Greetings! I'm debating the possibility doing a distance learning IT program. I've looked at several and am considering Baker College or another such distance program, as I work full time and a night/weekend program isn't available locally. At present, I hold a B.S. in Business Administration from McNeese State University, and presently hold the following certifications: CompTIA A+ Certified Computer Technician Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer Microsoft Certified Professional + Internet I have also done some programming and database work, and have had coursework in PASCAL, FORTRAN, and Visual Basic. I am also a licensed ham radio operator. I'm looking for opinions of participants in this program, as well as the marketability of the degree upon earning it. I do understand distance learning isn't easy learning and requires alot of independent study, but at the same time, I did my MCSE and A+ entirely on my own through hands on and book study, as well as working with a group of friends. Looking for tips. Thanks. 73, Jonathan Helis, KB5IAV MCSE, MCP+Internet, CompTIA A+
CompTIA A+ Sorry, I cannot help you on this; but , tell me how useful has been the CompTIA A+ certificate ?
I have just completed my BS in Technology & Business from Charter Oak State College. I also have my MCSE, MCSA, MCP+I, N+, and A+. I have looked into several gradute programs and have decided to get my MS-ITM from Touro International University (www.tourou.edu). The program looks very good and there has been a lot of positive comments about the school. It is also very reasonable. It cost 10.6K and that includes books (military or former military get a 25% discount). Hope this helps.
Re: CompTIA A+ To answer your question, not useful at all. Ditto for the MCSE I earned around the same time, not useful. Sorry I couldn't give better news.
Re: Re: CompTIA A+ I've also had no use for my A+ certification. If you have programming and database experience, you'll make more money doing those things, and the A+ cert really doesn't seem to relate unless maybe you're hired to be "the computer person" for a small company or something. I only took the exam on a lark because my employer at the time suggested that we get it and offered to pay for it, so I decided to see if I could pass it without any study, which I did. That was in 1996, so it's probably changed quite a bit since then (the exam that I took was even pretty outdated for the time).
It was unclear from your post if you are looking for another Bachelor degree or pursuing a Master's degree. Since you already have a bachelor degree, I am assuming you are looking into a Master's degree program. I question the value of a second bachelor's degree in another field unless it is simply a personal goal. I believe a Master's degree is simply more valuable for your career. You can either pursue a standard MBA type of program or focus on one that is computer related, such as CS or CIS. One question you might ask some hiring manager's where you work is if they would put more weight on someone with an MBA and computer certs or a Master's degree in computer science with the same certs. I feel that if you are trying for a technical career path, certifications are less critical then applied job experience once you are past your fitst entry level positions, but others might feel differently. If you are pursuing a management career path or will do so in the future, an MBA might be of greater value. If you are planning an academic career, then all bets are off. You should research and determine exactly what type of degrees are required. I do not feel qualified to address that area. Just remember to think long term when selecting a degree program. Focus on what will help the most over your entire career.
