Hello, I am new here and have been reading posts. Lots of good information. I have 15 years experience in IT/Tech Support work. I am currently working for AT&T, doing tier 3 escalation work as a network analyst/engineer in the IT Network Operations department. I have my CCNA and an associates degree from Clark College in Vancouver Washington. I would like to get my Bachelor's degree but am not sure where to go. Is there any advantage to enroll at a local school in case I have to take some classes on campus, or does it really matter? I think my employer will pay for my schooling as long as its an accredited school.
Is your intent to have your BA or BS be your terminal degree or will you be continuing on past it to Masters level?
For someone with as much experience as you have, Western Governor's University might be a good choice ... their progams are basically "go at your own pace" so if you already have all/most of the knowledge you can (in theory) speed right through them. Of course it also depends how fast WGU is able to process your work ... but check 'em out: http://www.wgu.edu/degrees_and_programs They offer several specializations in IT: Networks Administration, Networks Design and Management, Databases, Security, Software, Health Informatics WGU is regionally accredited and also DETC accredited. (I have no connection to the school and have never taken courses there, I've just heard about it from this forum and elsewhere.)
Woodlander, presuming your name means what I think it does (a town stradding I-5) I would advise making the effort to attend Portland State or WSU Vancouver. One of the advantages that B&M students have over distance students is the strength of personal networks built among classmates.
I agree with your assessment, provided it's not the last school he attends. Also, if you're not ready to jump through hoops at the whim of graders you'll need to re-think your choices. I had no issues, but I'd been through an undergrad program before. Two of my employees are currently having tons of problems with graders.. but it's largely their own fault. If it's the only school he's going to attend I'd strongly recommend UMass or any other B&M that does distance learning and leave WGU alone. The alum network is weak and the name alone isn't going to open any doors on the east coast of the US. Maybe if the OP is really on the west coast, it may.
Do you have any other certs? Charter Oak and Excelsior offer credits for the certifications. They can also be schools to look at if you want the degree fast and can opt for testing out. If you plan to go on to a masters this is a goodd choice. If you plan to stop at the BS/BA level, perhaps something with stonger name recognition.
www.fhsu.edu/int I speak from experience when I say that it is a great institution and most prof's are very accommodating to distance learners.