This post is actually for my brother. He has approx 30-35 credits from Eastern Washington University, but they are over 10-years old. He has been working in IT for the past 16 years and has a lot of expereince. He is currently a PMP and employed as a Corp. I.T. Manager. We are trying to find a degree online for him (He works in Houston) that he can complete within the next 18-24 months. He used to have CNA/CNE from Novel but I think he let them expire. My question is this: Is there a program, preferrably online, that he can complete (IT, BBA, ??)within our required timeframe? I am sure that he can get some credit for his PMP certificate. What about PLA's from TESC, or Excelsior? I am posting this on two boards here to maximize our exposure. Thank you very much for the help. PS He has been riding the IT wave/Dot.com wave for a while and has had some moments of great financial success along with periods of prolonged unemployment (as I am sure is the case for most IT people) so we are looking to shore up his experience with some "paper". Thanks, Cory
The trick here is what you define as "online" - it may be tough to do 90+ credits via an online program in the next 18-24 months, but probably doable. Does he have a budget? Many online colleges aren't cheap (like University of Phoenix). I did 120 credits in about a year with Excelsior, but none of it was considered "online" as I had to take proctored exams, which generally requires centers close by to take CLEP, DANTES, ECE and TECEP exams. I'd imagine that Houston has a fair share of local colleges to do this, and if he can get out early once in a while (or during his lunch hour) he can knock off exams. This approach also requires some prior knowledge in a variety of subjects and an aptitude for these types of tests. I'm not sure a degree is as critical for him as for other people as your brother has his PMP - however, a business degree would be a nice complement. Excelsior, COSC and TESC will likely take at least some of his prior credit. Regardless of his direction, my best suggestion is to get started - the sooner he starts the sooner he finishes. Cheers, Mark
Western Governors University has the following: http://www.wgu.edu/information_technology/project_management_bachelor_degree.asp "The B.S. in Information Technology—Project Management allows you to use your existing project management certification toward the completion of your bachelor's degree. Combined, your PMP and bachelor's degree make your resume dramatically stronger and boost your career and professional opportunities. Note: Incoming students should already possess their PMP certification. " Maria
Thanks for the replies I am pretty sure that my brother can test out of quite a few classes through CLEP's and such. We have looked at Excelsior and TESC. Maria, WGU's program looks promising since they take the PMP exam to count towards the degree. I see that you are enrolled in a program at WGU. How has your experience been so far? How much work is involved in taking an average course load? Have you had any contact with WGU graduates? Have they indicated how the degree is received for graduate admissions? Thanks Cory
There was a discussion that may help you here: http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21710 The amount of work depends on the student's level of experience. There are several competencies that someone with knowledge and experience can 'test out' of. There are also practical assessments that usually require enrolling in an online class. These typically last from 1 to 2 months. I don't know how well received the program is when applying for graduate admissions but I'm sure that someone at WGU can help you with that. Maria
Thank you! for all of the help. I really want my brother to finish his degree, I know how excited I was when I completed mine. I think he is on board with testing out of as many credits as he can, but since his employeer will pay only for classes, and not the test he is going to take a few GER/GUR's at a local CC in Houston to get the ball rolling. From there he will decide on which way to go for the B.S. Thanks again...
The best < 24 month "paper" is Oxford Univeristy's online Diploma in Computing. Carries tremendous perceived value in the US - rightly or wrongly.
