Editing PUG Professional Studies Degree Plan (section)

== Professional Studies Degree Plan ==
This is a [https://catalog.purdueglobal.edu/undergraduate/general-education/professional-studies-bs/#degreeplantext Professional Studies Degree] plan for [[Purdue University Global]] (PUG) as of approximately February of 2022. Please make sure that the suggestions are still valid before beginning to follow this plan.

The alternative credit courses were handpicked using experience from previous students as to what courses will be the easiest and quickest courses to take. In places with multiple courses listed, the first course is assumed to be the fastest/easiest course to take.

=== Special Notes on This Degree ===
The idea for getting this degree came from this '''[https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-Ridiculously-Easy-Associates-Degree-Purdue-University-Global thread]'''.

'''Keep in mind this degree'''

* This degree doesn't qualify for financial aid, cash only
* There is a limited amount of courses you can take

'''Why this degree was suggested is because:'''

# Cost of under $4000 vs $8400 for ExcelTrack
# Easy to gather credits fast with [https://www.purdueglobal.edu/alternative-college-credits/it-certification-exams/ IT cert exams]
# Can rep as a Computer Studies type of degree on your resume
W3schools PHP, Google IT Support and AWS Cloud Practitioner Foundational was the suggested certifications to get since those are some of easiest which can be done in under 2 weeks each. 

Doing exactly 5 UL courses with PUG and 3LL courses will equal exactly 35 credits which is the min you have to do.

'''Cost Breakdown ([https://www.purdueglobal.edu/tuition-financial-aid/professional-studies-tuition-and-fees/ Link to Costs Page])'''

$975 Monthly fees (5 months @ $195 per month)

$800 Assessment Fees

$2200 Capstone fee

'''$3975 Total'''

=== Tips on Order in Which to Complete Courses ===
Start with CLEP, then Sophia.  Sophia only allows 2 courses open at one time so don't have 2 courses that have touchstones (written assignments) open at the same time.  Once done with Sophia, do the certifications, then Study.com courses.

Doing a '''concentration''' for this degree is optional.  

=== How Long Will It Take To Complete This Degree Once I Finish All the Alterative Credits? ===
How long to complete depends on a variety of factors such as experience, time commitment, the efficiency of studying, etc. Considering you spend at least 20 hours a week on your studies, it should take 3-6 months to complete this degree.  

=== Source of Credit ===

This degree plan was made using the following sources to map out all the alternative credits.

[https://www.purdueglobal.edu/alternative-college-credits/external-assessments/ Alternative Credits List]

[https://study.com/college/school/purdue-university-global.html Study.com Equivalent Guide]

[https://www.purdueglobal.edu/alternative-college-credits/it-certification-exams/ It Certification Exams Equivalent Guide]