Build Your Own Degree: Seeking Help in Dire Straits

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges faced by a participant seeking to complete their degree after significant setbacks, including illness and funding issues. The focus is on finding flexible degree options that can accommodate existing credits, particularly in math and science, and the possibility of online programs or transferring to a different institution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses urgency in needing a degree due to missed time and funding constraints, asking for advice on 'build your own' degree options that accept existing credits.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of consulting an academic advisor at the intended institution to explore degree completion options.
  • It is suggested that a degree in education might be feasible given the participant's background in math and science, though this would require additional coursework in education theory and practice-teaching.
  • A participant mentions the possibility of transferring to another college to expedite the degree process, noting that their current institution offers limited support.
  • Another reply discusses the potential for obtaining a BA in Liberal Studies with multiple minors, suggesting that the participant investigate individual major requirements at various universities.
  • One participant points to Evergreen State College as an option, highlighting its flexibility in degree programs and self-directed study opportunities, while cautioning that such paths can be more challenging than they appear.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for personalized guidance from academic advisors and the potential for transferring to another institution. However, there are varying opinions on the best degree paths and the feasibility of online options, indicating that multiple competing views remain.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the variability of degree requirements by institution, the participant's specific circumstances regarding geographical constraints, and the lack of consensus on the best approach to take given the urgency of the situation.

Mathos
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Due to a major setbacks involving illness, I missed out on my junior year. I simply don't have the funding to continue waiting to take the necessary classes and so at this point I just need any degree (lest these past four years be all for naught.)

I have 130 credits, roughly 45-50 in math and science. Does anyone know of a 'build your own' sort of degree that would accept the bulk of my credits? Online, preferably.

I appreciate any help, I'm in dire straits.
 
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This varies completely by university - you need to talk to your advisor.
 


As Vanadium suggests, you need the help of an advisor at the institution at which you intend to finish your degree. If you think you might enjoy teaching, you probably have enough of the core credits to get a degree in education. You'll need to take a lot of courses on the theory of education, etc, to make that work (don't worry, they are "gut" courses, mostly), and spend maybe a semester doing practice-teaching at least part time. That requirement will probably vary by state, but if you have a solid foundation in math and sciences, you would be highly sought-after by many high schools. Good luck.
 


Sorry, I meant I would be willing to transfer to a college in order to expedite the process (my school doesn't really offer me much help).
 


Mathos said:
Sorry, I meant I would be willing to transfer to a college in order to expedite the process (my school doesn't really offer me much help).

You can start by looking at the individual major requirements at your university and find the degree that your credits will most easily satisfy. It's time-consuming, but you should do it. For example, and I just found this out, at my school, you can get a BA in Liberal Studies with three minors. ha ha. I think one has to be science and the others non-science.
 


Mathos said:
Sorry, I meant I would be willing to transfer to a college in order to expedite the process (my school doesn't really offer me much help).

Well, I don't think they have much available online, and I don't know what geographical constraints you have. But this school

http://www.evergreen.edu/

is very flexible about degree programs. They are open to allowing self-study, if you have a subject you want to study but can't find an institution that offers it.

One thing to keep in mind, some students get the idea that because they're flexible and allow self-directed study, that it's an easy path. In fact students who choose to go that way usually find it much more challenging than more traditional routes.
 

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