Help Me Plan my IT Degree Path. Navy+MCSE

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by nato76, Mar 19, 2008.

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  1. nato76

    nato76 New Member

    First off I would like to thank this forum and posters for inspiring to continue my education and getting my degree.

    I need help in figuring out which degree and which of the Big 3 schools to use. The last two days I've been searching the forum to get as much information as possible. Here is a little background on me:

    I'm 31 yrs old working as a Systems Administrator. I am currently one test away from my MCSE and currently have my MCSA. I also hold my A+ and Network+ certifications. I am also trying to pursue my CCNA after finishing off my MCSE.

    I was in the Navy for 6 years as an Electronic Technician that later converted to a Data Systems Technician. During the time in the Navy I was sent to several electronic/computer schools and did some college courses. I downloaded my SMART transcript and it looks like I have over 80 ACE credits, mostly from Electronics and computers classes I took while in the Navy. I also have about 18 college credits from several schools I attended.

    I would like to get a bachelors degree in something related to IT/Computers. My short term goal is to get a better job as either a network administrator or engineer. My long term goal is to get into some type of IT management.

    Here are my questions:

    Should I wait until I finish off my MCSE and CCNA before applying to a college?

    Do I register to all Big 3 schools to see who will take the most credits?

    I would also like to take some CLEPS to help me speed up the process. Should I start taking CLEPS or wait until I find out what is needed to finish off my degree?

    Sorry for all the questions but I do need some suggestions and a plan to start. I would like to complete my degree as soon as possible with CLEPS or any other means, but I also don't mind taking any additional classes. I have about 4 years left on my GI BILL so I would like to take full advantage of it. Any comments and recommendations are appreciated.
     
  2. BlueMason

    BlueMason Audaces fortuna juvat

    Drexel gives credit for CompTIA and CCNA...

    http://www.drexel.com/online-degrees/bachelors-degrees/bs-gs-tech/index.aspx
    Taken from the link above:
    "
    Credit for Work Experience

    If you have completed certifications such as A+, Oracle 9i DBA, Windows 2000, CCNA and more, you may be closer to a degree than you think! Earn credit towards your Bachelor's for your IT certifications. Click here to see how certifications equate to Drexel University credits. Courses within the program also help prepare you for additional certifications, offering the potential for career and salary growth.
    "

    You can take probably start taking some cleps now to get rid of some of the GenEds which are pretty universal (ENG 101/102, etc)...

    Should you finish your MCSE and CCNA? Since Drexel will use your CCNA and MCSE and apply it to the degree - looks as though you should get the certs, too :)
     
  3. RobbCD

    RobbCD New Member

    First thing for you to do is get a copy of your SMART transcript from the Navy and see how many credits you have for schools and experience.

    https://smart.navy.mil/

    From there, contact one of the schools you'd like to attend and find out what you need to do to get an evaluation for thier degree plan. This way, you'll know exactly what you need.

    Then, clep what you can to fill in the blanks in the degree plan the school gives you.

    Good luck!
     
  4. nato76

    nato76 New Member

    Thanks Robb. I do have my a copy of my SMART transcript. Does it cost to apply and have schools evaluate all my credits?

    As of now I am leaning towards Excelsior. They seem to take a lot of military credits and they will also take credits for my certifications.

    How does this plan look?

    1. Finish off MCSE and CCNA.
    2. Apply and have all Big 3 schools evaluate all of my credits. Decide on school and degree program.
    3. CLEP as many courses as I can.

    When and if I apply at a school do I have to register for classes? I would like the opportunity to CLEP as many courses as possible before taking classes.
     
  5. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    COSC and Excelsior give the same number of credits for Microsoft and CompTIA exams. I would do the following:

    Review the requirements for a degree from COSC (I am partial).
    CLEP any General Ed CLEP's (6 credits ones) for subjects that you have completed through normal credits.
    Complete the MCSE.
    Figure out how many elective credits you need.
    Start taking any CLEP, DANTES, or ECE exams that have a high passing rate based on military results.
    http://www.dantes.doded.mil/dantes_web/examinations/clepgeneral.htm
    http://www.dantes.doded.mil/dantes_web/examinations/clepsubject.htm
    http://www.dantes.doded.mil/dantes_web/examinations/dssts.htm
    http://www.dantes.doded.mil/dantes_web/examinations/ece2.htm

    When you have about 100 credits, apply to COSC and get the eval. That is what I did. I completed 51 credits in 6 weeks - http://bain4weeks.com/randell.html

    The tests below are the ones I completed with little to no review.
    August
    08-14-2002 DANTES Intro to Criminal Justice
    08-14-2002 DANTES Intro to Law Enforcement

    September
    09-04-2002 DANTES Intro to Computing
    09-04-2002 DANTES Organizational Behav
    09-04-2002 DANTES Envir and Humanity
    09-09-2002 DANTES – HR Management
    09-09-2002 DANTES Tech Writing
    09-09-2002 DANTES Intro to Business
    09-12-2002 DANTES Here’s to you Health
    09-17-2002 CLEP History and Social Science
    09-19-2002 ECE Labor relations
    09-22-2002 DANTES Ethics
    09-22-2002 DANTES MIS
    09-26-2002 ECE Production/Operation Mgt
    09-30-2002 CLEP English w/essay

    GOOD LUCK!
     
  6. danielsan1701

    danielsan1701 New Member

  7. nato76

    nato76 New Member

    Thank you Randell and others for taking the time to answer my questions. This is a great forum. I will definitely be taking your advice Randell on the steps to take.

    Still don't know about choosing COSC yet though. :)
     
  8. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    In fact, if I recall correctly, Charter Oak explicitly uses Excelsior's list of equivalences. When I was at Charter Oak I remember looking at Excelsior's list to see how much credit I'd get for my MCSE certification.

    -=Steve=-
     
  9. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator


    That is what I was told also.
     
  10. firstmode4c

    firstmode4c Member

    If you go through TESC, you can transfer in those FEMA classes (Free) My wife just finished 27 credits worth of Fema classes in 3 weeks, she is transferring them into TESC and they will be used to fulfill all of her 27 credit hours of free credits required for the degree.

    27 credit hours in 3 weeks!
     
  11. sentinel

    sentinel New Member

    If you do not have the general education requirements completed yet, then getting those out of the way as quickly as possible using CLEPS and DANTES might be a good place to begin. Wrap up the current IT certifications that are in-progress as well.

    With 80 credit hours of ACE-approved courses already finished, there are only 40 credit hours left. The general education sequence typically requires at least 30 credit hours, thereby leaving a mere 10 credit hours. Since your interest is in network administration and related IT be sure to choose a degree that is not computer science (CS) oriented.

    After the BA or BS there are many MSIT degree options available which focus on management rather than technical subjects.

    WARNING: Education can easily become addictive. :)
     

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