Greetings everyone! I've been lurking here for about a month or so and finally decided to join the fray. I'm in the beginning stages of researching schools in preparation for an online BS in CS. My background is as follows: I have a BA from a brick & mortar school from long ago, with some study in COBOL and FORTRAN, and I have been employed at a software company for the past 7 years, with experience in supporting UNIX and Windows environments, as well as basic networking, that has been totally learned on the job. I'd like to enhance my current background by getting a CS degree with an emphasis in programming, as I feel I've hit the infamous ceiling at my job with the current computer-related knowledge I have. I enjoy what I do, but I want to dig deeper and not just provide support, but actually create programs and not just troubleshoot them. My plan is to go with a relatively inexpensive but reputable online undergrad CS degree, then later try for a grad degree, hopefully with tuition assistance from my employer. From my lurking here, I've seen a lot of positive remarks about Troy State in Alabama, and the University of Illinois system (it appears that Springfield is the only site that offers the undergrad CS for UI--correct me if I'm wrong). I like the tuition that both offer, and the programs seem to be pretty good, but I'd like to hear what the seasoned veterans of this message board have to say about these programs. I like the fact that both are associated with brick & mortar institutions, although I'm not totally stuck on that particular thing, if I hear any convincing arguments for totally online schools. If any of you have any opinions about these two schools, or recommendations for other schools in this general tuition range (app. $140/credit hour), please let me know. Thanks!
IMHO I do not see Troy State as a BSCS degree. It requires only 36 hours in the major area. It does not require significant math, does not get some of the basics you will see in most CS programs covered. It would get you the title of BSCS, but not really teach you much. That maybe what you are looking for. I would highly recommend though, with a BA, you go for a MSCS instead.
I can personally recommend the program at Florida State University. But, here are some other programs that have undergrad CS programs that look both typical and hard-core: Old Dominion University Regis University Franklin University National University With all that being said, unless your are engaged in research, embedded, scientific, artificial intelligence or control programming, I believe that many (if not most) programmers in a business environment may be better served by a Information Systems or Computer Information Systems degree. These degrees are more about how software meets the needs of business than about theory and math. I haven't really looked for programs that offer these degrees, but you might want to look at: Baker College Baker has a CIS undergrad that looks pretty good. They also have a CS degree, but like other similar programs (i.e. Troy U. and Touro) the CS curriculum is technically lacking.
If you already have a BA degree, why not consider a Masters in CS? There are many out there that focus on programming, and it will enhance your resume more, IMHO, than another BS would.. Some okay, very not okay (KW) on this list, but it will give you something to start comparing to.. http://www.classesusa.com/featuredschools/programs/featured_it.cap Aspen University also has a nice looking Master of Science program with heavy focus on programming. (I got my MBA from Aspen earlier this year, I learned a lot). http://www.aspen.edu/msis/index.htm http://www.aspen.edu/msis/index.htm
Since no mention was made of what the BA was in, I will say that unless it is in math or perhaps engineering, for a typical MS degree in computer there will be prerequisites that will need to be met. This can be anywhere from 3 - 9 courses. For instance, FAU requires the following prerequisites: - Computer Architecture - Data Structures - Theory of Operating Systems - Analysis of Algorithms - Theory of Computation - 2 Semester Sequence of Calculus - Discrete Math - Statistics This very representative of what typical MSCS programs require. While I don't disagree that having an MSCS will be more impressive on a resume, if you don't have a undergrad in Computer Science or another math heavy major you will have a long row to hoe to get the degree. In some cases much longer than it would take to get the BSCS degree as a second degree. Now if you want to get an MSCS degree, then why not prepare yourself to get this degree from the best program available? The chances on getting accepted to these programs are low unless you have a computer science, math or engineering degree. This is why it might be better to get a BSCS first. However, if your BA is in one of said majors, then an MSCS should probably be your goal.
Thanks for all of your responses. Sorry it took me so long to reply. Some of you suggested I pursue an MSCS rather than a BS, however, my current Bachelor's degree is a BA in Art. To make a long story short, I started college at 18 with a major in CS, took a few computer related classes (such as the COBOL and FORTRAN classes), had a really hard time getting through due to having to work 20-25 hours per week to pay for school, and eventually got burned out, and switched over to the Art major since I was working as a photographer at the time. After a few years in the photography field, I decided I didn't want to open my own studio, so I chose to get back into computers again. I've worked in this field since 1996, but with no educational background in it. Seeing as I have a BA in Art, I thought it would be best that I re-establish a foundation in CS with a Bachelor's degree and absorb as much as I can, then move onto a Master's later (and hopefully with my employer's financial support ). Finances figure into this as well, since I can't sink too much into it right now. I've looked over the Regis program and the UMUC program and would love to go there, but the tuition is just too much. I'll probably be much better prepared to invest that kind of money when I'm ready for my Master's. Again, if anyone has any other recommendations for good, lower-cost, yet reputable BS programs, please let me know. I appreciate all of your input, and I will take a look into the CIS programs as well to see if any of them would meet my needs, but I feel the CS route is the way I want to go.
Okay, another question! While it's not carved in stone yet, I have given it a lot of thought and I'm definitely leaning toward the University of Illinois-Springfield for my BSCS. One thing I've noticed, however, is that they require their students to have completed two semesters of Java programming or equivalent, as well as one semester of disrete or finite mathematics. I have the mathematical requirement covered, but I need to get the Java requirement taken care of. If any of you have any suggestions for online schools that would offer a good Java class at a reasonable price, let me know.
If you are seeking a bachelor degree in computing, then perhaps the BAC (Bachelor of Arts in Computing) at De Paul University (www.depaul.edu) through the School of New Learning. Their programme is 100% online and based on competencies rather than specific courses. With your BA you would likely only need to complete a few competencies to earn the BAC. With that degree completed you could easily qualify for the Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) at Aspen University (www.aspen.edu) which consists of 36 credits (12 courses). So in about 12-18 months you could have earned two degrees while leveraging your existing degree (Bachelor of Arts) and be in a position to move up in your career. You should avoid the notion that a career in programming will lead anywhere unless you want to compete with software developers in India and China. Therefore, unless your intention is to be programming embedded systems take the sage advice of others on this board and focus on a career in information technology or information management.
Thanks for your input, horne. It's been so hard for me to make a decision about this! I'll keep the advice on programming in mind, however, I guess I'm a little confused. I have been pursuing the programming angle/CS degree with the intent in getting into the field of software engineering. From what I've read in the Department of Labor's website and some articles on the ACM's website, software engineering related jobs are expected to be in demand for at least the next several years. I understand that software engineering encompasses more than simply programming, but that appears to be a part of the profession, and as I peruse job listings in some big cities, I see the term "software engineer" thrown about quite a bit in the job descriptions, with a lot of skills such as Java, C#, .NET, C++, etc. listed as requirements. This being the case, would I be foolish to pursue a CS degree with a software engineering emphasis? Also, taking into consideration your advice about a career in Info. Technology, I stumbled upon the Master of Science in Computer Information Technology at Regis Univesity (Yes, I know I said I was searching for a Bachelor's program originally, but I'm reconsidering!! ) It has a choice of emphasis in Database Technologies, Executive Information Technologies, Systems Engineering and yes, Software Engineering. Info can be found at: http://www.regisonline.org/mscit.htm and http://www.regisonline.org/pdf/mscit_mssis_brochure.pdf Would the Regis MSCIT degree with software engineering emphasis be worth my time/money? I know I'd probably need to get some prerequisites out of the way, but I'm starting to feel that maybe a Master's would be better to pursue after all. I just want to make sure that my investment of time and money will be rewarding. I could sure use some opinions, facts and advice on this, because I am desperate to get started with my studies work toward a better future for myself and my family. Anyone who wishes to comment on this, please feel free to do so. I've learned quite a bit about DL degrees from this forum, so I'd value your informed replies. Thanks!
