Best BS and MS programs in Computer Science/Software Engineering?

I'm on the fence on where I want to get my BS and MS in Computer Science. I'm heavily leaning toward Regis University, but I would like to know if anyone has any other programs that they know of, or have went through, aside from Regis.

 

How comparable would Regis' BSCS and MSSE to UMUC's BSCS and ther MSIT with an emphasis in Software Engineering be?

 

Below are a couple of recent threads regarding MS programs in the IT forums you might find helpful. I am finishing up my BACS from Thomas Edison. I decided on them because they gave me 18 credits for my Microsoft certifications (MCDBA, MCSD, MCITP, MCTS), generous CLEP/DSST credit, and allowed Straighterline for my one year of calculus requirements.

http://www.degreeinfo.com/computer-related-degrees/40861-accelerated-ms-computer-ia-other-than-capitol.html

http://www.degreeinfo.com/computer-related-degrees/41337-minot-state-university-online-msis.html

 

Those really don't appeal to what I'm after. I'm not really looking for something in IT, but more of a hard computer science program. More on theory, programming, software engineering, and the like.

 

As always, it depends on what you mean by "best." To me, Regis looks like a fine program. Two other good undergrad options are University of Florida (FSU Online - Prospective Online Students - Undergraduate Programs - Computer Science) and University of Illinois - Springfield (Department of Computer Science). If you can do 16 hours in residence, Harvard Extension also offers an undergrad concentration in computer science (Liberal Arts Degree Online & On Campus | Undergraduate Degree Programs).

You have many more options for a Masters. Top ranked schools include Stanford (Computer Science MS Degree | Stanford University Online), UIUC (Online Program | Department of Computer Science at Illinois) and Columbia (http://www.cvn.columbia.edu/cs_MS.php). If you can manage a blended program with some residency, Oxford (Software Engineering at Oxford | The Software Engineering Programme) and Harvard (Information Technology Degree | Online Information Technology Degree Courses) both have excellent programs.

 

Best insofar as distance learning without going Ivy League. Respectable programs that are decently priced, and would not be scoffed at by companies during an interview process.

 

In that case, it seems like the most commonly recommended undergrad options are Regis, Troy, UIS and University of Florida. For your Master's, I'd look for a distance program from a recognizable brick and mortar near where you plan to work.

 

Why not go Ivy League, Harvard Extension IS Masters is around $24000 and many reportedly recieve financial aid on top of that.....only one on campus course required and it can be done in a short semester. The HE'S bachelors is avert spanked program as well, they even accept up to 12 credits from clep exams.

 

Avert spanked? And this is a smart phone? Lol. Think I meant very doable.....or something like that.

 

Wow, that program costs just about as the MSSE at Regis. Is there really no GRE requirement?

 

No GRE, you pass 3 courses with a B and your in.

My daughter hopes to start her bachelors there in the fall. She just got her assessment back and received credit for all of her CC work as well as 12 credits in CLEP.

 

What are those three classes?

 

I believe its just any 3 from the program for the masters. In the bachelors you pick any 2 plus EXPO 25

 

So it's a conditional acceptance at first, and when you pass the first three classes, you're fully in? Or am I missing something?

 

That's essentially it. Open enrollment and you are in with good grades in 3 courses.

 

There is no conditional acceptance. You are just taking classes. When you have your 3 classes with a B or higher (and have a 3.0 GPA), THEN you apply to the program and are accepted. Until you apply to the program and are accepted you are just some guy taking classes.

Also, there is a residency requirement, but it isn't too bad. You have too take at least 1 class on campus. That would be either in the summer session, the fall semester, or the spring semester. The summer session is nice because you can stay in the dorms. For the fall and spring semester, some move to Cambridge, while others simply commute every week for a semester. I know that the commuting idea sounds crazy, but if you live in a major city east of the Mississippi, it really isn't that expensive. However, I do know of folks commuting from as far away as California.

One word of advice. The courses are no joke. I went to a top tier school for my undergraduate education and the courses at HES are EASILY the hardest courses I have taken. Sure, there are some easier courses, but you cannot avoid the hard ones.

I took several classes at HES about 8-9 years ago, but I got a great job and didn't bother applying to the ALM in IT program back then. I am now back and will be submitting my application this week. I did well on my 3 prerequisite courses last Spring and Fall semesters (2 A's and an A-), so as long as I don't completely bomb the courses I am in now (knock on wood), I should be OK.

 

Haha! As soon as I read that phrase I knew it came from a smartphone! Either that, or you have some serious issues!

Perhaps after receiving his BS/MS in CS, MichaelRea can work on improving the accuracy of spell check apps in smart phones...

 

Sounds like a German punk rock band.....Avert Spanked!

.......and I'm sure I have some serious issues

 

At the risk of derailing this thread, I have to share a link that I think you'll appreciate: Band Name Maker

 

Haha. That's awesome! And I'll definitely work on fixing autocorrect; it seems to be such a flawed system.

But in all seriousness, I think I'm going to do Regis's dual BS/MS program. I'll be using my Post 9/11 GI Bill (i'm still on active duty; I don't mind not having that housing allowance, as I already get one), and Regis's tuition for their undergraduate active military students is $250/hr. You really can't beat that. I have a friend who grew up down the street from Regis, and has nothing but good things to say about it. I'll end up going into Software Engineering as well for my MS.

Maybe a doctorate is in the future; I don't know. We'll see where the winds take me, I suppose.