Something that comes up often in the TESU community is what to do when you’re between terms. Whether you’re waiting on the next session date, an updated evaluation or just trying not to lose momentum, those gaps can feel longer than they need to be.

One approach that a lot of students find useful is picking up a few courses on Study.com during that downtime. It gives you a way to stay active in your degree plan without having to wait for TESU’s next official start date.

A few reasons this tends to work well:

You can start immediately. There’s no calendar to work around, so even a short break can be turned into a couple of finished requirements.
Quick feedback. Assignments typically reviewed in about two business days, which makes it realistic to finish credits within a small window.
Short study blocks. With the newer mobile app, lessons and quizzes fit easily into spare moments during the day, which keeps you from losing the habit of doing schoolwork.

For TESU students, this in-between period is often the perfect time to clear remaining general education courses, electives or individual requirements that would otherwise clutter your next term. It can make the transition into your official TESU workload much smoother since you’re not juggling as many smaller pieces.

Hey everyone, I’m really hoping someone here can help me out.

I ordered my UMPI Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership regalia 2 weeks ago, and Balfour just got back to me saying the hood is out of stock and could take 1–2 months. My graduation photos are THIS Sunday, and I really don’t want to show up without the proper hood.

If anyone has an old UMPI Master’s hood they’d be willing to loan me for a week, I will: • pay for overnight shipping both ways, • pay a rental fee for borrowing it, • take great care of it, and return it right after the photos.This is super time sensitive and I’d be so, so grateful for any help. Thank you so much ??

Suppose UMPI were to announce a BS Computer Science degree in the YourPace program. I should clarify that I made an assumption here today (another thread), and I believe I need to correct it. I recently emailed UMPI inquiring about the availability of a BS Computer Science degree in an online competency-based format. Regardless, perhaps this speculative thread could benefit both international and domestic students in planning their educational pathways.

My proposal outlines a strategy where students would complete their remaining credits at UMPI during a single term (8 weeks) at a cost of $1,800. The primary objective is to minimize overall educational expenses.


I am sure people here who made this course can give a better direction. It is not my case, yet.
My idea here is to think in public. 

Status Update & Inquiry
Note on Timeline: While UMPI has not announced an official launch date for the BS Computer Science degree in the YourPace (competency-based) format, this post explores a strategic framework for students preparing NOW to potentially complete this degree in the fastest and most cost-effective manner possible.
My 2 cents to repair my mistake.


The Opportunity
For those following UMPI's program development, the BS Computer Science on YourPace has been "coming soon" for several years. However, recent community discussions (here and there) suggest possible developments could materialize in 2025-2026. Rather than waiting passively, this guide presents how strategic credit stacking via ACE providers (Sophia Learning, Study.com, Saylor) could enable completion in as little as 1 YourPace term (8 weeks) at $1,800.



Program Structure: What We Know
The traditional BS Computer Science (presential) requires 120 credits comprised of (please correct me if I am wrong, I could not find the complete class to presential BSCS at UMPI):

51 credit hours of CS core courses

40 credit hours of general electives (Math, Probability, English)

29 credit hours of upper-level electives and electives

2 credits University Experience (UNV101)


Critical Finding: 
Approximately 65 credits are lower-level or general education courses that CAN transfer via ACE providers, while 54-55 credits are upper-level CS core courses that CANNOT transfer (must be completed at UMPI).


ACE Transfer Policy Changes (May 2025)
Question for the community: Has anyone confirmed whether UMPI's May 1, 2025 policy changes actually permit 90 credits (75%) of ACE transfers for the BS Computer Science program, or has the acceptance been more restrictive than initially reported?

The policy shift on that date reportedly restricted some upper-level course transfers, but clarification is needed on whether lower-level courses from Sophia Learning and Study.com continue to be accepted as of late 2025.



=======

Optimal Scenario: 1 YourPace Term Strategy



Phase 1: Stack ACE Credits (3 months pre-enrollment)

The plan is to complete 90 transferable credits before applying to UMPI, leaving only 30 credits to be completed during a single YourPace term.


Tier 1 – Sophia Learning (Lower Cost + Easier Testing)

Starting with Sophia offers a strategic advantage: all exams are open-book, making course completion more manageable while stacking credits rapidly.

Monthly cost: $99 base

With available $20 coupon discount: $79/month

Timeline: 1-2 months

Recommended credits: 48-50 credits

Courses to prioritize: 
Introduction to Java Programming (4.5 cr), 
Introduction to Networking (4.5 cr), 
Introduction to Relational Databases (4.5 cr), 
Introduction to Web Development (4.5 cr), 
plus general education requirements (Psychology, History, Sociology, Ethics, etc.)

Important advantage: Sophia offers early access—you can begin studying immediately without payment, allowing you to accumulate completed courses before your paid subscription begins. It is exactly my case.



Tier 2 – Study.com College Saver Plan (CS-Specific Courses)

Study.com's College Saver plan provides access to specialized computer science courses that map directly to UMPI's BS CS requirements.

Base cost: $235/month

With 10% current discount (via promotional links): $211.50

Timeline: 1 month (after Sophia)

Recommended credits: 15-18 credits  (maybe a bit more)

Courses to prioritize: 
Intro to Programming (CS109, 3 cr), 
Data Structures (CS201, 3 cr), 
Discrete Math (3 cr), 
Computer Architecture (CS306, 3 cr), 
IT Fundamentals (3 cr).

Note: College Starter ($95/month) only provides access to ~70 general education courses. For CS-specific courses, the College Saver ($235/month) plan is required.


Tier 3 – Saylor.org ($5 per course)

A critical question: Is Saylor worthwhile?

Saylor offers 17 computer science courses: https://learn.saylor.org/course/index.php?categoryid=9 . However, detailed analysis shows only 6-7 of these courses directly transfer to UMPI's BS Computer Science as lower-level courses (those that transfer): 
Introduction to Computer Science (Java), 
Python Programming, 
C++ Programming, 
Data Structures/Algorithms, 
Computer Architecture and Organization, and Computer Networks. 
The remaining 10-11 courses are upper-level and will not transfer.

For general education requirements, Saylor courses at $5 each could supplement remaining needed credits—but comparison reveals that 2 months of Sophia at $79/month ($158) covers equivalent general education credits more efficiently than Saylor's per-course model.

Recommendation: Use Sophia for both CS fundamentals and general education. Reserve Saylor only if pursuing very specific advanced topics or if your study timeline requires maximum cost minimization. I like Saylor, but I like more to sleep and study fast and easy. If you have time, maybe you can use Saylor for a few more credits.


Financial Breakdown: ACE Phase
Sophia Learning (2 months with $20 coupon): $79 + $79 = $158

Study.com College Saver (1 month with 10% discount): $211.50

Sophia Learning (If necessary, 1 additional month for gen-ed overflow with $20 coupon): $79
Saylor: $__

Total ACE Phase: approximately $369.50-450

Total Credits: 90 (2 or 3 months)








Phase 2: UMPI YourPace Term (8 weeks)
Remaining 30 Credits (upper-level CS core):

The 54-55 (or 30) upper-level CS core courses that cannot transfer must be completed during one YourPace term. These include:

Introduction to Web Design (3 cr), 
Databases and Database Security (3 cr), 
Software Engineering (3 cr), 
Operating Systems (3 cr), 
Algorithm Theory and Development (3 cr), 
Advanced Web Design (3 cr), 
Software Engineering II (3 cr), 
Computational Science (3 cr), 
Parallel and Distributed Computing (3 cr), 
Object-Oriented Programming (3 cr), 
University Experience (1 cr)

Cost: $1,800 for one term


Feasibility: 
With YourPace's self-paced, competency-based format, students capable of dedicating 30-60 hours weekly can realistically complete these 30 credits in 8 weeks.


Total Investment & Timeline (without transcript costs for international students):
ACE stacking phase: $369.50-450 (3 months)
UMPI YourPace term: $1,800 (8 weeks)

Total investment: approximately $2,169.50-2,300

Total timeline: approximately 4 months

Result: BS Computer Science degree


Comparison to Alternatives
WGU BS Computer Science: ~$3,500-4,000, 4-6 months
TESU BA Computer Science: ~$2,500-3,000, 3-4 months
UoPeople:...



Key Questions for the Community

Transfer policy confirmation: 
Can anyone confirm current UMPI policy on accepting 90 ACE credits (approximately 75% of the 120-credit degree) for a future BS Computer Science YourPace program as of November 2025?


Course equivalencies: 
Have students currently enrolled in the Information Systems YourPace program identified which courses have equivalent lower-level counterparts in the traditional BS Computer Science program?


Timeline expectations: 
Has UMPI provided any updated timeline for the BS Computer Science YourPace launch? (I'll reply here when they reply my last e-mail)


Sophia/Study.com status: 
Are Sophia Learning and Study.com courses still being accepted as transfer credit by UMPI for non-BLS programs post-May 2025? Any recent denials or issues?


Why This Matters
UMPI's YourPace competency-based format, combined with aggressive credit stacking from ACE providers, could offer one of the most affordable bachelor's degrees in computer science available today—potentially $1,000+ cheaper than WGU with faster completion.


However, the success of this strategy depends entirely on confirmation that UMPI's transfer policies remain accommodating to lower-level ACE credits.


Next Steps for Interested Students
Let's wait for Black Friday's promo codes. Maybe this can be a good time to start to study for the next degree.


Community Input Requested
Has anyone:

Recently transferred credits to UMPI from Sophia or Study.com?

Completed the Information Systems YourPace and identified transferable courses for a CS pathway?

Successfully stacked 90+ credits via ACE providers for another university's degree?

Your insights would help clarify feasibility and timeline expectations for this strategy.

Good morning everyone.

I am a 36 year old who within the last month or so got the itch to finish what I started over a decade ago. I earned over 60 credits from a CC in NJ and after weeks and weeks of research, I came across Competency Based Learning. I eventually also found East Texas A&M and since I currently reside in TX, it was a no brainer to apply to this institution. 

Now, my last big decision to make is which program to pursue. My initial plan was General Studies (GSCB) because my initial motive was 'just get it over with' , basically I just wanted 'any' degree so I could check it off in a possible job application. However upon further thought, I see that many folks opt for doing the Organizational Leadership (ORGL) program because it is apparently even easier and has a little bit more 'specialization' , which would give it a boost when applying for certain jobs or positions.

The good news is that ETAMU essentially accepts all of my credits (60+) in most programs it appears. But , when I utilize the DegreeWorks page, there is some confusion on my part. There are 2 options under the Areas of Study menu, when choosing the Major on the dropdown, there are 2 options for ORGL. When I choose the first one, it essentially accepts all of my transfer credits (just like for Gen Studies) which is great. But it also lists that there are Language requirements, which is odd because according to the official ETAMU page, it specifically states there are no language requirements. When I select the 2nd option for ORGL on the same dropdown menu, it only accepts about half of my transfer credits, and also has the same language requirements.

Can someone help me understand better which are the requirements for the ORGL Competency based program?  If they indeed accept all of my credits just like the GSCB program , I would most likely opt for that option. But the degreeworks page is throwing me off.

I am officially enrolled to the General Studies program (GSCB) but the term doesn't begin until Jan 12, so I think I still have some time to change programs.

Thank you to everyone ahead of time, happy Sunday.

To get a second degree at Tesu looks more credits than a first degree.
What if the first degree is only a NA one?  Does the rule mean second degree If the first degree is RA or does it include an NA as a first degree as well?

Dear all, I’m exploring options for a BS in Computer Science or Software Engineering and would appreciate any insights or recommendations.

Would you suggest going with TESU? I’m trying to understand the total estimated cost and whether it’s possible to complete the bulk of the credits through Sophia and Study, since I already have experience with both. I’ve seen some information, but I’d love clarification from people who’ve gone through it.

I’m also considering the University of the People. The only downside for me is the limit on how many courses you can take per term. If anyone has experience with that structure, I’d really like to hear your thoughts.

Given the way I work, I’d prefer to complete as many credits as possible through Sophia or Study. The TESU double degree in BA CS and BS CIS also caught my attention. If anyone has gone that route, I’d appreciate hearing about the cost, workload, and whether there are generous transfer options or advisors I could reach out to.

For TESU, UoP, or any other schools you recommend, degree plans would be incredibly helpful.

(Disclaimer: I am more interested in Bachelor's than Master's because of professional reasons, but if you want to recommend any master's, I am all ears too). 

Your Location: Europe
Age: 33
Degree goal: Bachelor’s in Computer Science or Software Engineering
Current RA credits: Bachelor’s in Psychology (UMPI), Bachelor’s in Humanities (Europe), Master’s in Design (Europe)
Total credits required: 120
ACE/CLEP/NCCRS: 120
Certifications or military experience: No
Budget: Ideally under 3000 USD, but flexible if the value is good
Commitments: Very flexible
Study time available: About 40 hours per week
Timeline: Preferably within one year
Tuition assistance: None

I'm at the end of a Master's degree in Security Studies that, in-house, counts as 50% (36/60 credits) of its same department's doctoral program. However, since I did not get into that doctoral program, are there any programs worth looking into in either International Relations/Politics/Public Policy (Security/Conflict focus) or Security Studies/Homeland Security that have a relatively, even comparably, generous transfer arrangement of comparable credits from a completed Master's degree? 

Worth noting I already have a prior Master's degree in a related-ish field, but it is too old for the credits to transfer.

Description
Units: 120.00 required, 115.00 taken, 5.00 needed
Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 Collapsible section Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 
Residency Requirement
Not Satisfied:   Residency Requirement

All four year degree candidates must complete at least 30 credit hours of study through UMPI in order to receive a baccalaureate degree. At least 12 of these credits must be in the major and at least 9 of these 12 must be at the upper level (300-level or above).

30 credits Collapsible section 30 credits 
Not Satisfied:   30 credits

Description
Units: 30.00 required, 12.00 taken, 18.00 needed
12 credits in the major Collapsible section 12 credits in the major 
300 level or higher Collapsible section 300 level or higher 
Not Satisfied:   9 of the 12 at the 300 level or higher

Description
Units: 9.00 required, 3.00 taken, 6.00 needed
GENERAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM (GEC) GLO REQUIREMENTS  (YOURPACE) Collapsible section GENERAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM (GEC) GLO REQUIREMENTS (YOURPACE) 
Not Satisfied:   To complete the GEC, select at least one course for each objective. Note that several courses meet more than one objective. If you do not have transfer credit, you will be placed in a YourPace course to meet the requirements. (RG13720)

GEC GLO1 - Effective Written and Oral Communication
Satisfied:   General Education Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills in a variety of contexts. (RQ9551)

1A. ENG 101 Collapsible section 1A. ENG 101 
1B. ENG 121 Collapsible section 1B. ENG 121 
1C. POS 101, PCJ 215, or COM 210 Collapsible section 1C. POS 101, PCJ 215, or COM 210 
1D. ENG 101 Collapsible section 1D. ENG 101 
GEC - GLO 2 Critical and Creative Thinking
Not Satisfied:   General Education Learning Outcome: Students will construct meaningful arguments, artifacts, and reasoned conclusions reflecting informed evaluations of alternative positions. (RQ9552)

2A. PHI 151, PHI 152, or PSY 100 Collapsible section 2A. PHI 151, PHI 152, or PSY 100 
2B. PHI 151, PHI 152 or PSY 100 Collapsible section 2B. PHI 151, PHI 152 or PSY 100 
2C. ENG 121 Collapsible section 2C. ENG 121 
2D. ART 108, ART 120, or ENG 211 Collapsible section 2D. ART 108, ART 120, or ENG 211 
Not Satisfied:   GEC - GLO 2D. Students will be able to produce a tangible expression of creativity. (RQ9552)

Description
Units: 3.00 required, 0.00 taken, 3.00 needed
The following courses may be used to satisfy this requirement:
Course Description Grade Status
View Course List
GEC - GLO 2D
 
First Show previous row (inactive button) 1 of 1 Show next row (inactive button) Last 
2E. ART 107, ART 116, ART 211, ENG 151, or HUM 184 Collapsible section 2E. ART 107, ART 116, ART 211, ENG 151, or HUM 184 
Not Satisfied:   GEC - GLO 2E. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of the arts and literature, including the analysis and critique of individual works of art, theater, film, music, or literature. (RQ9552)

Description
Units: 3.00 required, 0.00 taken, 3.00 needed
The following courses may be used to satisfy this requirement:
Course Description Grade Status
View Course List
GEC - GLO 2E
 
GEC GLO 3. Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning
Not Satisfied:   General Education Learning Outcome: Students will interpret, analyze and solve diverse problems incorporating quantitative elements. (RQ9553)

3A. MAT 201 OR MAT 140 Collapsible section 3A. MAT 201 OR MAT 140 
3B. MAT 201 OR MAT 140 Collapsible section 3B. MAT 201 OR MAT 140 
3C. BIO 105 or HPR 101 Collapsible section 3C. BIO 105 or HPR 101 
3D. ENV 110 Collapsible section 3D. ENV 110 
Not Satisfied:   GEC GLO 3D. Students will be able to describe environmental or physical aspects of the Earth and its abiotic systems, and discuss humankind's effect on and place within these systems. (RQ9553)

Description
Units: 3.00 required, 0.00 taken, 3.00 needed
The following courses may be used to satisfy this requirement:
Course Description Grade Status
View Course List
GEC - GLO 3D
 
3E. BIO 105 Collapsible section 3E. BIO 105 
Not Satisfied:   GEC GLO 3E. Students will perform scientific inquiry including aspects of the scientific method, such as observation, hypothesis, experiment, evaluation, and communication. (RQ9553)

Description
Courses: 1 required, 0 taken, 1 needed
The following courses may be used to satisfy this requirement:
Course Description Grade Status
View Course List
GEC - GLO 3E
 
GEC - GLO 4. Information Literacy
Not Satisfied:   General Education Learning Outcome: Students will identify and employ the tools and technologies appropriate for identifying, accessing, evaluating, and using information effectively. (RQ9555)

4B. ENG 121 Collapsible section 4B. ENG 121 
4C. PHI 151, PHI 152 or SWK 202 Collapsible section 4C. PHI 151, PHI 152 or SWK 202 
Not Satisfied:   GEC GLO 4C. Students will compare and contrast information in order to analyze, synthesize, and create new knowledge. (RQ9555)

Description
Units: 3.00 required, 0.00 taken, 3.00 needed
The following courses may be used to satisfy this requirement:
Course Description Grade Status
View Course List
GEC - GLO 4C
 
GEC-GLO 5. Global Consciousness and Intercultural Awareness
Not Satisfied:   General Education Learning Outcome: Students shall demonstrate an ethical awareness and understanding of the need to live and work in a diverse world. (RQ9556)

5A. GEO 101, SOC 100, or SWK 105 Collapsible section 5A. GEO 101, SOC 100, or SWK 105 
5B. HTY 115, HTY 116, HTY 161, HTY 162 Collapsible section 5B. HTY 115, HTY 116, HTY 161, HTY 162 
5C. FRE 101 or SPA 101 Collapsible section 5C. FRE 101 or SPA 101 
Not Satisfied:   GEC GLO 5C. Students will demonstrate linguistic skills and cultural knowledge. (RQ9556)

Description
Units: 3.00 required, 0.00 taken, 3.00 needed
The following courses may be used to satisfy this requirement:
Course Description Grade Status
View Course List
GEC-GLO 5C
  
5D. PHI 151, PHI 152 OR POS 211 OR SWK 202 Collapsible section 5D. PHI 151, PHI 152 OR POS 211 OR SWK 202 
Not Satisfied:   GEC GLO 5D. Students will demonstrate knowledge of essential components of moral reasoning and ethical behavior. (RQ9556)

Description
Units: 3.00 required, 0.00 taken, 3.00 needed
The following courses may be used to satisfy this requirement:
Course Description Grade Status
View Course List
GEC-GLO 5D
 
5E. POS 101, POS 211, OR POS 332 Collapsible section 5E. POS 101, POS 211, OR POS 332 
BACHELOR OF LIBERAL STUDIES - MAJOR REQUIREMENTS Collapsible section BACHELOR OF LIBERAL STUDIES - MAJOR REQUIREMENTS 
Not Satisfied:   *NOTE: THIS DPR IS NOT CURRENTLY FUNCTIONING ACCURATELY. PLEASE SEE YOUR ACADEMIC SUCCESS COACH TO ENSURE YOU ARE MEETING ALL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS.*

Students must complete an UMPI minor consisting of at least 18 credit hours with a minimum of 6 upper-level credits. Students must also take a minimum of 24 credit hours of upper-level electives beyond courses taken for the general education core and minor requirements. Total credit hours for the degree must be no less than 120 credit hours. A GPA of 2.0 must be maintained as well. (RG13736)

BLS - LIBERAL STUDIES REQUIREMENTS
Not Satisfied:   Students must select a Minor with a minimum of 18 credit hours. Students must also take a minimum of 24 credit hours of upper-level electives (300-400 level) beyond courses taken for the GEC and minor requirements to earn this degree. (RQ9572)

Students must maintain a GPA of 2.0 for all requirements.

Description
GPA: 2.000 required, 0.000 actual
ELECTIVE REQUIREMENTS Collapsible section ELECTIVE REQUIREMENTS 
Not Satisfied:   Select at least 24 credit hours of upper level electives. These will represent courses beyond courses already taken for the GEC and Minor selection. (RQ9572)

*Please check with your Academic Success Coach for YourPace upper level offerings.*

Description
Units: 24.00 required, 12.00 taken, 12.00 needed
The following courses may be used to satisfy this requirement:
Course Description Units When Grade Notes Status
View Course List
ELECTIVE REQUIREMENTS
 
 
 
BUS 321
Human Resource Management
3.00
2026 Spring
 
In Progress
BUS 335
Organizational Behavior
3.00
2026 Spring
T
 
Taken
BUS 440
Business Analytics
3.00
2026 Spring
T
 
Taken
GEL 3XX
General Elective
3.00
2026 Spring
T
01
Taken
View All | Zoom        First Show previous row (inactive button) 1-5 of 5 Show next row (inactive button) Last 
MANAGEMENT MINOR Collapsible section MANAGEMENT MINOR 
Not Satisfied:   Complete the following requirements for 18 credit hours to earn the minor in Management. (RG5159)

*NOTE: The student must satisfy 9 **distinct credit hours** in the minor area that are independent from the major area of study.

MANAGEMENT MINOR
Not Satisfied:   Management Minor Requirements (RQ2301)

Description
GPA: 2.250 required, 0.000 actual
MANAGEMENT MINOR - REQUIRED Collapsible section MANAGEMENT MINOR - REQUIRED 
Not Satisfied:   Complete the following courses to satisfy this requirement for the Management minor: (RQ2301)

*BUS141, BUS260, BUS321, BUS415, PCJ215

Description
Courses: 5 required, 3 taken, 2 needed
The following courses may be used to satisfy this requirement:
Course Description Units When Grade Notes Status
BUS 141
Intro to Project Management
3.00
2026 Spring
 
In Progress
BUS 260
Leadership
3.00
2026 Spring
 
In Progress
BUS 321
Human Resource Management

*** view multiple offerings
3.00
 
BUS 415
Operations Management

*** view multiple offerings
3.00
 
PCJ 215
Business Communication
3.00
2026 Spring
T
 
Taken

MANAGEMENT MIN - ELECTIVES Collapsible section MANAGEMENT MIN - ELECTIVES

Hi,

I'm considering this school to do an MBA but in searching the forums here, it doesn't appear to a lot.  The tuition is only $11,000 for TX residents but $30,000 for out of state.  Is that why?

Has anyone here done the MBA at this school, or currently doing it? I would love get some feedback on what the program is like.

I'm looking at the International Banking and Finance concentration.

I'm also looking at Eastern University. I'm now finishing up the MS Data Science there so I know what the school is like.  The only other school I'm considering is LSU Shreveport.  They have a Finance concentration.  They are the most expensive of the 3 schools.

I hadn't heard of this until just today, so thought I'd share: Hillsdale College, a private Christian school, offers a free Master of Classical Education if you study in-person. It sounds like they only accept 20 students per year, but for someone who's interested and willing to locate to south Michigan, it could be a great deal!

https://classicalgrad.hillsdale.edu/ma-d...le-college