Newbie here- Umass Lowell vs. SUNY-esc vs. Regis

Okay, so I've narrowed it down to three for obtaining my B.S. in Computer Science and need some help. I'm trying to stick with programs that will give me degree flexibility, such as Umass/Empire, that will let me design my own degree concentration.

My main priority is that I receive the classes needed to be a competent programmer. So I don't want to take courses, "just to get the piece of paper", but to actually learn the proper way to code and possibly pick up some certifications with those classes. With Empire State, I fear that it's programs more geared towards degree completion, rather than having classes centered around learning the most up-to-date programming languages. That being said, the price is fantastic! Same concern with Umass, except it's somewhat more on the expensive side.

Regis seems to have a great program/good reviews...but the fact that I had never heard of this school prior to the message boards, is a red flag. Plus, I worry that they will not be transfer credit friendly.

Can anyone with experience (or second hand knowledge) help me in deciding between these three excellent online schools? Thanks for your help.

 

Of the schools, you can't go wrong with UMass. Of the three I'd go there.

To correct one of your basic requirements though, you will not become a competent professional programmer by going through any degree program. You will learn basics and then you'll get to a job where you'll have a shot at becoming competent. Whether you do or not depends on the place you end up and your personal drive to stay on top of your code. The best I've seen, don't have degrees.. they do however have an extensive portfolio.

 

Yeah, I've been leaning towards UMass because of the good reputation. They aren't the cheapest option, they seem to be very upfront about the costs for individual programs. Plus, I hear they have a generous transfer policy. (don't know this for sure, but they message boards and others have mentioned this).

I have been a front-end developer for the last 5 years, but of recent...we've all been scared of being laid off. Most of my coworkers have 4-year degrees, so my fear is that I won't be able to compete. I'd love to learn Obj-C and get into mobile programming, so that I'll have a leg-up on my competition if/and when we do have more rounds of layoffs (and a 4-year degree). So if I can get both the experience to build up a good mobile portfolio (which I don't work on at my workplace) and the education level, that would be awesome.

I'm going to also apply to Fort Hays. They have a development degree, but I'm not sure the classes are advanced enough for what I'm looking for.

 

I am fixing to start in March at Regis, They accepted all of my classes from my associates degree. They are Regionally accredited along with ABET accredited. I don't know where you are located but the major local companies here request ABET accredited degrees. I believe this is due to the local colleges having this accreditation. So far the people I have dealt with have been great. Now lets hope the facilitator/instructors are the same! This is stuff you may have already known but I thought I would throw this info out there for you!
Good Luck on your decision!

 

If you can point me the right direction, I'd appreciate it, but I don't see UMass-Lowell offering a BSCS online?

 

They have a B.S. in Information Technology;

Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Technology - online or on campus

 

I have a strong bias toward the UMass system. If nothing else it has to be cheaper than Regis.

 

I'm obviously biased, but I would also go with UMass-Lowell. They're now in the top 100 public universities in the country in the USN&WR rankings.