(CCNA VS MCSE) or maybe a BSCS

Discussion in 'IT and Computer-Related Degrees' started by Xarick, Jan 31, 2005.

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  1. Xarick

    Xarick New Member

    I am going back to college at 31 and with a wife and kids I must do it online (or never see my family again)

    For IT I was looking at Fort Hays or Western Governors

    I see that fort hays offers a BS in Networking and telecommunications with the ability to work towards a CCNA (also the ability to work towards a CCNP but since I cannot attend their campus I would instead take their unix/linux or web programming option).

    Western Governors on the other hand offers a BS in information technology with the ability to obtain your MCSE (these guys even pay for the test).

    Both Schools are resonably priced. I am wondering which would be the better for a job as a network administrator?

    However, I may just go pure CS

    For BSCS the only two BSCS schools I see as viable based on my background are REGIS or Franklin.

    Western Governors also offers a BS in computer information systems that is geared more towards programming in business. I had also considered that option since it was considerably cheaper.

    Any thoughts on Regis, franklin or the CIS from Western Governors.

    (Troy state while highly touted here to me seems to not be a CS degree at all but rather a CIS degree and a loose one at that. University of springfield needs prereqs for entry into their program that I would be unable to obtain easily, and florida state is out of my leaque both by price and by the fact that I have no foreign language)
     
  2. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    First, what is your background now?
    MCSE is for network administrators dealing with operating systems, rights to files, printing, email, databases, etc. and CCNA deals mostly with networking connectivity, security, communcation.

    CCNA is a much harder test with nmore advanced topics. I have my MCSE NT 4.0, MCP+I, MCSA, N+, A+. I took the CCNA test and score a 720 (or something like that). Passing is 850 so I failed. 720 would pass any Microsift test I took...I think.

    Bottom line- what is your skill set? What are you interested in?
     
  3. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    Also, the CCNA requires more hands on experience to pass the test. CCNA is one tough test. MCSE is seven tests that are not easy, but not as hard as the Cisco exam.
     
  4. Xarick

    Xarick New Member

    I dont have a background as such.. I am working towards moving into a new field. One that has really just been a hobby up till now.
     
  5. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    I would go for the basics first. A+ and Network+ and great starting certs. MCP/MCSE can come later.

    Focus on the basics. Many people have gotten MCSE's from Boot Camps. they take crash courses, pass the tests, and can not network two computers.
     
  6. JimS

    JimS New Member

    If you have your heart on becoming a network administrator (which is what I am) then go with the MCSE and the cheapest school possible. Having the degree opens a lot of doors. The MCSE alone opens a few doors, but locks you into recertifying everytime a new Microsoft OS comes out. Some people on this forum have been arguing about what is better (CIS, MIS, CS, ect.). Most of the time, it doesn't matter. The BA or BS is just a check box on the HR checklist to meet the minimum job requirements. The MCSE and almost any technical degree will get you an interview (but maybe not for a network administrator job, you may have to start working the Help Desk to get experience to augment your credentials).
    Good Luck.
    JimS
    BSc, MCSE, MCP+I, Citrix Certified Administrator
     
  7. jimnagrom

    jimnagrom New Member

    I concur.
     
  8. B.N.

    B.N. Member

    I have both the MCSE and CCNA.

    The CCNA test is more difficult than one Microsoft test. Cisco requires you to take periodic tests so as to maintain certification. With Microsoft you need to keep up to date with the newest OS.

    The IT Industry is not the same as it used to be. 5 years ago a MCSE or CCNA was a ticket through the door ... today ... by themselves .. they won't get you very far without hard work and luck. A Bachelor's degree will get you much farther in the long run.

    Fort Hays is good because AFAIK you can get your CCNA while completing their degree.

    Brandon
     
  9. Xarick

    Xarick New Member

    Do you guys think CCNA or MCSE is gonna get me the better job? The one thing I like about the fort hayes degree is that along with the CCNA I can also get trained in unix/linux administration.
     
  10. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    Without experience, neither one alone will get you a job.
     
  11. B.N.

    B.N. Member

    I'm sure most of us agree with Randell. The IT Market is not easy to get into.

    If you really want to work in IT then be prepared to do alot of grunt work. You're going to start at the bottom. Don't expect a MCSE or CCNA or *Certification* to make much of a difference. The 3 biggest factors in IT are: experience, knowledge & connections.

    What do you want to do in IT? Program, Network, Sys Admin?
    Both CCNA and MCSE can be a good START in the IT world ... but they are only entry level .....

    CCIE (Ciscos highest Cert) is the highest paying Cert in IT. But you don't get from CCNA to CCIE just by underlining books.

    I think things like IP Telephony and Security will be around for awhile. Focus on becoming some sort of specialist. Find something you like and stick with it.

    Good Luck!
    Brandon
     
  12. B.N.

    B.N. Member

    oh, and Unix/Linux knowledge is also a plus ... Fort Hayes may be good for you ....
     
  13. BlueMason

    BlueMason Audaces fortuna juvat

    After doing some researching and basically being in the same shoes ( 32, married with kids and to moved ahead need a degree) I looked at various schools...

    I had my sights set on Champlain but the cost took that out for me ( 7330 per semester ).

    I am very seriously looking at FHSU and their Bachelors of Science in INT. Their prices seem -very- reasonable, even though the chap I spoke to on the phone did not seem to have any idea ( Josh ) but he tried... :)


    I have A+, Network+ & i-NET+ now, I'll be taking the Linux+ next month and then into LPI Certs - but the Certs alone are not good enough.

    FHSU is RA - so there would be no probs getting a Masters from any other school, right? :)
     
  14. marcuscarey

    marcuscarey New Member

    It depends on what you want to do. MCSE and CCNA are almost two separate career paths. The CCNA is more for computer networking and telecommunications field. The MCSE is more for systems administrators. Although they are closely related they are in most large organizations two separate disciplines. Try to find out which you are most interested in systems or communication.

    Education (BSCS) is more valuable in the long haul. You've probably heard certs expire, degrees don't. It's good you are thinking about both.

    Take care and good luck!
     
  15. BlueMason

    BlueMason Audaces fortuna juvat

    Most Certs expire - CompTIA Certs are good for life. Also, many schools accept CompTIA Certs and give you credit for them.

    Microsoft also gives credit ( A+ & Network+) towards their MCSE I believe, so it's one less exam to take for that Cert.

    My opinion is that to have both is to forge ahead :)
     
  16. marcuscarey

    marcuscarey New Member

    I agree with you BlueMason certifications are important.

    I should have said that degrees hold there value much more than certifications. I believe that certifications are excellent to prove that you possess certain skills or knowledge. When I was transitioning out the military I held CCNA, CCNP, and CCDA. It worked, I attained a great job. Since then, I have let those expire because I don't need them at this point in my career.

    I am scheduled to the CISSP next week. I have also built my own lab of routers to attempt the CCIE certification lab in the next year. I feel that these would advance my career. In my opinion that is what certifications are for.

    In the short term certifications can open doors. In the long run degrees are much more important.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 21, 2005

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