Hi, I'm back and need more advice again After much thinking and weighing of options, I decided to stick to my traditional school and quit my day job in May, and search for a night job like security. I'm currently a CS major at San Francisco State, but I'm thinking of transferring to California State University, Hayward, which offers 6PM - 8PM and 8PM-10PM classes, and goes in quarters instead of semesters, which I think would help me finish faster. Is this a wise choice?
The 6-8 and 8-10 schedule is workable (I di my MBA that way through Hayward), it gives you time to get a bite to eat and relax a little before classes. As to the quarter/semester option, it actually doesn't make that much difference. A quarter hour is equal to 2/3 of a semester hour in gneral thinking. Most programs require about 120 semester credit hours to graduate or 180 quarter credit hours. So it takes about the same time.
Recently I read some postings that suggested that these two major California university systems (XYZ University v. CSU at XYZ) are seen differently by employers. The XYZ University system was described as being more highly regarded. I have no idea if this is true but it might become a factor in your deliberations. Jack
(Recently I read some postings that suggested that these two major California university systems (XYZ University v. CSU at XYZ) are seen differently by employers.) Shouldn't make a difference as San Francisco State is part of the Cal State University system, just like CSU-Northridge, CSU-Hayward or San Jose State. The distinction, if there is one, is usually made between the Cal State system and the University of California system (UCLA, UC-Berkeley, etc...)
Hi, GDub. I'm an SF State graduate myself. (And I live right across the bridge from Hayward.) I've done both quarter and semester systems, and prefer semesters. Quarters require you to do half again as many classes. Each one is only 2/3 as long, but it's still gonna have a midterm and a final just the same. So you find yourself with more deadlines coming at you faster. Maybe that's a good thing educationally, but it's demanding. Another thing to consider is whether all your SFSU courses will seamlessly equate to CSUH catalog requirements. If they don't, a few of your SFSU classes will be elective credit and you will still have to do the required CSUH classes. You may lose something in the translation when you switch schools. CSUH sends you an evaluation when you apply, right? Look at that carefully. Is your idea wise? I don't know. That's up to you. If going to school in the evening allows you to keep a better day job, it might very well be. I'm not up on what each school is offering at night and it sounds like you are. CSUH certainly offers lots of late class sections and is jumping in the evenings. BTW, if the commute isn't too horrible, take a look at SJSU too. They have a truly huge CS program and offer lots of night classes.
Thank you all for your responses! I can't get intelligent answers from anywhere else........ Mike Albrecht: So I'll have to do 180 quarter hours? I thought you can just do 3 courses a quarter and do 15 courses a year? Jack Tracey: I heard that too. Thats why I'm loathe to leave SFSU. However, my day job pays quite well so its a hard choice. BillDayson: So the quarters are pretty fast, I guess I can take 3 courses each quarter and not be TOO stressed. I'll look into SJSU as well. Thanks very much!
There are 3 regular quarters per year (Fall, Winter, & Spring) and a fourth (nomally abbreciated) Summer quarter. Most students do the 3 per year. Which menas you need to average 15 units a quarter. Most CSUH CS courses are 4 units each, so 3*4 = 12, which over four years would give 144 units or 1 quarter shy of 180. Also some courses in the general subject area 3 units or even 2. So you need 180 quarter units or 120 semester units.
Thanks for explaining that. I've turned in my application to CSU Hayward and I'm going to talk to the counselor to see how many of my courses transfers, and how long I've got before I finish the degree. Thanks very much for your help!
