All, I've been reading through this forum in depth recently searching for the answers to some questions that I have. I've definitely learned a lot and been exposed to many programs that I would not have learned about otherwise, so I appreciate all of your contributions to the forum. I am on active duty in the Army, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, trying to further my education as much as possible through distance learning. I am currently pursuing the BA in Mathematics through Ottawa University, but I am concerned about preparation for MS studies. Thus, I'm back on the hunt and am looking for some opinions. I realize that some of these questions have been beaten to death, but hopefully I am presenting them in a way that doesn't lead to anyone smashing their head through their computer screen. Essentially, I am interested in both Mathematics and Computer Science. A combined or dual major would be my preference, but this is simply not an option through distance learning. What I am attempting to do is find a Computer Science program that will allow me to take enough mathematics courses as electives to be competitive for admissions to MS programs in Applied Math, Computational Engineering, and the like. One of my concerns is completing the degree in a reasonable amount of time (hopefully within the next few years). I currently have 45 credits, including Calc 1/2, Discrete Mathematics, and Linear Algebra. No CS courses (not offered at Ottawa, and the main reason that I am transferring). I am looking for any thoughts or ideas on combining degree requirements or universities to make this feasible. I have a few ideas, with pros and cons: 1) Continue at Ottawa, taking all of the higher-level math, then transferring to another university for BS in Computer Science. To this end, I am really interesting in Regis. I would be ability to choose the most suitable CS program without regard for mathematics offerings, but I would be possibly adding time to degree completion due to rotation of math course offerings and no forward progress on CS requirements. 2) National University offers a decent CS curriculum, as well as some decent math electives (Calc 3/4, Number Theory, Algebraic Structures). I like that I would be able to immediately transfer and begin working on degree requirements. The con would be the lack of some key courses (Differential Equations, Numerical Analysis, etc) that are conspicuous in undergraduate mathematics preparation. I am also concerned about NU's 4-week terms. I understand that it is only one course at a time with the requisite 40+ hour contact time, but I am concerned that one would not be able to absorb the complex concepts in the CS and math courses in that amount of time. Anyone with any experience taking these types of courses at NU? 3) I have considered finishing the BA at Ottawa, then doing the BSCS through Oregon State. My only real concern here is that Army TA will not pay for a second undergraduate degree (if they paid for the first one), and it would require dipping into the GI Bill and possibly other types of funding. Other than that it seems like a good approach, albeit possibly the longest and most expensive one. Sorry for the novel. Any comments welcome (including stop talking :smile
I would suggest checking out the University of Illinois - Springfield: Online @ Illinois Springfield - UIS They offer a B.S. in Computer Science plus a B.A. in Mathematics 100% online. There is also an option to minor in mathematics and I'm sure you could take extra math courses while completing your B.S.
I checked out the UIS site, and they both seem like really good programs. The only issue that I really have is that they are 16-week terms, which is really something that I am trying to avoid. I don't want to have to miss out on an entire semester of class if we have to do field training for a couple of weeks. Not to mention that 8-week terms allow for quicker degree completion. However, it is a really convenient option in terms of being able to pursue both subjects at one university. Decisions...
