Hi, I have a high paying IT job for IBM and I don't have a formal degree. I am largely self-taught and have been a professional for almost 8 years. I look at formal university IT cirriculums and I see the courses and timelines. With the nature of IT and its evolution, school full-time is not an option. Even part-time would be difficult. The undergraduate course loads would have me in school for 5 - 7 years (I'm 38 now). I'm not quite sure how to proceed. If you have any thoughts they would be appreciated.
Computer and information science degree and certificate programs are available via distance learning or combinations of distance and classroom-based courses. I'd stop at the personnel/human resources department -- will IBM pay tuition or reimburse you? do they have an agreement through which academic courses are delivered to your workplace? Next you might browse through some of the distance learning programs -- http://distancelearn.about.com/cs/computerscience1/index.htm has links to associate, bachelor, and graduate programs in computer and information science. Excelsior College's Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems or Bachelor of Science in Technology might work for you, especially if you have certifications. See http://www.excelsior.edu/tec_home.htm ------------------ Kristin Evenson Hirst DistanceLearn.About.com
To give you an accurate answer we would need more information from you. If you already have a position you like and that pays well would the degree be for self-fulfillment or career? What is it you are looking for? Many thanks. ------------------ Best Regards, Dave Hayden
I'm leery of being overlooked if I wish to expand my role at IBM. There are positions in product development and research that my heart is trully leanoing, but my lack of credentials is a factor that seems to get no response from folks when I make enquiries into the afoementioned items. Thanks for your reply and interest Dave.
You're already getting good advice here. And there are two books my colleagues (mostly) and I have done recently that give a broad overview of the field. "Get Your IT Degree and Get Ahead" was published by McGraw-Hill last year. A big cinder block of a book that covers both the residential and distance degrees. By Bear, Bear, and Tom Head. "Bears' Guide to the Best Computer Degrees by Distance Learning" was our choice (Head, McQueary, Bear, Bear) of 100 such programs. Best wishes in your search process. John Bear
Give serious consideration to New Horizons Computer Learning Centers (www.newhorizons.com). These programs are quite expensive but worth every penny. Good Luck! Regards, Wes
New Horizons provides certification courses and exams -- but to my knowledge, they don't provide any academic credit courses or degree programs. ------------------ Kristin Evenson Hirst DistanceLearn.About.com
