When I started reading this forum, I was just looking for ONE program, so I could complete a bachelor's level degree in math or statistics. I would look at people's sig lines, and read people's messages, about enrolling in yet another program, and wonder what you all were smoking. But I guess it's contagious. The math program at UIS requires that one have the ability to write a computer program. My advisor interpreted that to mean that I should enroll in an Intro to Programming course. Years ago I used to write database programs, but I figured it would be an easy A and I didn't want to argue with my advisor. While I was taking courses at the community college to prepare for UIS, I took a Database Management course because I sometimes use MS Access in my current job. Well, the intro to programming course I'm taking uses Visual Basic. But it seemed to me that Java would be more generally useful, and that knowing how to write programs would be a good thing for a math major. And, it turns out, that with just TWO java courses in addition to what I've already taken, I can get a Certificate in Java Programming from the community college. So now I'm enrolled in two schools at the same time for next spring! What have you all done to me?
You are not kidding about the influence and motivation that this board provides. I love the encouraging attitude that many members have towards others attaining a degree. Your ideas sound solid. It is always wise to diversify and have a broad array of things you can offer an employer. I'm considering taking some Java classes myself, maybe at our CC.
Since you did your undergrad in statistics, could you write a program that uses the R software environment?
My path on this site went as follows: BS from Excelsior MBA from Columbia Southern Graduate cert in SPED from the University of Tennessee Ed.S. from Liberty University and about two years away from my Ed.D. Currently taking 1 course per semester at Ball State for my graduate cert in Behavior analysis (allows me to sit for the BCBA exam). All this because I googled "online degree options" about 7 years ago.
I know the feeling. I started with a BS from Cal Coast and really did not want anything else. I found this site and look what happened to me!
Found this site in 2003/2004, i had paid Northcentral university in-full for MBA. Found about AACSB and asked them to send back all my money. Joined TAMUC, now i work as an Adjunct Professor at a AACSB school.
All I wanted was a stinkin bachelors degree so that I could get a rate increase. Now I'm working on two, thinking about changing careers and I can't get the naughty thought of a master's degree out of my head. I hate this forum every bit as much as I love it.
When I started my higher ed journey and I joined the a.e.d. newsgroup (the old-timers here will get it), purely distance (there was no "online" option back then) programs didn't offer what I needed, so I used that (a.e.d.) and then this (DI) as a support network while I went for my degrees in a non-traditional manner (lots of CLEP's, DANTE's, life experience credit, night & weekend classes, etc.). However, I have to say that this website is (or should be) the definition of co-dependence, as I've gone further in my education than I ever planned to, pretty much because I was encouraged by all the success stories here. Damn you all!!!! :mad1:
