Most Economical Path....

Discussion in 'IT and Computer-Related Degrees' started by merc, Jul 26, 2002.

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  1. merc

    merc New Member

    I am considering applying to the UMass Lowell BSIT program, and thinking forward to the MS and doctorate programs in the field of IT/IS/CS. I am interested in programming and database administration primarily. I was wondering what others thought of the best path to take in regards to affordability and my stated interests.
     
  2. Hille

    Hille Active Member

    Tenn. Board of Regents

    Hi, I was wondering if there was a reason you were not considering the Tenn. Board of Regents as a degree path. It seems like it would be economical? Hille
     
  3. merc

    merc New Member

    Re: Tenn. Board of Regents

    Thier Bachelor of Professional Studies--Information Technology Concentration prgram does not appear to meet my needs (not enough programming classes). .The Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.) Professional Studies: Information Technology program could be completed in progably 15 credit hours if they took most of my previous credits. Still I don't think the BS program would be a good one for me. I could be wrong, and will look at it more closely as it would be cheaper to do a BS in Tennessee. The title of thier degrees, though it shouldn't matter, gives me pause. I do not like the "Professional Studies" title at all.
     
  4. Veteran101

    Veteran101 New Member

    Merc

    Try American Intercontinental University. AIU.

    They have a 100% online program. RA
    and within the standard pricing of other institutions.

    I am there now working on the BSIT program then proceeding
    onto the MIT program.
     
  5. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    This isn't really my field, but since UMass-Lowell is one of my alma maters, I felt I had to respond.

    My opinion is that, in the world of DL, it's always a bonus to graduate from a state school. For better or worse, a state school seems to lend additional credibility (above & beyond accreditation) in the eyes of many. I think the UML DL program would be ideal for your situation.

    BTW...besides being a state university, UML is the fastest growing research university in New England. Just a bit of trivia from a biased alumnus. :D


    Bruce
     
  6. BrianB

    BrianB New Member

    Bruce,

    I checked out the Computer Science curiculum at UML on their web site and it appears to be exactly what I am looking for. However, I did not see any reference to offering distance learning for the computer science program.

    Any additional information about UML and their distance learning program would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks,
    Brian
     
  7. Gary Rients

    Gary Rients New Member

    If you're after a Computer Science degree (BSCS) rather than an Information Technology degree (BSIT) then you might want to look at Troy State or Touro. UML seems like the way to go for a BSIT through coursework though.

    Another option is to finish any bachelor's degree, such as a BA with CS major from TESC, very quickly through mostly testing, and then follow it up with an MS in CS. Depending upon your situation this may not take any more time or money than just finishing a BSCS, and an MSCS would trump a BSCS. I'm in the process of doing this myself; it may not be a good option for you, but it's probably worth considering to make sure. If you're planning to continue on for an MS anyway, then this approach can be an especially good idea, but it's probably not the best path for getting accepted to a highly ranked CS grad program unless you can make sure to complete all the prereqs for the grad program and can also score high on the GRE. If you're considering something like Capitol or Nova for grad school though then it would probably be a good route to take. It mostly depends upon the prerequisites for the grad programs that you're considering. I would try to get a bachelor's degree as quickly as possible while aslo fulfilling the prereqs that you'll need for grad school. You could potentially save a lot of time and money by getting a bachelor's from a school like TESC, COSC, or Excelsior, but they probably aren't the best route if you plan to take at least 30 credits worth of actual coursework anyway.
     
  8. DaveHayden

    DaveHayden New Member

    UMASS Lowell offers several computer related degree programs but no CS major. Troy State U., Touro University International, and Tombstone College do. Of the three TUI is a true CS major and Troy and Tombstone are more CIS degrees but are labeled CS which may be enough. I hope this is helpful.
     
  9. merc

    merc New Member

     
  10. BrianB

    BrianB New Member

    Well, I will probably have to earn about 60 credits or so from course work anyway. Actually, I would really prefer to do the course work considering that almost all of the upper level courses required for most BSCS degrees I would like to take for my own personal interest. The actual BS degree is just a secondary goal.

    Some (quite a few actually) years ago I was enrolled in a pre-engineering program at a local college. The lower level course requirements for engineering and computer science are very much the same. I am hoping that most of these credits will transfer.

    I am specificaly interested in earning a BSCS and not one of the several variations (for instance: BACS, BSCIS, BSIT, etc,).

    Brian
     
  11. BrianB

    BrianB New Member

  12. merc

    merc New Member

    I could be wrong but I don't believe they do so via DL. UMass online deals with all the campuses in the system and lists degrees offered online.
     
  13. Gary Rients

    Gary Rients New Member

    You're correct; that link was for the residential programs. The programs available online are listed on the UMassOnline site.

    Brian, if I were you I'd look at all of these programs and see which one will give you the most transfer credit. There are also some other good options that are affordable if you're in the right state. For example, the Florida State BSCS online program is about $100/credit for Florida residents vs. about $275/credit for non-residents. You just have to shop around and try to find a program that will accept and apply all or most of your existing credits, is affordable, and has a curriculum that appeals to you.

    Bruce, do you have a link for Tombstone?
     

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