Bachelor of Science Degree Completion Programs

BS Quality Systems Management  
BS Homeland Security

Overview

The NGS Bachelor of Science Degree Completion Programs are designed to provide opportunities for individuals to meet the requirements of an accredited undergraduate degree while employed on a full-time basis.  Students benefit from a curriculum that is sequential, which means that there will never be a time when the next required course is unavailable.   Our Program is unique in that all students begin work on their “major” immediately.  Because every student has earned an Associate Degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution, all are self-motivated professionals who are accustomed to success. Students attend classes one night per week and complete the required Bachelor of Science Project in teams of no more than three persons at the end of the Program. 

Academic Requirements

Overall,120 credits are required to earn the Bachelor of Science degree. Those enrolled can earn 45-credits in just 18 months.  They can also earn up to 15 credits by completing the Experiential Learning Portfolio.   Those 60 credits, added to the minimum 60 credits our new students will bring with them equal the 120 required to graduate as shown below:

Associate Degree (or its equivalent)   60 credits
Experiential Learning Portfolio   15 credits
NGS Degree Program   45 credits

TOTAL

 120 credits

Experiential Learning Portfolio

This document is a compilation of the students’ experiences in work, training, volunteer, and other non-academic activities that qualify for the assignment of college-level credit.  Students are allowed to document the positive, professional and career-related accomplishments they have accumulated after high school to demonstrate that they have – in fact – “learned” outside the normal classroom setting.  Students will be happy to know that many training programs and some seminars qualify for college-level credit as well.  Military personnel will benefit from the formal training they have received at the various levels along their career path because nearly every specialty contains valuable college-level credit.

Credit Assessment

The amount of credit awarded each student is determined using the guidebook that has become the national standard.  The American Council on Education Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences (commonly known as “The ACE Guide”) contains descriptions and credit recommendations for literally thousands of job titles.  That book will allow NGS to accurately determine the amount of credit students have earned and apply them toward degrees.

Frequently Asked Questions


Why does NGS offer a Bachelor of Science Degree Completion Program?

NGS is responding to the many adult working professionals who want a structured, but flexible, program that will allow them to “finally” finish their Bachelor of Science degree program.
Why pursue the Bachelor of Science Degree completion at NGS?

NGS offers work-related projects, completed by teams, instead of the conventional “senior thesis.” Other NGS Alumni report that the work-related project makes them distinct in the marketplace and provides them with a sense of tangible accomplishment.
How long is the Bachelor of Science Degree Program?

Eighteen (18) months.
How many college credits are required to enter the Program?

Every applicant must have earned an Associate Degree from an accredited institution. Official Transcripts must be received before full acceptance status is   granted.

Are applicants with 60 or more credits, but who do not possess an Associate Degree, allowed to enroll?

Yes, but on a case-by-case basis. Those individuals will be required to submit official transcripts of all college-level credit earned.  That documentation will then be reviewed to determine whether the credits fulfill the lower-level (freshman & sophomore) requirements (such as the English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, etc.) necessary to earn the Bachelor of Science degree. If the student has earned the appropriate courses, he or she will be admitted to the Program.
How does the length of the NGS Program compare with those offered by other accredited institutions?

Other programs may advertise a one year program, but only if the applicant brings in 90 or more degree-bearing credits. Applicants who transfer fewer than 90 credits to those programs may not actually finish the requirements necessary for the Bachelor of Science degree.
Why does NGS offer the Bachelor of Science Degree Completion in Quality Systems Management (QSM)?

Quality Systems Management provides students with the broad background in business and a practical operational perspective prized by global employers such as Boeing, United Technologies, NASA and FedEx.
Can I earn higher degrees in Quality Systems Management at NGS?

Yes. NGS offers the both the Masters and doctoral level degrees. (Fall ’08)
What is NGS’ experience in Quality Systems Management?

Since 1993, NGS has remained the only accredited institution whose every degree program provides the core principles and practices of quality systems management. NGS alumni represent more than 300 different organizations from the corporate, government and military sectors.
Why does NGS offer the Bachelor of Science Degree Completion in Homeland Security?

Homeland Security is routinely accepted today as a true body of knowledge, with its own distinct principles and best practices. Many Homeland Security practitioners want the professional esteem and advancement potential that comes with the Bachelor of Science degree.
Can I earn higher degrees in Homeland Security at NGS?

Yes. NGS offers the Masters and doctoral degrees (fall 08)
What is NGS’ experience in Homeland Security?

Since 1993, NGS graduates have represented every branch of our military services. NGS has offered Masters Degree specializations in Homeland Security and now offers the stand-alone degree
Will an NGS advisor answer my questions and review documentation before I apply?

Yes. NGS advisors will gladly meet with applicants to review documentation to be potentially applied for degree-bearing credit, but official documentation is necessary for credit to be formally awarded.
Which courses comprise the curricula?

Bachelors Degree curricula are comprised of three types of courses
1.       Common courses in Quality Systems Management shared by all students at NGS, such as process mapping, data collection and benchmarking;

2.       Degree specialization courses, Examples:   Quality Systems curricula include advanced data analyses, value stream mapping et al.; Homeland Security curricula include principles of homeland security, best practices in homeland security, et al.

3.       Project Assessment and Project Management courses.
I understand that work-related projects replace a conventional Bachelor’s Senior Project. How many students comprise the team?

NGS Project Teams at the Bachelors degree completion level are comprised of three or fewer students. Projects may be completed by a single individual either at the explicit direction of the Project Sponsor or because of the project’s focus on sensitive or proprietary information. Students are strongly encouraged to discuss Project Team constraints with Enrollment Management advisors and faculty advisors as early as possible in the Program.

At what point in their studies do students declare a “major” in either Quality Systems Management or Homeland Security?

Both the Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree Completion in Quality Systems Management and Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree Completion in Homeland Security include the same 4 “foundation” courses during the first semester. The semester culminates in a Bachelors Project (BP1).

At the beginning of BP1, students declare their degree program emphasis.  Students are strongly encouraged to discuss their degree plans with NGS advisors prior to the degree declaration deadline.
Is TOEFL required for certain applicants?

Yes.  The NGS policy is that, every applicant whose native language is not English or whose Associate Degree was earned at a non-US institution, is required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).  NGS Advisors will provide information for those who require assistance.