Hi, I'm a recent 41yr old laid off auto worker here in the Metro Detroit area looking for an inexpensive school to earn a Bach. IT. I have over 6 children and don't want to tap their college funds. Can anyone offer any advice? I've heard that Exclesior is good but, not sure. Thanks, JW
There are a number of people on this forum who either have studied or are currently studying at Excelsior College. Since low-cost is a requirement, taking courses at a local community college, online or on-campus, and/or using College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests to cover off most or all of the general education credits. Another option is to take ACE-evaluated courses at Penn Foster Career School for an associate degree or a la carte courses to apply towards your degree in IT; make sure the courses at Penn Foster are ACE-evaluated for transferrability. Associate of Computer Science.
Just an idea but... Aspen does not require a BA for admission into their masters program. You could then do their Masters in IT for $4200. Worth considering IMO. Also, you may want to consider free FEMA courses (up to 40 credits free at TESC and excelsior) if cost is an issue. Hope this helps. Greg
My sister earned a masters degree at Royal Roads University without a bachelor degree, but she wishes she had completed the undergraduate degree for the background. By the way, she is currently enrolled in a doctorate programme so not having the undergraduate degree has not been a show stopper in that sense. Since the original poster has limited experience with information technology he might be better off earning an undergraduate degree first. These days, though, auto workers might very well have considerable exposure to information technology. Good luck on your endeavours.
That's so cool! Good for your sis! I haven't met many folks that bypassed the undergrad (and went straight to masters degrees) but clearly in your sisters case, it was a 'nice to have' rather than a 'must have'. Greg
Aspen University Hi Pugman, I contacted Aspen University and they say that they are accredited by DETC. Does this make any difference in applying for a Federal Govt. job or not? Thanks, Mark
The combination of her extensive professional work experience and the specialization she wanted to pursue were significant factors in her being admitted directly into the graduate degree programme. There were a few teaching opportunities for which she was not eligible because the various schools wanted someone with more theoretical background afforded by an undergraduate degree. However, this term she has been teaching/facilitatiing a course delivered via online format for a university. So, even teaching opportunities are possible.
I would also examine the credit for certification path. Killing two birds with same stone is a great way to go. Microsoft, Novell, Cisco, and Comptia all have quite a few tests that are taken as credit including some upper level credit.
Mark DETC is fine for business and government work. Check out Abner's post which reflects his similar question regarding DETC utility (in short, the govt. has a list of qualifying degrees - his DETC was on that list of qualified degrees). Now if you were interested in working in academia (e.g. professor) - you may be better served with a RA degree. Hope this helps! Greg
Lou has an excellent suggestion regarding leveraging IT certifications. For instance, Aspen awards 9 credits for the PMP and 9 credits for the MCSE which could accelerate your degree. Charles Sturt also awards up to half the degree based on IT certs. Good things to consider IMO. Greg
Quoted from previous posts located via the search feature of the forum: "I am also waiting to hear from Excelsior. I don't have alot of credits from the community college. In fact, my credits are over 30 years old and none of it pertain to the Major that's I'm seeking. (BS in Information Technology). I do however, have Certifications in A+, Network+, Security+, Project+, MCSE and CCNA. I'm not sure how much credits I will get for these Certs. Are there anyone out there that have an ideal of what I'm about to get myself into. After reading several materials on people testing out, I'm hoping I may be able to test out as much as I can. Any suggestion?" "Some of my credits were 30 years old and accepted. All those certs you listed are worth credits. You can still test out of a lot of courses. Go for it, you will be suprised how much you already have done." Hope this helps you.
And to further expound on your comments, I am literally 1 or 2 weeks away from completing my B.S. from CCU, and I am already going through the motions of completing my application to Aspen for an MBA. I figure I will be starting my grad work around 1/07. take care, Abner
