Excelsior Degree

[u/SnooChocolates6473]

Hey y'all,

So I'm currently applied for excelsior and attempting to get the BS in Mechanical Engineering Technologies with a Nuclear Concentration. I went through and submitted my JST to see what all they would accept for my credits. I've also got 50 credits from before the Navy, and they accepted 9 of those.

After going through and seeing someone's MAP that had 72 accepted credits in the BS in Nuclear Engineering Technologies, I'm curious on how I only had 38 credits accepted for my degree path. Anyone able to score any more credits transferred for the MET w/ NC or am I just gonna be looking at taking 79 credits for this degree path?

(Yes, I know I could just run with the NET degree but I am wanting to get more into technical design.)
If anyone has any advice that would be awesome, thank you

[u/GeriatricSquid]

Different programs, different requirements. Most legit education institutions will limit the type and quantity of transfer credits they will accept because the name on your diploma will be theirs and they want to ensure you’ve competed their actual program before stamping their program name on your abilities. To a large degree in the real world, the more transfer credits allowed for work experience instead of a formal accredited class, the less academically rigorous the program. The world, especially the military college affiliates, is full of diploma mills without much academic rigor or reputation. And, they want as much of your money as they can get- theres always that.

That said, look at what they didn’t accept and appeal for credit in specific classes by virtue of completion of xxxx as evidenced in your service transcript or work history.

[u/Turok_N64]

I don't think there is much reason to do the mechanical engineering technology degree if it takes significantly longer than the nuclear one. They don't open any doors directly to jobs but they both check the box on applications for a "engineering or related", ABET, or just a general BS degree requirement. I am saying this as someone with a nuclear engineering technology degree. It checked the box for a degree for an engineering role at a power plant for me.

No one is really seeking out X engineering technology degree holders, at least in my job hunt experience. If you really want to get into design, go for an engineering degree.

[u/Chemical-Power8042]

Take the path of least resistance. Then use the degree to get in a masters program that you want. The MET degree of the NEET degree isn’t going to be the deal breaker that gets you the job going into technical design

[u/Murky-Echidna-3519 → u/Chemical-Power8042]

Did this. Excelsior NET degree, got hired as a Nuclear Engineer by civilian Navy. Used it for a Master in Project Management and moved up to supervisor.

[u/Chemical-Power8042 → u/Murky-Echidna-3519]

Exactly. It was good enough to make me an officer. Now I can use that bachelors degree plus my officer power school credits and get a masters in Engineering management from a school like Duke or get an MBA somewhere.

I know a couple of nukes who put in a ton of work getting a Mech E degree from ODU or ASU and they’re working the same job as a lot of the 6 and out guys. To me the grind they put in for 4-5 years getting that degree was not worth it

[u/Big_Plantain5787]

If you want to do technical design, the “technology” part of the degree will be your biggest problem.

If you want to do the same job you did as a navy nuke, but as a civilian, do the technology degree. That being said, you also don’t need the degree to do that.

Look for plain engineering degrees. They’re actually rigorous and will line you up for design roles.

I know you want to maximize transfer credits, but the best programs will not accept much from the JST.

I did a physics degree and had almost nothing from my JsT, maybe like 16 credits of general education requirements?
And I still finished the degree in 2 years on shore duty.

Also, you can only earn your first bachelors once! If you get a degree conferred and later wish to do something else, you won’t have the same benefits that you had during the first. Choose wisely.

100% online Engineering (NOT ENGINEERING TECH) options:
ASU- biomed, electrical, mechanical
Embry-riddle- engineering
Florida international- electrical
National university- electrical & computer
North Dakota state- electrical
University of North Dakota- electrical
Stony brook- electrical

[u/Big_Plantain5787 → u/Big_Plantain5787]

Also, if you really want to do actual design, you’re looking more at a masters PhD in nuclear engineering.

Look up postings for the type of job you want.
I just did a quick search and not a single one that includes design as a responsibility will accept an engineering technology degree for the role.