UMUC or Regis for BSCS?

Hello!

I am in the midst of completing my Bachelor's in Computer Science at University of Maryland University College. However, Regis University CPS's online CS degree recently came to my attention as well, and now I'm thinking about moving over there. The potential advantages I see at Regis are that they offer more theory-oriented CS classes online than UMUC does, and that they have proctorless exams (taking time off work to go to proctored exams is no fun).

So my question is: which degree is seen as more prestigious by employers? How about by grad schools? (I'm not sure I want to do the BS/MS track at Regis.)

Also, does anyone know whether a BS from Regis Online says "Regis University" or "Regis University CPS"?

I'd really like to hear everyone's opinions/success stories/failure stories on both UMUC and Regis.

Thanks!
-Matt

 

My diploma from Regis University says "Regis University." Nothing more, nothing less. You get the same diploma that on-campus students receive.

 

Proctored examinations can be a pain especially if you cannot have someone at work (supervisor, manager, human resources) as a proctor. The few courses that have required a proctor I either had my supervisor or a librarian.

Unless you intend to pursue graduate studies in computer science or be employed as a software engineer or systems programmer the more theoretical CS degree likely will not be of much benefit over the less theoretical CS degree. This is particularly true if your career goal is in IT.

 

AV8R, thanks for the reply. That's great to know.

Sentinel, thanks as well. To clarify, I already have a pretty successful career as a Software Engineer. I'm actually hoping to do some grad work and/or eventually shift to a more "Computer Scientist"-like role, so theory is what I'm looking for.

 

My (graduate) degree also says Regis University but it does say "School for Professional Studies" which is the forerunner of CPS.

However, Regis makes it very clear that it considers its online and on-ground programs identical and makes no distinction in transcripts or on its diplomas.

If the program fits you better, I'd say go for it. If you are on the East Coast, though, Regis is not as well-known. If you're in the West of Midwest, then Regis would have more name recognition.

 

You're right. I totally forgot about the "School for Professional Studies" part. I don't think it matters though. The diploma looks very nice.

 

I found a pic of a Regis U diploma online. It's not very good quality but you can make out what it looks like...

http://www.matt-fischer.com/Images/Regis.jpg

 

AV8R and mbaonline, thanks for the further info. The picture is a great point of reference.

 

I would vote for Regis University over University of Maryland - University College. Even though you in in the east coast, University of Maryland - University College is not quite popular in the Washington D.C area. Most people don't know it exist, maybe they'll refer to UM- College Park or Baltimore or UMBC.

However, I am afraid people might think you your degree from St. Regis University (a degree mill institution). If I am not mistaken, Regis University is a tier 4 school.

Have you look at University of Illinios - Springfield's BSCS?

 

I haven't checked but I'm guessing that there's a substantial difference in cost. If that matters.

 

Tekman, thanks for your input. It does seem like the whole UMUC vs. UMB vs. UMBC thing is pretty confusing. As far as Regis goes, I only recently heard about the St. Regis thing. Have Regis grads actually had trouble with that? Also, I have looked at the UIS program, and it seems pretty good, but I'm having a lot of trouble getting information about it beyond what's on the web site. I'll keep bugging them.

Kizmet, actually, UMUC and Regis are pretty close in cost per credit (at least, if you're not a resident of Maryland or Colorado). I was surprised.

 

I came across Ellis College of NYIT a while ago when I was looking for graduate programs. They are a somewhat new school (est. 2003 I believe), but they have online programs and are regionally accredited. It looks like they offer a BSCS online as well, and their tuition is less than UMUC's out of state tuition:

http://ellis.nyit.edu/online/tuition.php
http://ellis.nyit.edu/schools/bachelors.php

I'm not sure how they would figure in on the name recognition route, but they are a division of New York's Institute of Technology; a B&M school in New York City. It's another option at least. Good luck!

 

The Cardean Learning Group has separated Ellis College from New York Institute of Technology into Ellis University. I don't think you can apply to Ellis College of NYIT anymore. I believe Ellis University's own accreditation is under evaluation. I think there is a law suite between NYIT and Cardean Learning Group while back. Info: Breaking Up is Hard to Do

 

Wow, I guess a lot has changed since last year! I just did a little searching; looks like something I wouldn't want to be a part of anymore or even recommend. Sorry for bringing it up!

 

I don't think any Regis University's graduate has problem with the confusion between Donkey University (Saint Regis University) and Regis University. However, if I don't know about these schools...it might be in my mind that they are both the same. Anyway, you can find more information about UI-Springfield at the UI-Global Campus.

Another recomendation for you is Florida State University's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. The tuition for out of state is quite high ($636.10) where instate is $154.62 per credit. but it is tier 1 (some classified it as tier 2) school.

Another one is Troy University's Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science (formerly BS in Computer Science when I graduated.) The tuition is cheap, about $200.00 per credit....Proud to be Trojans...where all men love it. hahahahaha

 

Tekman, thanks for the further info on the Regis/St. Regis question. It does seem a little dicey, but on the other hand, I've got a few years left on my degree, so the issue may be forgotten by then!

I did look at FSU. The language requirement is a little bit of a barrier for me since my high-school Latin is long forgotten and I haven't taken any college language classes. Not to say that I can't, though, so it might be an option for me in a few semesters (if I can figure out how to pay for it!).

I did check out Troy, and it looks very good, but I was a bit worried about how "Applied Computer Science" would look to a Master's program in the future.

Anyway, thanks again for all the info, and thanks to you and jaer57 for the rundown on Ellis. I had no idea all these options existed!

 

I don't think that would be an issue. You don't even need an undergrad degree in CompSci to get a graduate degree in CompSci. You just need to take some foundation courses, which I'm sure are already part of Troy's Applied CompSci program.

 

Last time I checked, Regis was a Tier I school. Did it drop recently?

 

It's still top tier.

I got my undergrad at Regis about 6 years ago...did the program on-campus, not online though. Was very happy with it...certainly not an easy curriculum but learned alot.

 

I completed the program online and agree. It wasn't easy and I'm happy that it wasn't.