FSU, UMASS Lowell, other brick-and-mortars?

Discussion in 'IT and Computer-Related Degrees' started by Calvin, Aug 31, 2003.

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  1. Calvin

    Calvin New Member

    I'm leaning towards pursuing my BSCS at a nationally recognized institution, but I'm not finding many that offer a BS entirely online. FSU has a degree program, but there are several courses required for graduation (foreign language, public speaking, and general physics w/ lab) that are not offered online, which means that I would have to spend a couple of semesters in night classes. That's doable, but not preferable. If I pursue this option, I'll probably get the first 60 or so hours online from Brevard Community College, since it appears that entrance to FSU will go more smoothly with an AA, or equivalent hours, from a Florida institution.

    I'm also considering the University of Massachusetts at Lowell. It's mentioned here, and several other places, but I can find no reference to DL on their website. If be very appreciative if anyone could provide me with a link.
     
  2. Gus Sainz

    Gus Sainz New Member

    It’s not just that entrance will go more smoothly. FSU's program is a 2+2 program, which means that an A.A. degree or equivalent is actually required (they use the term “strongly recommended”) for admittance. Moreover, an AA from a Florida community college will satisfy all of FSU’s general education requirements (including Gordon Rule requirements). Just be sure to fulfill the program requirements (such as Physics and Calculus) along the way. Physics will be almost impossible to do online, as FSU requires a lab component. However in many Florida community colleges the lab component is a separate course, therefore, it is possible to take the 3 credit course online and take the 1 credit lab course on campus. In addition, it is a good idea to make sure the Physics and Calculus courses you take will be accepted in transfer, as there are several different courses each with different titles and course numbers (however, all Florida schools use the same course numbers).

    Brevard is a good choice (it actually offers a distance learning A.A. in Computer Science) with many distance learning course offerings, but you could also take courses at any Florida community college and transfer them to Brevard for the A.A. degree (and later to FSU as well). This might actually be necessary, as you will find that the scheduling of distance education courses can sometimes be erratic (for example, not all courses are offered every semester). The Web site for Florida Virtual Campus has listings of Florida distance education courses and resources.

    UMass Lowell’s Web site listing their distance education degree programs can be found here. The BS in Information Technology is now being offered online. Other new degree offerings include:
    • A.S. in Information Technology (online)
      B.S. in Mathematics: Teacher Concentration
      B.S. in Mathematics: Statistics Concentration
      Master's Degree in Criminal Justice (online)
      M.Ed. in Educational Administration
      Transitional Doctorate in Physical Therapy (online)
     
  3. Calvin

    Calvin New Member

    Thanks Gus, good info. I haven't found any other good programs yet, so it looks like it'll be one of those two.
     
  4. Gus Sainz

    Gus Sainz New Member

    Among the many things to consider is the fact that the degree from UMass Lowell is a B.S. in Information Technology (an option exists for a minor in Business), while the degree from FSU is a B.S. in Computer Science (actually, the degree allows you to major in either Computer Science or Software Engineering). To many, there is a significant difference between a BSCS and a BSIT.
     
  5. JoAnnP38

    JoAnnP38 Member

    IMO, you won't find a better program to complete a BSCS than FSU. As Gus stated, you will be better off completing an AA at Brevard before starting the FSU program. Just be sure that you also try to complete some additional requirements while you are getting your AA.

    First, make sure you complete a foreign language to the intermediate level. All that is required is that you take one language course at the 2000 level; however, if you can't jump right into a language at the intermediate level then you will probably have to start at the beginning which will require the beginning sequence for the language.

    Also, make sure that you complete the Arts & Sciences requirement for completing your science courses for science majors. I believe that CS requires that you complete two years worth of physics plus one year of another science that has a lab. In general that would be Chemistry or Biology but you can look at the FSU CS bulletin to be sure.

    On other piece of advice -- unless Discrete Math MAD 2104 is VERY rigorous at Brevard CC, I would suggest that you don't take it until you start classes at FSU.

    Just keep in mind that in general you should try to complete everything you can (with the exception of MAD 2104) before enrolling at FSU. Once matriculated at FSU and once you are within 30 hours of graduating you cannot take courses anywhere else without very special permission from the dean. I would recommend that in addition to the two semesters of calculas (MAC 2311 and 2312) that you complete MAP 2302 (diff eq) or MAS 2105 (linear algebra) since you can't take these courses online at FSU.

    Good luck -- I don't believe there is a better BSCS program in the country and as a Florida resident there is certainly not a cheaper alternative.

    --
    JoAnn Peeler
    (BSCS FSU Spring 2005)
     
  6. JoAnnP38

    JoAnnP38 Member

  7. Calvin

    Calvin New Member

    That's an excellent point. I have to admit that I've been swayed by FSU's reputation, but the fact is that UMASS has some courses that I'd really like to take, such as LAN/WAN Technologies, TCP/IP and Network Architecture, Network Management, and Relational Database Concepts. I saw a couple of courses at FSU that mentioned a few of these concepts, but I got the impression that they weren't covered as rigourously as the courses at UMASS.

    My career goal is network administration. I'm sure that I could accomplish that with a degree from either school (in addition to my experience in the field), but it seems that the FSU program, even the Computer Science option, is tailored more toward programming than network administration.
     
  8. Calvin

    Calvin New Member

    Thanks, JoAnn :)

    I have a couple of questions for you, if you don't mind: How would you rate FSU's program in terms of applicability to a network administration career? Also, how about course availability? Are most of the courses available any semester, or only once a year as is the case at UMASS?
     
  9. Calvin

    Calvin New Member

    Oops, I got my schools confused. It's FSU that limits online course availability to once a year.
     
  10. JoAnnP38

    JoAnnP38 Member

    In general a BSCS is more concerned with teaching students the theory that underpins all of computing technology. While theory remains valid through the years, specific technology comes and goes so you won't find that your CS is degree is outdated the next time a major technology revolution comes along. As such, a CS degree would be a fine degree for someone who wants to pursue a career in IT, but it doesn't stop there. It is also a good degree for Systems Analysts, Software Engineers, Quality Assurance, Design Analysts or as the basis for a graduate degree. My opinion about an IT degree is that it is much more attuned to the technologies de jour with far less math and theory; however, it would probably give you a leg up on your first job if you are wanting to be a Network Administrator. Keep in mind, once you have experience it won't matter very much to your employer which degree you have as long as you have the right experience. So in my opinion, I believe (in the long run) you will find the CS degree more useful.



    As for the course rotation schedule at FSU--they have a very set schedule for classes through which you should be able to take two classes every semester (one during the summer) and graduate in 3-4 years. If you've never taken a distance learning class and you are working full time, I find that two classes at a time is the most comfortable pace; however, I've taken three each semester since I've started. Usually I add a non-CS class from my local junior college or from some other distance learning school. But for me, taking three classes means I have very little time for anything else. I feel like all I do is work, study, eat and sleep (sometimes with very little sleep.) If you want to see the course rotation for yourself through the end of 2005 take a look at: http://websrv.cs.fsu.edu/academics/ugrad/ug_rotation.html

    So in making your choice I would ask if your are just interested in using, configuring, depoying, maintaining technologies provided by others or do you have a keen interest in how these technologies are designed and constructed. If it is the former then UMass may be your best bet. If it is the latter, then FSU is definitely your best bet.

    --
    JoAnn Peeler
    BSCS FSU Spring 2005
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 1, 2003
  11. Calvin

    Calvin New Member

    Great insight. I've decided - I'm going for the BSCS with the Computer Science option at FSU. I did a quick survey of open Network Administrator positions, and almost all of them accepted a BSCS. A few required a "BSIT or similar degree"; I got the impression that none would look askance at a BSCS. I might pursue a MSIT later to round out my education and qualify me for a Senior Network Analyst or Network Architect position, or just take a few other courses (networking, TCP/IP, network security etc.) elsewhere and tack them on to my resume.

    Thanks for your thoughtful replies, JoAnn. You and Gus have given me more great info than I ever expected.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 2, 2003
  12. Gus Sainz

    Gus Sainz New Member

    Congratulations! A word of warning, however: You are going to have to start taking your football much more seriously than you ever have before (the word rabid comes to mind)! :D
     
  13. plcscott

    plcscott New Member

    Good Job Gus! :)
     
  14. manjuap

    manjuap New Member

    Good idea. I think IT industry values "industry/professional certifications" like MCSE and CCIE. This is my experience. As soon as i completed my CCIE lab exam my responsibilities,pay and promotions increased dramatically.
     
  15. JoAnnP38

    JoAnnP38 Member

    Football Fever

    Rabid might be a tad too timid. However, I did the bulk of my undergraduate work (80+ hours) at the University of Tennessee. So as you can see, I was quite acclimated to football fever before siding with the Seminoles. Of course at this point in my life, I'm not in any hurry to go to a game. I just don't have that spry spring in my legs anymore to step over drunk students. :D
     
  16. MichaelR

    MichaelR Member

    FSU is one of the few colleges outside of Texas that will require that. Though I still don't like them. They let a felon play on their team just so they could win a few football games.....
     
  17. Guest

    Guest Guest

    Wow someone else from Clearwater on here !

    I did the BS IS from FSU and a foreign language was not a requirement (unfortunately because I am a service brat and I learned a few as we moved around).

    Looking at the 2+2 program in CS it is now a requirement, what a bummer.

    Of course they did away with the undergrad distance learning BS IS I was planning to teach as an adjunct there.

    FSU is really a good school, I have taken distance learning through a few institutions and FSU was the least problem plagued.

    Good luck.
     

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