Another BS in CS Thread...

Discussion in 'IT and Computer-Related Degrees' started by fldash, Jun 29, 2011.

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  1. fldash

    fldash New Member

    Hi everyone, just registered and have some questions for hopefully some experienced individuals.

    I've been doing research for the last month on online degree programs in Computer Science. I'm 31, I've been working at my company for 12 years and moving up, but before I can go into upper management, I need a degree. I've never been to a day of college in my life, nor have I any certifications. I'm completely self-taught and self-motivated.

    My employer recommends TESC but it's a BA and not a BS, and I've heard their courses are 3 months of hell due to the amount of writing required.

    I have since looked at the following:

    Baker College
    Troy University
    FSU
    Franklin
    University of Illinois
    Mountain State

    Of these, 3 have great name recognition (to me anyway, Troy, FSU, and UI) however FSU seems rather expensive for out of state tuition and I was unable to find anything on UI tuition. Troy is reasonable at $250/credit.

    Franklin is expensive as well, and Baker and Mountain State are reasonably priced, but more expensive than Troy.

    My requirements are a Regional accreditation and and obviously affordable rate as my employer only pays $150 max/credit, $5000 a year, an d $25000 lifetime amount...

    Has anyone personally gone to any of these programs? How did you feel about your education and the workload?
     
  2. atrox79

    atrox79 Member

    I believe that UIS and FSU want you to have 60 units or so coming into the program. The UIS tuition is not very high...here's a link: Spring 2012 - Tuition, Fees and Assessments - Records and Registration - University of Illinois at Springfield - look at the tuition for online students. It's around $275/unit.

    I looked at all of these programs, but I ended up choosing Regis University. I love it, but the tuition might be too high for you at around $430/unit. I like the program because the courses are 8-weeks, so they're not boring. The workload can get intense and the programming assignments have all been challenging. It's definitely not a walk in the park.

    The Troy online program is Applied Computer Science, so it's not the same as their on-campus CS program. I still hear good things about it but I can't speak from personal experience. I know TEKMAN went through that program, so he should be able to give a bit of insight.

    The FSU program looks like it's really good but there are many different requirements that put me off, like 3 semesters of a foreign language. I know FSU also requires proctors for test taking in all their classes, which could be an issue depending on where you live & whether you can take time off work to take the exams.

    The UIS program also looks good but it is based on a cohort system so it would have taken me 3+ years to get the degree, plus there are entrance requirements where they want you to already have taken 2 java classes, 1 statistics class, 1 calculus class and 1 discrete math class. That's 5 prerequisite courses just to start the program, plus 3 years on top of it because of the cohort. Way too slow for my taste, but if you're not in a rush it might be a good way to go.

    You might also want to check out Old Dominion, as they have a good program as well. You can also try National University...they seem to have a nice Computer Science program and the classes are only 4 weeks long (though, they're intense).
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 29, 2011
  3. japhy4529

    japhy4529 House Bassist

    Welcome to the forum. My first question would be do you absolutely need a BA/BS in Computer Science to move into upper management or would any degree work? Of course, if you have a strong desire to pursue a CS degree (or if your employers requires it), then great. Just keep in mind that CS programs are very math intensive.
     
  4. fldash

    fldash New Member

    I basically need any degree to move into upper management. I decided on CS because if I'm going to spend the money to get a degree, I want to get it in a subject that interests me... I also want to learn more about the some deeper programming aspects such as algorithms, AI, etc... I can already program, but nothing too complex.

    I really want to hear from TEKMAN as I did see that he went to Troy in his signature.
     
  5. fldash

    fldash New Member

    Yea, Regis is too expensive. I'm curious about why you think 8 week courses are less boring than others. I would think the content of the course would decide how boring it is, not the length.

    I'm not too sure what the difference is between Applied Computer Science and Computer Science, but the courses at Troy's site look legit.

    I'm going to check out Old Dominion as well...
     
  6. major56

    major56 Active Member

  7. BlueMason

    BlueMason Audaces fortuna juvat

    DSU:

    Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Programs and Majors, Dakota State University, Madison SD

    $277.00 per credit hour for undergraduate courses

    Also, don't forget about CLEP an DSST exams to get rid of the Gen Ed requirements - you can save a significant amount of time and money, so you can focus on the important courses :)
     
  8. fldash

    fldash New Member

    BlueMason, I want to CLEP, but I'll definitely need to study, like I said, I've been out of school for 13 years... And ya, I really don't want to take Gen Ed requirements (except maybe the Math)...

    Edit: I made some posts earlier in this thread and they are missing... :-/ I'll edit later with their content if they don't show up...
     
  9. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    As atrox79 stated, I am Troy University's Computer Science alumnus. Actually when I attended the program was name Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, not Applied Computer Science. They started to change the title and revised the curriculum just right before I graduated in June 2006. I did my entire program in 24 months while on active duty. The workloads were very heavy; in fact, I spent most of the time at the Library during my off time. Worked on my assignment while on standby duty. I got several F's for not dropping classes on time due to deployment and field training.

    The course was 10-week term, and 5 terms per year. I took about 3 courses per term. I graduated only 60 credits from Troy University and the rest from CLEP, DANTES, Certifications, and Military Training. The program require 75% non-proctored exam and online...about 25% with proctored exam. Now, you have to take the ProctorU program, and I am not sure if still open book or notice.
     
  10. fldash

    fldash New Member

    TEKMAN: Thanks for the reply. Do you know the difference between Computer Science and Applied Computer Science and if it will make a difference in the workplace? 3 courses per term is quite a bit of work with being active duty...

    Can you talk anymore about the workloads and tests? I'm guessing the daily work was mostly reports. What about the tests?

    I'm really overwhelmed with trying to pick a school at this point... Without any college credit at all so far, I feel like I'm going to be going thru the ringer and have no end in sight...
     
  11. fldash

    fldash New Member

    After reading, and reading, and reading threads here... I think I've decided to go to Fort Hays State University. The price is right, and they are RA. I'm going to start though (since I've been out of school for so long) with taking courses at Straighterline. Seems like a good way to get started...

    What does everyone think?
     
  12. japhy4529

    japhy4529 House Bassist

    I'm not a computer scientist (nor do I play one on TV) so take what I'm about to say with a grain of salt...

    If the programs offered by FHS meet your needs then by all means, go for it. However, you mentioned above your interest in learning more about algorithms and AI. I could be wrong, but I don't think you'll get that with any of the FHS programs. Of course, you could pursue an FHS degree and learn about alogrithms and AI on your own. Or, you could later go back later for an MS in Computer Science (yes, this is possible to do in some cases even without a BS in CS).

    I would highly recommend that you pursue a BS vs a BGS. While I have no data to support this, my gut tells me that a BS in INT will raise less red flags with HR than a BGS would.
     
  13. atrox79

    atrox79 Member

    fldash - I just prefer 8-week courses. It's the perfect fit for me...any shorter & I feel the material is too rushed. Any longer and I feel like it drags on mercilessly. Everyone's different though, so each person has his/her own preferences.

    I think your decision is good. It looks a little bit different from what you originally wanted to so (Comp Sci, programming, analysis of algorithms, math, etc). If I were in your situation, I would mostly likely go the TESC college route because BA vs BS in Computer Science is not going to raise any eyebrows, especially since you're just staying in your organization and doing this for a promotion. In fact, it may be better to get a BA because there will be less GE requirements like Physics, Chemistry and Math.
     
  14. fldash

    fldash New Member

    Yea, I'm going to have to make a concession on my CS degree unless FHSU brings one online before I finish. I plan to get a BS in MIS. Surely there won't be any red flags there...\

    Atrox... TESC is about $100 more per credit hour... that's going to add up quickly... I think I can get over my love for CS degree... or I hope I can...
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 30, 2011
  15. fldash

    fldash New Member

    Argh, now I'm second guessing my decision. I've really been turned off by what I've read from people who attending TESC. I know any program is lots of writing, but most said it was beyond a lot.

    My wife thinks doing the online thing is going to hurt and my degree is not going to be worth anything because it isn't going to have 'name' value, so she wants me to go to B&M.

    I've been at this a month and I'm burnt out...
     
  16. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    Oh, the irony always gets me. A computer science, management information systems or telecommunications/networking type degree having less value because the course material is accessed using a computer over the internet... sheesh.
     
  17. atrox79

    atrox79 Member

    If you have the time and option to go to a state university for your degree, I'd say why not? But unless you have your AA/GE requirements, be ready to show them your high school transcripts and SAT scores. I don't know what state you live in, but if I was in your situation, I would probably try to go to a California State University, since the prices are very reasonable and their Computer Science programs are all ABET accredited.

    Maybe it would make sense for your to attend a local community college in the evening to start getting some prerequisites like math, physics, data structures, etc. That way you can build up credits until you decide where to go & all of those courses will transfer & save you a ton of money when you're ready to get your actual degree.
     
  18. japhy4529

    japhy4529 House Bassist

    Dude - no offense to your wife, but it's 2011! And, as MC pointed out, you're pursuing a degree in computers!! I do agree with her that attending a B&M school will carry more weight than an online only institution, however, there are many, many B&M schools that offer online computer degrees (in many various flavors).
     
  19. fldash

    fldash New Member

    Yea, I agree... She doesn't work in HR, but she does do interviews at a company that requires degrees and she says the first thing her and her partners look at is the school the degree is from...

    Anyway, I looked up California State University. I didn't see any online program available for CS. The one I did see had this notice:

    Unfortunately, admissions to the Chico Online Computer Science MS and BS Degree programs have been suspended. The program is scheduled to end in December 2011. Unless you have already applied and been accepted into the program, you will not be able to matriculate at this time. Currently admitted students were required to complete the Intent to Complete form by Monday, February 2, 2009.

    As for going to a state university or community college where I am, it just isn't feasible. I don't have the time with work and taking care of a 2yo. Even though my wife wants me to do it, I know she'd be angry or in a bad mood constantly if she was having to watch our 2yo by herself 3 nights a week while I was in class...
     
  20. fldash

    fldash New Member

    This site is aggravating the piss out of me, why do some of my posts require moderator approval and some post immediately... Sigh.
     

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