had a look at the website of the Northcentral University. It made a fairly reputable impression on me. Especially, the fact that you honestly admit that the Northcentral University isn't yet accredited. But I guess that, at least at the present time, it's one major drawback.

    Dennis Siemens
     
  6. Dennis

    Dennis New Member

    Dennis
     
  7. Candice

    Candice New Member

    Dennis-

    As in many things, the answer is 'it depends'. So much of success in business has more to do with attitude and experience than what you studied in college.

    If you have no or very limited college experience, I would urge you to start with general education courses that will transfer anywhere. A good base will serve you well. If at all possible, take them at a local campus, where you can take advantage of the Career Center. There, you can take - often for free - career decision-making assessments.

    If you have some college already and (this is important)are self-motivated, Excelsior is a good bet. But self-knowledge is always helpful in making career-choice decisions. You might try the instrument called 'Pathfinder' available online from Obik (www.obik.com).

    If circumstances require an online option, try taking a business course or certificate that can be included in a degree program. Then, participate in the discussion areas to get a feeling for what others think.

    Many accredited colleges that may not offer complete distance programs offer groups of courses (or certificates) online that could transfer easily. There are literally hundreds of them, but you may not have to go further than your neighborhood.

    Sorry to go on so long. Good luck.

    Candice

     

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