Hi, I am interested in get a BS in Information Technology online. Right now I have a BS in Economics and MS in Business but I want to learn computer programming and database management so I can use it at work. I have been looking and I almost applied at UOP but after reading this forum about them I am not so sure. I will really appreciate names of schools that I can look into the to get my degree. Thanks
I am in a similar situation, I have a BA in International Development Studies, and want a degree in information technology or computer science. If I were you however, I would look at master's programs, not only would this look better on a resume, but there are far more prestigious Masters programs online. If you have the math background and a few classes in computer science, try the MS in Computer Science from USC: http://den.usc.edu It is a very highly regarded program and the degree is 100% the same as someone who attends in person. If not, try the information technology route. Boston University has a good program: http://www.buonlinemasters.com. I ended up deciding on Harvard Extension School: http://www.extension.harvard.edu . They have a master's of liberal arts in information technology that is less expensive than some of the other schools and it's Harvard. The only catch: although all classes couldbe taken online they require that you spend at least one semester or one summer in Boston, but you only need to take one class during that time and summer session is only 8 weeks long. There are other masters programs for CS such as University of Illinois and Southern Methodist University. Checkout www.onlineuc.net it has a lot of info, or search through the degreeinfo.com search here. Also, if you need a BS ... Cal State Chico has an online ABET accredited CS program University of Illinois has a CS program but it is not accredited. I don't know about other people in these forums, but I would definitely feel better about putting a degree on my resume from a respected university than from a university that is known for online degrees. Breakdown: Harvard Extension PROS Highly respected (its HARVARD) Easy admission process (take three classes and do well [I think above 3.0]) Inexpensive (relative to similar programs) CONS Have to spend 8 weeks in boston/cambridge Degree is an "ALM" (master of liberal arts) not an MS USC PROS Highly respected Completely online Same degree as on-campus students CONS Highly respected More difficult admissions (Math, CS req's and GRE test) Boston University PROS I don't know, I'm sick of writing, and your sick of reading it, visit those web sites Good Luck, Ron
PS I just looked at your post and noticed you were interested in database management. The program at BU has two options for concentration: Database managemnt and information security. at Harvard, they have: Software Engineering Mathematics and Computation Information Management Systems at USC: Computer Networks Multimedia Software Engineering Also,if you can't make it out to Harvard for the 8 weeks, they have a graduate certificate in applied science where you can have a concentration in: Software Engineering Multimedia and Creative Content Information Systems and Electronic Commerce Computer Science This can be completed all Online
Hi, Thanks for the advice, I was thinking of taking a BS because I have not taken any classes in Computer Science so I thought just trying to get a Master in Computer Science without knowing programming will be very difficult. Now I use at work Ms Access and I create a couple of databases but everything has been by learning by myself so I want to learn to do it the right way. I am going to check the Schools that you told me. One question, do you have any experience in computer programming, if not have you find it difficult now that you are getting your Master or did you have to take some remedial clases. Thanks for all your help
Hello Quito – Several years ago I decided to go for an online degree in an IT-related field. I considered the merits of a bridge MS program but in the end I decided that since I was a real honest-to-Pete neophyte I'd take the BS route. My rationale was to start from the very floor and work up although, as Ron has noted, the prestige of the MS does have an appeal. I don't think there is a right or wrong approach; just do your due diligence in making a selection. I learned some interesting lessons along the way. I enrolled in the UMUC second BS in CIS program; it turned out to be a very disappointing experience and I transferred after only a couple of courses. It proved to be my introduction into what seems to be a bimodal distribution in online IT training. I've taken online IT courses through three schools and in each instance I discovered that the classes were made of of newbies (like me) and talented and in some cases gifted IT types who skipped going to college in favor of going directly into the work force. One instructor referred to this group as “ringers” who for all practical purposes enroll to get another punch in the BS ticket. This group wasn't, per se, a problem; however, their presence did conceal an issue in curriculum design that the department chair refused to acknowledge. I've posted on this experience in other threads so if you want more information on the particulars run a search on my name. I elected to transfer into the UMass Lowell online BS in IS program where my experience was just the opposite. The administration and the faculty acknowledged the bimodal issue and dealt with it. UML faculty were just great about rapid turnaround times – I once waited two weeks for a reply to a question in my discrete math course at UMUC – and most instructors gave out home phone numbers for real time consultation. I absolutely hit the wall in Visual C++; the playing field was just too high for a neophyte. I can't recall the exact numbers but of about 20 students there was only one other newbie. For the most part the class was made up of IT pros and engineers who were taking the course as continuing education. The administration was terrific when I expressed my dilemma. Well into the course and way past the drop date I was permitted to withdraw with full tuition credit with the plan that I would take a community college course at Rio Salado to get up to speed. If you elect the BS route I can without a shadow of reservation recommend UML. Good luck, David
Quito, You're right I did have some programming experience prior to this. There are some remedial classes you could take. Take the wisdom of the above post into consideration. Another option is to enroll in a class at one of these institutions before you get accepted and see how you do. USC and Harvard both offer this, and Harvard requires it. Also many of the courses for the harvard Master's degree can be taken for undergraduate or graduate credit, so you would be taking the same classes, just paying a different amount and in some cases having an added project or assignment for graduate credit. Good luck, Ron PS I should clarify, I am finishing the last courses for my BA this quarter and will enroll in a master's program next term.
