Hey guys, I'm looking into ASU for their Software Engineering degree. Are there any better options (i don't care about cost)? I have about 30 credits from a local uni for a useless bio major. I ruled out WGU because it doesn't have as good a reputation. Thanks!
What does 'better' mean in this context ? Cost is not an issue for you as you have mention, are you looking for a college with a 'better' branding ? ASU's Software Engineering does not have ABET thingy if you don't mind. ASU's ranking according to US News is #143 Arizona State University | US News Best Global Universities It's a pretty decent school. But if you want other options ; try looking to Computer Science Majors (Since alot of the major map between Software Engin and CS are almost the same) ? Dakota State has a CS major online ; Programs, Office of Extended Programs, Dakota State University, Madison, SD U of Illinois also has a CS major online ; Department of Computer Science Florida State U has online programs for CS ; Undergraduate Programs | Office of Distance Learning DePaul also has a CS completion program online ; BS in Computer Science Online Degree Completion Harvard Extension has an ALB with a focus in CS for undergraduate ; Fields and Minors for the Bachelor's Degree at Harvard Extension School Old Dominion offers CS, and Computer Engineering degrees online ; EET - Computer Engineering Technology - Old Dominion University You might want to consider doing a CS undergraduate and if you are still keen later on ; look for a Ms in Software Engineering (There's more options at Masters level) The school's I've listed does not imply that they have a 'better' branding, it's just other alternatives for you to consider.
Thanks. So, Software Engineering wouldn't fall under ASU's #48 ranking for CS? I would think that an employer would respect a degree from ASU more than Dakota State (NR in CS), FSU (#82 in CS), Depaul (NR in CS), and Old Dominion (NR in CS). Also, I want to become a Mobile App developer, so I'm not sure if a CS degree would be advantageous over a Software Engineering degree for that. Thoughts?
Too be honest, you could be learning Mobile App developing on your own free time. Most of the school's I've listed are public, RA. I do believe majority of employers will respect a school with those criteria. The ranking I mention is the overall ranking of the school. I'm not sure how CS rankings are done, but most of the rankings I've seen are for graduate programs. I'm unclear of undergraduate rankings. Imo, finish your CS degree, do mobile app during your free time, built a portfolio and apply for jobs. That's what I think. ASU's software program is pretty good in a sense, alot of classes require you to do 'projects' for the modules. So you can learn alot of hands on stuff, and even put them into your portfolio.
Wouldn't SE prepare me more for a mobile app job than a CS degree? What masters degree can I get later in my career then?
You may not really need a degree for this at all. I have read of many instances of people changing careers to the software development field by attending coding bootcamps or learning coding on sites like Codeacademy. There are other options listed here: 10 places where anyone can learn to code | TED Blog There is a good article about this here: No CS Degree? No problem. Steps to Prepare for Your Code Interview It indicates that between 25-50 percent of software engineers do not have a computer science degree. Learn to code, develop some apps and software, build your portfolio. That will be more impressive to those who do the hiring than a college transcript.
Not useless - you could apply your units to the science and elective categories required for most US bachelor degrees.
For what it's worth, I have previously taken classes via Old Dominion's distance learning for Computer Science. It was really good, and cheap. ODU is a respected school, and has some great faculty. The best class I've ever taken is with Dr. Toida for his CS381 Discrete Structures. They are very helpful and involved. It's up to you if you would rather do CS or Software Engineering, but either way I would definitely go through somewhere mentioned above like CodeAcademy before taking the plunge. Coding takes a special kind of person... and by special, I mean insane. It just didn't work for me, but the program is good! ASU vs ODU, there isn't much difference in the way of how employers perceive degrees from those institutions. They are both good, but neither one is a top school. I cannot imagine a hiring manager putting that much thought into rankings at that level. ASU is pretty expensive (@ 480/credit) so for that reason I'd try to look for less expensive public college options. Good luck!!
Got accepted to ASU despite my 2.1 transfer GPA...My 1560/1600 SAT score on the math and critical reading is what got me in. I think i didn't make it clear that I already know how to code pretty well, but I just want a few letters after my name .
wow grats ! I did a year at ASU's online program. The people are really friendly and helpful. Wish you the best of luck ! :biggrin::biggrin::biggrin: