It has been a long time for me. Oh well. I have never really gotten started on my degree other than taking an online class here and there. I just finished all my community college level CS classes less the math and physics. I always wanted a CS degree, but after taking my last class.. computer arch I realize that I just don't want to do the heavy theory stuff. I am pretty sure I want to do more business software / IT work. My goal would be database stuff, or business software development. I need a good degree that can meet those needs. I can get a CS degree far cheaper locally, but time constraints mean I will take forever to do so. So I am looking at a few schools such as dakota states CS or CIS degree, Troys applied CS degree, WGUs IT degree, or more locally a IT degree from OIT which is more of a CIS degree. Cost is a huge factor here. Any good suggestions? I have one other option that is a little in left field. I am a manager now. So I was also considering a BS in philosophy, politics and economics with a minor in IT. Thoughts? Also should I pursue CS, IT OR CIS? Any help is appreciated.
Don't forget software engineering. It is application development without all the heavy CS theory. Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of undergraduate SE programs out there. CIS is probably a fine fit, as they usually contain a database systems class and some programming. A BS in another subject with a minor in CS could work as well, particularly if you emphasize the fact that you took more CS classes than required by the minor. This is where a cover letter becomes very important when you apply for jobs. Whatever you do, get some actual experience along with the classroom learning. This can be an IT internship, volunteering programming help to a non-profit, or writing a real program (I might suggest a smart phone app, as employers will be particularly impressed if you write something that somebody other than yourself actual uses).
Given your background as a manager and your desire to get into IT, I would shoot for more of a Business Admin degree with a focus in CIS or IT. It would provide you with more flexibility should you want to move up in the IT field or decide IT is not for you and want to pursue other opportunities. It also would allow you to fulfill the pre-reqs for many MBA programs should you desire to ever pursue that path. As far as studying *whatever Humanities / Social Science subject*, I personally would put that off for either my second degree, or study the subjects on my own in a non-academic environment where you're not paying hundreds of dollars a credit hour for the sake of enlightenment. Put the money instead towards credentials that are focused on getting you where you want to go, such as certifications.
I'm far from a guru on this subject, but I'll throw a school out there that I've considered. The University of Toledo - Degree Completion - Computer Science and Engineering Technology
Tarleton State University: online BAAS in Information Technology BAAS-Information Technology - Tarleton State University Disclosure: I’m a current MBA student at Tarleton State
