Switching majors, online vs local, requesting guidance

Hi All,

Here's my quick back story. Gone to college for Pre-Med at MCPHS. Took a leave of absence in middle of second year. About a year and a half since then. Want to switch majors to Computer Programming, mainly with a emphasis in gaming. I could specialize in gaming at a later point, right now I just want to focus on getting a degree in Programming.

I am pretty set on my decision for changing majors. It's too bad about the time lost but no use in crying over it. I have a great interest in programming and computers but I do not relatively have any experience in programming.

I'm trying to figure out where I should apply to continue/begin my education in Computer Programming. I would really appreciate any recommendations. Cost is a factor, should be regionally accredited. The more affordable the better, although I do not want to sacrifice education quality for a cheaper course. Distance is also a factor. Cannot afford other housing. Preferably located within a commutable distance from Sayreville, NJ (08859).

I was also considering just taking an online degree but I don't really know what to think of online learning. Is the quality of online education just as effective as learning at a campus? What would be some reputable online colleges, with respectable Computer Programming courses?

I also stumbled onto http://www.tesc.edu/. It seems to be a really cheap online college. What do you guys think?

I appreciate your time, advice and willingness to help.

Thanks in advance

-Pat

 

Just my personal opinion, but I often think the classical data structures & algorithms class is one good litmus test for potential programmers, maybe more than any other class. If I were you, I'd take an introductory class in some programming language or two, and then a data structures/algorithms class, and if you still want to pursue programming after those then I'd look for a school where to do it. I believe it shouldn't be too difficult to find good online school where to do these intro classes, and you could probably transfer them later on...

Or you could simply buy a good book and try going through it...programming was never really something you could "learn" exclusively through formal education...it takes the right kind of "brain" wired in a certain way and a lot of study and more importantly, practice...

Not for everybody, not even those who love computers (I'm not trying to discourage you)

 

There are many programs that offer programming courses but I have not taken any so I don't want to recommend anything. I am thinking of
http://www.amu.apus.edu/Academics/Degree-Programs/plan.htm?progid=4602&concid=4780
http://www.amu.apus.edu/Academics/Degree-Programs/plan.htm?progid=4602&concid=4781
http://www.worldwidelearn.com

As far as languages, I asked the same type of question here and got some great feedback Good luck.