Looking for a little advice to get moving in the right direction, regarding degrees

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by gregor7777, Jul 3, 2002.

Loading...
  1. gregor7777

    gregor7777 New Member

    Hi there.

    I'm a working young adult that has a little over 60 credits at a NY State University. They comprise of almost exactly what a Liberal Arts Associate degree would be with a concentration on Criminal Justice and Sociology.

    I also have 3-4 Computer Science entry level classes complete.

    Now I have a good job in sales but am moving and looking to get some sort of IT job.

    I would like to get a degree but am unsure what direction I should go except that it must be DL because of my job and family responsibilities.

    Would it be more worth my while to get a quick associates in some area of technology, or go full out for my bachelors. I know this is a tough question to answer straight out but I'm just looking for advice.

    Thanks in advance. :)
     
  2. irat

    irat New Member

    changing careers

    I used to work in rehabilitation with people changing careers. If you are looking at a practically applied AS, in the field you want to get into, do it. It is easy to explain you've always wanted to work in IT, have done data entry as part of your sales work, have a home computer, and have been working towards the field by getting an AS, and plan to get a BS in the field.
    On the other hand to explain you really want to work in IT so you took a couple courses, doesn't sound as good.
    Getting the AS also means you are reasonably well rounded in the subject. As opposed to explaining you took a few courses and think you took the right stuff.
    Put yourself in the chair of the job interviewer. What would you want to hear from a potential employee?
    All the best!
     
  3. me again

    me again Well-Known Member

    If you have the time and the money, I would highly recommend obtaining a Bachelors degree in lieu of an Associates degree.

    A Bachelors degree has more utility and acceptability. Many employers have an entry-level requirement: A Bachelors degree.

    If you have the opportunity, go for the Bachelors degree.
     
  4. gregor7777

    gregor7777 New Member

    Re: changing careers

    First off, thanks for the replies guys.

    Actually, an IT job will be a change, but not an unusual one. I have worked with computers in various capacities for 8 years, worked at IBM, and own a small business building and reselling HTPC's. I also am a certified A+ tech.

    Buuut, I do feel that I need a degree for more credibility. When I go for my bachelors I will learn alot (I know that's the whole point), but I guess I have to decide whether the AS will get me the credibility I'd like right now. I am sure it will be a few years away even if I start now before I see my bachelors.

    I do see your point though. I'm leaning towards the AS for now and then getting right back into my BS.
     
  5. irat

    irat New Member

    how long can you wait?

    I guess it depends how long before you want to get back into the computer swing again.
    The advice that a BS is superior to an AS is true. If you want to wait that long. On the other hand with an AS in hand you may be able to get back into the IT swing, while you pursue the BS.
    Depending on the level you want to work in IT, programming, etc. you may find some programs that move faster than others. There is a whole IT strand on this site.
    All the best!
     
  6. gregor7777

    gregor7777 New Member

    I guess I was just testing the water to see if anyone thought I would be foolish to go for my AS first.

    I'm sure most of the classes I would need to finish it would apply for my BS anyhow, so I think that's what I'll do.

    Thanks much! :)
     
  7. RFValve

    RFValve Well-Known Member

    You might be interested in the Jones International B.Sc in Information Technology. They have a degree completion program where you could transfer your earned credits, the program also offers the possibility to combine your degree with an industry certification like an ORACLE or CISCO certification. It is also one of the few programs that offers e-labs where you could have some hands-on experience.

    If money is an issue, they take a look at the University of Southern Queensland in Australia. They are also very flexible when it comes to credit transfer and you could transfer up to 50% of the program. If you are able to transfer 12 of 24 required units then the whole degree may cost you only 6,000 dlls US.

    Regards,
     
  8. RFValve

    RFValve Well-Known Member

    I forgot to mention that if you have already an industry certification you could get credit for it with Jones International.
     
  9. Mike Albrecht

    Mike Albrecht New Member

    On way to look at it is time required. Based on your description above, it would seem that you lack 1 or 2 courses for the AS, which, depending on availability could take 6 months. Also based on your description, and following the Ba in 4 weeks approach or a testing - portfolio route (I know I am describing the same thing) you might be able to do the BS in the same time frame, even adding 4 - 6 course, you could be talking as litle as 12 months.

    6 months to AS or 12 months to BS.

    Also see Thank you Lawrie Miller and everyone else
     
  10. ddcameron

    ddcameron New Member

    An associate degree in anything is better than a collection of credits in anything. You should see if you already qualify for an Associate degree, either in Excelsior or Thomas Edison. You may also be able to get some credit for the A+ certification.

    If nothing else, the degree means you have finished something. Your experience will help you with the IT position, you may find that you have more options with IT related sales position. In any event, I would not stop at the Associates, but rather make a mental commitment now to make some college credit worthy study out of the way every six months until you have time to hit the books a little harder. ;)

    Good luck!
     
  11. David Appleyard

    David Appleyard New Member

    I agree with Mike that I would focus on the "big picture", your BS.

    All things considered, Charter Oak, Thomas Edison and Excellcior would be, IMHO, the direction to go.

    1) You have amassed nearly enough credits for an Associates.

    2) You have eight years of related experience that could be worth additional credits towards you Bachelors.

    3) Through the use of proficiency examinations (CLEP, Dantes, etc.) you could easily arrive at your intended goal, all within the 6-12 month timeframe Mike mentioned.

    This to me, would seem the most logical path.
     
  12. gregor7777

    gregor7777 New Member

    I agree that if it is reasonable that I could finish so quickly that the BS path would be the smartest way to go.

    I take it that as far as credibility goes a degree finished by way of exam looks the same as one earned at a B&M school?
     
  13. Mike Albrecht

    Mike Albrecht New Member

    Look up the posts by Hille and the saga of her husbands need for a second bachelors degree for a work related issue, which he completed in less than 6 months. Many, many posts on the work course on this site.
     
  14. Veteran101

    Veteran101 New Member

    Good Day

    Looking regarding an BSIT?
    Try AIU

    RA. Cost a little. But then so do they all.


    http://www.aiuniv.edu/
     

Share This Page