Decisions, decisions

Discussion in 'IT and Computer-Related Degrees' started by Ronin Distance, Nov 21, 2008.

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  1. Ronin Distance

    Ronin Distance Rojiura no Uchuu Shōnen

    Just wondering if you guys, in your vast knowledge, could tell me a little more about the following schools:

    -Fort Hays State University
    -Limestone College
    -Mountain State University

    All three feature a program of study with a heavy emphasis on web design/e-business, and are affordable when it comes to tuition. Have any of you guys studied there? What have been your experience? If you could recommend one over the other, which would it be? And why? I'm rather partial to Limestone, since they offer a lot of internet-related courses, but their website seems so bare-bones. Can anyone provide some info about this particular school? I know I ask a lot of questions; thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
     
  2. Ronin Distance

    Ronin Distance Rojiura no Uchuu Shōnen

    Adding a couple of questions to my own post:

    1. Is getting a bachelor's degree truly the best way to learn web design/e-business, or is it better to get a "traditional" degree in CS, and learn these skills "on the side"? Are there any online resources you could recommend for the aspiring web designer?

    2. Of all the schools offering degrees in computer science, which one do you guys believe offers the most "complete" program? And why?

    Once again, thanks in advance, and sorry for the lack of clarity; it's rather late, and I'm watching a movie that resonates with me in so many ways, it's almost scary. :eek:
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 21, 2008
  3. BlueMason

    BlueMason Audaces fortuna juvat

    Well, I'm a senior @ FHSU - started the program in June of 2005 and will graduate next December ( I went from FT student to part time). My emphasis is on Computer Networking but I've taken a couple of web design courses and, in my former life, was a graphic/web designer (programmer, translator, PC sales/service/maintenance, infosec consultant).

    The curriculum is demanding, the courses vary in difficulty, the staff is rather knowledgable and approachable and I would rate my overall experience @ FHSU as quite enjoyable and rewarding. Every course was entirely online with only very few being proctored.

    Now to hit post #2:
    1) If you want to go into web site design / development, then no, you'll set yourself up for failure due to the (mostly) heavy emphasis on programming and math. Get a degree which will provide you with the skill set you're looking for.

    2) See answer to #1.

    Let me know if there are any further questions I can answer re FHSU, but again, my experience has been excellent and as you mentioned, the tuition is quite affordable (there is a high likelihood I'll be enrolling into APU and the tuition is quite a bit steeper - so yes, FHSU's tuition rox :))
     
  4. Ronin Distance

    Ronin Distance Rojiura no Uchuu Shōnen

    I know FHSU also has a Web Development emphasis on their INT degree. According to your experience (and the couple of classes you have taken), do the courses offer a decent introduction for someone with very little knowledge in this field?

    If I could ask about the proctored courses, did you need to go to a testing center, or is it just a matter of finding a suitable proctor? Also, are there a lot of tests, or is it more practical?

    Going a little further into my reasons for wanting a web design emphasis on my degree; I hope to one day make a living running a couple of e-business websites, probably combined with translation, editing, and EBay. Since most of this will probably be done online, I want a degree that will give me a solid foundation in which to build on. Thanks for the great advice, and good luck in all your future endeavors. :)
     
  5. BlueMason

    BlueMason Audaces fortuna juvat

    Answer your first question: Indeed they do, you'll get a thorough foundation as there are lots of hands-on exercises which build your expertise.

    I've only had 3 proctored courses thus far and my supervisor @ work acted as the proctor - FHSU is quite accomodating that way. Only the exams themselves were proctored and they thoroughly tested your knowledge base...you can't wing it, if you don't know your material, you're SOL.

    Well, I can speak for FHSU and there is no question that you would get an excellent education with a solid foundation. FHSU has an excellent reputation and they have it due to their demanding course work. I couldn't be more pleased with FHSU and would not hesitate to go back for another degree if they offered what I was looking for in graduate studies.
     
  6. ironwarrior

    ironwarrior New Member

    Second hand comments about Mountain State University.

    MSU has a branch about 50 miles from my house, and I did consider them for the B.S. portion of my CS degree. The Community College I go to even has an articulation agreement so transfer is seamless.

    BUT, I was talking to the President of the CC I attend regarding going to MSU to pick up some classes I needed that aren't offered in the Spring. I told him I was chagrined at how expensive MSU was for in-state, though, I know they are a private college. The President then told me something suprising: "Be wary of MSU right now as they have had some accreditation issues." I found it interesting he would say that due to the articulation agreement.

    True? I don't know. Maybe their are some internal political struggles within my state and MSU. I know people who have graduated from MSU and haven't had problems, but I also know some people who have had issues.

    May be nothing, but I just thought you ought to be aware. Personally. I hope their aren't any problems since I can opt for DL or on-site courses due to the location.
     
  7. Ronin Distance

    Ronin Distance Rojiura no Uchuu Shōnen

    Oddly enough, I have heard about this as well. Not sure where. Probably here. I even asked them about it. They said the usual stuff, "we are fully accredited, there is no problem, blah, blah, blah", but I've been wary about them myself for that very same reason. It's a shame, really. Their CS program is one of the best in distance education, and they even offer some advance correspondence courses in biology, another subject I like. Oh well, c'est la vie. Thanks for the confirmation.
     
  8. lawrenceq

    lawrenceq Member

    You sound just like me. I decided to go with Fort Hays. I'm already for my spring classes. I'm taking 6-hrs to get my feet wet. If I like how things are going I will stick with FHSU. If not, I will find another school.
     

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