I have been looking mainly at CS degrees. But what I want is to stay at my current company which is public transit and move into their IT department to do either database stuff or build software for the company. I am trying to find a program that would best fit that type of move. Can you guys help me find what I should be considering?
Probably we'll need to know what level of degree you're looking for: Associates? Bachelors? Masters? Or maybe it would be better for you to get some certifications (ex. A+, Network+, etc) instead of a degree?
I recommend a BA or BS in Information Technology rather than Computer Science. IT degrees generally include database and programming courses more applicable to business environments than a traditional CS degree. However, a school such as TUIU blurs the distinction somewhat. There are a lot of threads in the appropriate subforum on this board so explore them and make use of the search feature which finally works consistently. Another decision is whether to earn the degree from a nationally accredited (NA/DETC) or regionally accredited (RA) school. Spend the next couple of weeks reviewing your options and when the cooler autumn weather settles over the land you will be in a good position to make an informed choice. N.B. I have no affiliation with TUIU. It just seems like a flexible and moderate cost option with all, or most, course materials on CD and no examinations, just written papers and presumably assignments.
If you look at the course requirements for the BSCS and BSITM you will notice cross-over between computer science and information technology type courses. So, the distinction is not as pronounced especially given some of the courses listed in the BSCS and you could graduate with a BSCS that provides solid grounding in databases and web development; the best of both worlds... a computer science degree, without the hardcore subjects, and real world applicable knowledge.
I checked Dakota State University (probably one of the lower cost options available for a CS/IT degree) and they offer three distinct computers degrees, you may want to read the description of all three and decide which of them is closest to what you want: DSU: Computer and Network Security Computer Information Systems Computer Science Just throwing out a few other options to consider, I have not attended any of these schools, but have heard mostly good things about 'em here and elsewhere: Fort Hays State University is pretty cheap and offer several concentrations: http://www.fhsu.edu/academics/search.php?view=Arts%20and%20Sciences Western Governer's University has an alternative format than most other online programs, it's a flat rate per semester and mostly self-paced, so if you're already very knowledgeable in the subjects you'll be studying you could complete your degree quickly, they also offer many concentrations: http://www.wgu.edu/online_it_degrees/bachelor_degree_programs All of these are regionally accredited of course, and relatively cheap compared to schools like Walden, UoP, etc.
Unless I mis understand Dakota states site they only seem to offer CIS and MIS as distance education programs.
Yes, DSU's programs are residential, I was including those due to the detailed descriptions they give of the programs, including potential job opportunities that might result from each.
Alright.. Thanks.. I guess I am either going to get a degree at Touro in BSCS or Troy in Applied CS. Neither is very traditional, but both seem pretty a good fit. Troy will give me a minor in business, touro will give me more web/database experience. Now I just need to choose.
Take the minor in business. You can always add on to that degree with a professional database certification. Down the road, if you ever want to go into management, the business classes will help.
