Future plans with a distance ed. degree

Hey everybody,

I started reading this board a little over 2 years ago and it really was the catalyst for me deciding to go back to school and get a college degree. I am really greatful for the information provided on this board and all the people that are always willing to help clueless people like myself.

I decided to enroll in Touro University International and complete a BS degree in computer science. I am about to finish my degree at TUI and so far I have a 4.0 GPA. The curriculum wasn't very math oriented or highly technical, and in some sense a fluff CS degree, but I still found it challenging and I had to work hard for the grades that I got.

I am hoping once I finish this last semester early next year that I will maintain a 4.0 GPA.

Now that I am almost finished with the degree I have started thinking about my future plans in academia. My ideal plan would be to enroll in a graduate program in a very good b&m school in America. I want to experience education at a higher level and since I love travelling, especially in the U.S., I would definetly want to move to the U.S. for my graduate studies and cost is not a factor.

I realize that TUI despite being an RA school that applications from TUI students might be frowned upon, by people in charge of admissions, despite the applicant having a high GPA. I guess that may be the stigma of having a diploma from a relatively unknown distance education college and I accept that. I guess I am asking for your opinions on this matter and whether you think it would make it very hard for me to get into very good schools.

I am relatively young, 23 years old, and other than my studies at TUI I have been working as an information security specialist for three years now. I have also tought computer security courses at the University of Iceland for BS and MS students which I am sure looks good in a portfolio. I have other credentials and certifications that may or may not help me with regards to getting into a good graduate school.

So what are my chances? What possible schools could I apply to? These are the sort of questions I have and I hope you guys can give me some clues.

In case you are wondering I would like to enroll in a graduate program with an emphasis on anything from computer science to computer security or something similar. Basically I want to get the best kind of education available and something that really challenges me.

Anyways thanks a lot and I hope this rant makes some sense,

Theodor Gislason

 

The fact that Touro University International is a distance learning school should not be a factor in the graduate school selection process. It is an RA school. The major factors will be your GPA, your GRE score and the application (personal statement, letters of recommendation etc.). Apply based on every factor other than the fact that your degree is distance learning. Choose the schools you like based on price, location, reputation, curriculum etc. and apply to them. There are countless stories of DL undergraduate degree holders being accepted to prestigious graduate schools. Your BS degree qualifies you for admission to graduate school just like any other degree from an accredited school.

 

Originally posted by digit

I am not convinced that this statement is accurate. I think you will be surprised at the number of admission officies that now have a new outlook on distant learning. I think that in the future we will see B & M gaining a new respect for distant learning school.

Here in NY- Because of the law school and now the medical school, Touro is more widly known. In fact when I tell people I am going Touro, they automatically assume I mean the law school (I live in the town that the Law School is located)

Did you consider continuing your education at Touro?

Good luck on your search

 

Theodor,

I am also looking at joining TUI and am getting my education evaluation done. May I ask how do you find the program and the instructors ? Do they assign students to groups. How challenging were the assignments and were there any exams for the courses ? How was the course material and help from the college ? BTW, where are you currently living?

 

Theodor,

I would not be overly concerned. Most research has shown that--unless you are trying to get into an ivy league school--your chances of being accepted into a decent graduate school are very good. Touro UI has regional accreditation and is a campus of a respected brick & mortar school.

Several of my colleagues have received their undergraduate degrees via distance learning and have gone on to complete masters and doctoral degrees at respected universities. There are several hundred graduate schools in this country--I am certain that the right one for you is out there.

By the way, once you finish your masters degree, most hiring boards will pay less attention to where and how you obtained your bachelors.

Tony Piña
Faculty, Cal State U.-San Bernardino