Editing Pierpont to UMPI Degree Plan (section)

=== Area of Emphasis ===
It is strongly suggested that students pursuing a [http://catalog.umpi.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=3&poid=240&returnto=120 BAS at UMPI] choose an Area of Emphasis in Information Systems. At Pierpont, this requires 15 or more credits in the desired AoE. Another AoE, aside from Information Systems, can be chosen, but students should still obtain enough technical credits to be able to pursue the BAS. For UMPI, students must have at least 40 [https://www.umpi.edu/academics/applied-science/future-careers/ technical credits] in order to access the BAS path. 

Students who have obtained an AAS but who did not obtain any computer or technology credits along the way have previously been denied the ability to pursue the BAS. Suggestions are as follows:

==== Information Systems ====

{| class="wikitable" style="width:80%"
|-
! style="width:30%" | Recommended Course to Take !! style="width:10%" | Credits !! style="width:60%" | Touchstones (Assignments), if [[Sophia.org]]/Notes & important info
|-
| Google Data Analytics Certificate - [[Coursera]] || 12 || Multiple labs & quizzes. Counts for BUS-245 + COS electives at UMPI.
|-
| Google IT Professional Certificate - [[Coursera]] || 12 || Multiple labs & quizzes; a diligent student can complete this in a month or less. 
|-
| Google UX Design Certificate - [[Coursera]] || 10 || Multiple labs & quizzes.
|-
| IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate - [[Coursera]] || 10 || Multiple labs & quizzes.
|-
| Introduction to Programming with Python || 3 || 1 - Python is an easier programming language, so this shouldn't be a very difficult course even for students who haven't previously done any programming. 
|-
| Introduction to Relational Databases || 3 || 0+ - Course is quite lengthy, involved and not recommended for UMPI students unless the extra 3 credits are really needed. 
|-
| Introduction to Web Development || 3 || 0 - Course can be completed in a matter of hours. CS elective at UMPI.

|}

It is known that Pierpont gives the full 12 credits for the Google IT Professional Certificate, but it is currently unknown how UMPI brings this course in. It may only be worth 3 credits at UMPI (the same as at [[Thomas Edison State University|TESU]]) and it will almost certainly only fill general electives. Students should plan accordingly. This is still a quick, easy, and free (through [[Coursera|The American Dream Academy]]) way to get an Area of Emphasis at Pierpont.

==== Business ====

{| class="wikitable" style="width:80%"
|-
! style="width:30%" | Recommended Course to Take !! style="width:10%" | Credits !! style="width:60%" | Touchstones (Assignments), if [[Sophia.org]]/Notes & important info
|-
| Google Project Management Certificate - [[Coursera]] || 9 || Multiple labs & quizzes. Not recommended for students desiring a PM minor/concentration from UMPI.
|-
| Accounting - [[Sophia.org]] || 3 || 0 - Intro to Financial Accounting at UMPI.
|-
| Business Law - [[Sophia.org]] || 3 || 1 - Takes 1-2 hours to research sources, then another 2-3 hours (depending on writing ability) to assemble a competent Touchstone. (Possibly) LL Business Law at UMPI.
|-
| Introduction to Business - [[Sophia.org]] || 3 || 0 - BUS-101 at UMPI
|-
| Principles of Finance - [[Sophia.org]] || 3 || 0 - (Possibly) LL Financial Management at UMPI.
|-
| Corporate Communication OR Organizational Behavior OR Principles of Marketing - [[Saylor Academy]] || 3 || Saylor's exams are reportedly tough. Students are advised to be very familiar with the subject material before attempting an exam.
|}

Principles of Management is listed as being an upper level class in the [[American Council on Education|ACE]] guide. Students may attempt to complete this course instead of the Saylor courses, but the Touchstone for Principles of Management appears to be quite involved for students who are just looking for quick and easy credit.

UMPI students are strongly advised to avoid the Project Management course at Sophia. This is because the Sophia course replaces ''BUS 141: Introduction to Project Management with Microsoft Projects'' at UMPI. The final project for BUS-141 is a requirement to be able to complete two upper level Project Management courses for students who decide to complete either the concentration or minor in Project Management at UMPI.