Hello everyone, I'm new to the forum and this is my very first post. 

Thank you for accepting me.

My name is Phil, I'm 26 years old, I only have a BAC (equivalent to finishing high school for you Americans), and I'm French.
Just a few days ago, I discovered the (very interesting) world of “Degree Hacking” through a YouTube video that was suggested to me (about WGU). 

I then asked Gemini a lot of questions, and he explained everything (or almost everything) to me... At least, I hope so.
However, I still have a few questions.

I would like to obtain a bachelor's degree in computer science at TESU. And I understand that it is possible to have a double “area of studies” (a double major) on the diploma.
I would like to combine computer science with economics, do you know if its possible ? Or computer science + maths ?

Of course, I have skills in both areas (especially computer science), and I have been coding for several years.
Do you know if these two combinations are available? 

I would also like to know if it is possible to have minors in addition to majors.

Next, I would like to know if you know any French people on the forum, so that I can contact them, or if you know any other French people who have been able to follow this path (because I feel like I'm the only one interested in TESU's offerings in France).

My ultimate goal (via the TESU bachelor's degree) is to be able to apply for the Georgia Tech online master's degree (in computer science): https://omscs.gatech.edu/about-omscs.

If you have any advice or suggestions for me, please don't hesitate to let me know. I would really appreciate it.

Best regards.

I wanted to share a quick post about Newlane for anyone here considering them. I recently graduated with them, and the whole experience was honestly better than I expected.

One of the biggest advantages is the pricing model. Since Newlane is Nationally Accredited (DEAC), the value for what you pay is hard to beat. If you transfer in 90 credits like I did, the subscription caps at about 1500 dollars total. You still get the benefit of an accelerated path, but without the pressure of “finish as fast as possible or pay another term”. It takes a lot of stress out of the process.

The scholars were another highlight. Every interaction I had was supportive and down-to-earth. They don’t act like gatekeepers. Instead, it feels like they’re genuinely invested in helping you succeed. I was nervous about the degree hearings before I experienced one, but they’re absolutely nothing to be afraid of. No trick questions, no "gotcha" attitude. It’s more of a thoughtful conversation about what you’ve learned. If you did your job, you won't have any problem passing. 

Everything about the process was smooth and straightforward. Communication was clear, and there wasn’t any unnecessary bureaucracy. They were also generous with transferring credits, which made completing my degree far more manageable. Also, not only teachers, but the management is always there to support you. 

Also, for students that want to pursue the BA and also get an AA for free (same way that happens in UMPI if you complete a BA and then ask for an AA) you should note that in your application so you can make sure Newlane get the right agreements in place with you. 

Overall, graduating through Newlane was a positive and surprisingly enjoyable experience. If you’re looking for an affordable, accredited (nationally), flexible way to finish your degree, they’re definitely worth looking into, especially if you're into Liberal Arts education.

Hi everyone

Location: Asia

Age: 26

Degree sought: Computer Science

I currently have 50ish RA credits from prior studies. These should mainly cover free electives, so electives aren’t a concern. I don’t have any ACE/CLEP/NCCRS credits yet. I can study at least 30 hours per week, and I’m hoping to finish the degree in a year if possible. Money isn’t the main constraint; time is. My long term goal is research focused graduate study "probably on campus" (MS/PhD) ideally in electrical and computer engineering or closely related areas.
KAUST is just one example of the level I’m aiming for, not the only target. I’m trying to be careful about how the transcript looks to research programs. I’ve read that relying too heavily on ACE credit can weaken applications, especially when strong graded evidence in math, CS, and engineering fundamentals is expected.

So I’m looking for advice on the best fast CS degree strategy that still looks solid for competitive research graduate admissions.
And also, is computer science a safe choice for this transition?

Hi everyone, I’m looking for opinions because I’m torn between a PhD, a DBA, and possibly an EdD. I work as a consultant and I’m mainly into research and business, but I also like education as a field even though I’m not a teacher. I already have an MBA from a regionally accredited school.

Walden situation
I also have doctoral credits from Walden (regionally accredited). I’ve even completed one term in the dissertation phase, but I just don’t want to continue at Walden. It’s not that I can’t do the work, I just don’t like how it’s been running and I’d rather finish somewhere else if my credits can move.

My timeline goal
I’m not kidding when I say I really want to be done. Ideally I want to finish one program (not two) in about 1.5 years if possible. Putting the workload aside, I’m mainly trying to understand what’s realistically possible based on program rules and sequencing.

Cumberlands (what I’m seeing so far)
I spoke with Cumberlands and it seems like if they accept the maximum (about half), I’d be left with around 33 credits for the PhD in Leadership Studies. The issue is their dissertation sequence appears to require multiple 16-week courses taken in order, so even with max transfer it looks like it would take more than 4 sessions/terms.

Alvernia (ABD idea)
Alvernia looks like it could be faster if the ABD transfer works, because it sounds like only 18 credits might be needed if you’re already at the ABD/dissertation stage. I’m not sure how strict their ABD review is, but on paper it seems shorter.

Baker vs Acacia (UAthena)
I’m also considering Baker vs Acacia (through UAthena) and I’m confused about what’s realistic. Is one typically quicker than the other? I keep seeing things like “ABD at Baker” and “up to 75% transfer at Acacia,” but I don’t know how that works in real life, especially coming in with Walden doctoral credits and having started dissertation.

Lincoln University (Malaysia)
I’m also curious about Lincoln University in Malaysia and whether that PhD is generally seen as legitimate and respected in the U.S. for work/consulting and possibly teaching later.

RA vs NA
I’d appreciate thoughts on whether it’s better to stick with regionally accredited options versus nationally accredited ones for the long term.

Career + budget constraints
A promotion at my current company would be about a 40% increase if I finish a DBA and/or PhD, so I’m trying to be practical and pick something that will be recognized. My budget goal is ideally under $15k total (or at least under $15k per program). I’m also a military dependent, but I can’t use Chapter 35 or other federal benefits, so the only help I’m looking for is any tuition-rate discount for dependents if a school offers it.

—————-
Given my Walden credits and dissertation start, which route makes the most sense if I’m trying to balance legitimacy, cost, speed to finish, and transfer credit acceptance?

I also have doctoral credits from Walden (regionally accredited), but I can’t afford Walden anymore, so I’m trying to move to another program and use as many of my credits as possible. I’m trying to figure out what makes the most sense for someone like me who wants the doctorate for credibility and research skills, and maybe teaching later.

I’m considering Baker vs Acacia (through UAthena) and I’m confused about what’s realistic. Is one typically quicker than the other? I keep seeing things like “ABD at Baker” and “up to 75% transfer at Acacia,” but I don’t know how that works in real life, especially coming in with Walden doctoral credits.

I’m also curious about Lincoln University in Malaysia and whether that PhD is generally seen as legitimate and respected in the U.S. for work/consulting and possibly teaching later.

Any thoughts on which route makes the most sense if I’m trying to balance legitimacy, cost, time to finish, and transfer credit acceptance?

The YourPace graduate application form is now taking applications for graduate certificates in each of the subjects currently offered as an 18 semester hour concentration in the UMPI Master of Science in Business: Communication, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Human Resource Management, Project Management, and Supply Chain Management. It would be surprising if they don’t continue this pattern with future MSB concentration subjects also available in freestanding graduate certificates.

Also new on that form, a University of Maine at Farmington graduate certificate in AI in Education. New on the YourPace undergraduate application form, a UMPI undergraduate certificate in Drug Intervention & Policy.

Hi everyone, I just took my first posttest at ETAMU for the ORGL program, and I am confused as far as being able to use course material during these graded posttests.

The multiple choice questions are pretty straightforward but then I reached the 2 open ended questions, and they were incredibly specific to two reading, and were impossible to answer without referencing the reading material within the course. 

The syllabus is somewhat vague, it doesn't say we can't use course material or outside sources , it just says we can't copy/paste, plagiarize etc.

Dear [name removed]

It is not possible for us to start the evaluation process of your application for the following reason(s):

Unfortunately, you do not meet our admission criteria. Our university doesn't recognize degrees from University of the People. Your application is hence not accepted.

If you have questions, please contact us only through our helpdesk.

Kind regards, University of Antwerp

Regionally accredited, USA.

Must be online. Prefer a grad certificate of 18 credits, will look at anything about 12 credits. Will entertain a full master's degree too. 

This needs to be 400 and under per credit hour. I think there are some in the 300s out there, I just have to find them.


Honestly this is a cost thing. I need the cheapest source of RA polysci classes online. Thanks!

Currently taking APS 4020 at TESU and was looking for some feedback on the midterm, as I've never taken one with TESU. They posted a study guide in the class but it seems fairly generic to me. I was just looking to see if anyone has any feedback or info on the test as its 25% of the grade. The essay questions listed, are those pretty close to what will be on the test? Same with multiple choice topics. I just want to be as prepared for this as I can be. I appreciate everyone's help.

Attached Files

  midterm exam study guide_APS-4020-23nov .pdf (Size: 128.48 KB / Downloads: 3)

What AI requirements have the UMPI courses required students to complete lately?  The last time I was at UMPI was before the widespread rise of LLM programs, but the current system apparently requires the following for every milestone assignment (In addition to the assignment itself):

• A 3 page certification detailing all usages of AI for research
  
• All papers submitted as a shared google doc for edit history review
  
• A separate google document of all AI prompts and output
  
• The certification document also says it requires  submission of "handwritten notes based on the articles"- not sure if they're literally interpreting this as a photo of notes written by hand.