Hello everyone,
I'm looking for advice on the most affordable way to earn a regionally accredited U.S. degree.
My background:
Foreign BBA degree
Foreign MBA degree
Large number of ACE-recommended credits on my Credly/ACE transcript, including courses from Sophia, Study.com, StraighterLine, TEEX, and others. My transcript contains coursework in:
Business
Accounting
Economics
Finance
Marketing
Management
Project Management
Information Technology
Computer Science
Databases
Software Engineering
Python
General Education subjects (History, Government, Communication, Religion, Anthropology, Ethics, etc.)
My goal is to obtain a U.S. degree at the lowest possible cost while maximizing transfer credit from both:
My foreign BBA/MBA (after evaluation if needed), and
I'm from the Middle East, and I'm planning to earn a BA in Computer Science from TESU. I haven't applied yet because I want to map everything out before I commit.
From what I've been able to figure out, these are the parts of the degree I still have left: Required Courses
Introduction to Programming
Data Structures
Calculus I
Discrete Mathematics
Operating Systems
Computer Architecture
Computer Science Electives (18 credits) Natural Science, Math, and Computer Science Electives (6 credits)
As for Gen Ed, I completed most of it through Sophia.org. I also have some RA credits -around 60- from a previous degree that isn't related to CS, so I'm guessing they'll mostly end up as free electives.
I know the official TESU evaluation is the only way to know exactly where I stand, and that's my next step. Still, I'd like to have a solid plan before I apply instead of figuring everything out afterward.
My budget is around $8,000 to finish what's left.
The bigger picture is that I want to apply to a good MSCS program later, ideally Georgia Tech's OMSCS or another master's focused on computing systems.
So I have a few questions:
What do you think the best-case and worst-case outcomes are after the evaluation?
Is finishing everything within an $8,000 budget realistic?
Which providers would you recommend for the remaining courses? Study.com, community colleges, TECEP, something else?
If graduate school is the goal, which options would make my application stronger instead of just checking the boxes?
If you were in my position today, how would you approach the rest of the degree?
I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who's been through the TESU CS program or planned something similar.
Are there any ACE accredited courses on these topics that transfer to TESU and/or UMPI? These happen to be some of my niches as a genealogist. If possible, I'd like to tie that knowledge in with my undergraduate study.
* Great Lakes and/or Lower Midwest History
* Canadian history, government, and/or civics
* Latin (In my case, knowing Latin is particularly useful for translating Catholic parish registers)
* French (I know that Sophia has French I.)
* World religions. Ones that touch upon Jewish, Catholic, and/or Mormon topics would be useful.
I'll probably take the StraighterLine course on DNA (assuming UMPI and/or TESU accepts it), but I'm unsure as to whether or not it is applicable to genetic genealogy. Any input regarding that course would be appreciated.
Quote:Fall I or Fall II students who are matriculated by August 18th will have the option to fall under the old GEC requirements." Since the GEC decision was just finalized on June 1, 2026, if you are matriculating by August 18th and wish to use the old GEC requirements, be sure to communicate that choice to your enrollment specialist or success coach.
They are simpler to figure out, and it looks like one course will no longer fulfill multiple GLO requirements.
Foreign language is now optional.
Some General Education requirements can be fulfilled by courses that are already part of certain degrees, such as the BBA.
I updated the Wiki that mainly uses Sophia courses to map out the requirements, since that is what most people have been using. You could also create a plan using Study.com courses. https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/UM...ts_Roadmap
If you notice any errors or have suggestions for improvements, let me know.
Sophia is open-book, meaning you can use their materials, but don't try to use AI and don't try to have other tabs open, such as Google etc or you risk getting your account suspended.
Remember, 70% final grade is just as good as 100%, it doesn't matter once the course is transferred into your college.
Detection Methods
Browser Monitoring: Sophia uses software to track your browser activity during unproctored tests. Moving away from the tab, opening new windows, or switching tabs can trigger "blur/focus" alarms.
Typing Analysis: The platform uses typing tests and behavioral checks to verify your identity.
IP and Location Tracking: System algorithms log suspicious logins to catch instances where a student uses a VPN or shares login details with others.
AI & Plagiarism Checkers: Written touchstones are scanned for AI generation and plagiarism.
Hi all, I'm aiming for the BLS and I would like to finish in 2 terms. I have the Pierpont AAS and all of my credits are below.
I'm not sure if I should start the program now, or get my more credits first. Thanks in advance.
SOPHIA
Ancient Greek Philosophers 3
Approaches to Studying Religions 3
Art History I 3
Art History II 3
College Algebra 3
Conflict Resolution 3
Developing Effective Teams 1
Environmental Science 3
Financial Accounting 3
Health, Fitness, and Wellness 3
Human Biology 3
IT Career Exploration 1
Introduction to Business 3
Introduction to Ethics 3
Introduction to Information Technology 3
Introduction to Sociology 3
Introduction to Web Development 3
Macroeconomics 3
Microeconomics 3
Principles of Finance 3
Project Management 3
Spanish I 3
The Essentials of Managing Conflict 1
U.S. History I 3
U.S. History II 3
Visual Communications 3
Workplace Communication 3
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
HIT 101 Introduction to ICD Coding 3
HIT 105 Medical Terminology 3
HIT 112 Health Insurance & Med Billing 3
HIT 100 Intro to Health Info Management 3
HIT 102 CPT Coding 3
HIT 150 Intro to Health Management Systems 3
100 HISTORY Africa 1500- present 3
101 ACADEMIC LIFE & SKILLS 1
101 ENGLISH 3
100 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY 3
100 SPEECH 3
181 ART/Intro to sculpture 2
110 GENERAL ASTRONOMY 4
201 ENGLISH 2 3
400 DEVELOPMENTAL Psych 3
123 American History 3
126 CARIBBEAN HISTORY 3
225 WOMENS HEALTH 3
110 CRITICAL THINKING 3
