How much is too much to spend on a degree

Xarick would think that the Big Three's programs are not real Computer Science.

 

I just dont do well piecing a degree together. I would like to get it all from one school if possible.

 

You drive a truck and make 50k a year? You want to get into IT, and want a CS degree? Lateral moving into IT is not something that can be done with a just CS degree. Depending on where you live, even with a BS in CS you will not make 50K right off the bat. Have you seen what any of the IT people on this site have posted? You need certs and experience. Why not get a degree with a business administration focus and work on those certs on the side?

No offense here, but you sure do make a bunch of excuses not to get started. Time to shit or get off the pot.

Not sure how old you are but maybe you should look into the Guard or Reserves. You can get most of your degree paid for that would eliminate some of your wife's objections. Think she will let you join?

Cory

 

*sigh*
Okay I dont want to get into IT per se. Not the IT you are talking about where you are required to get a bunch of certs. I am looking to get into the software side. I don't drive truck I drive bus. I can't stand business admin or I would study accounting.

 

Volunteer to help with one of the many open source or free software projects to figure out if computer programming is something you would really want to do everyday. The salaries for computer programmers are not increasing due to international competition arising from the practice of off-shoring. From some of your postings I get the impression that you have a somewhat distorted and unrealistic view of programming. You are going to have to start out at the bottom which means a relatively low wage until you gain experience.

As a transit worker you probably have good health and retirement benefits in addition to your not too shabby salary. Unless you actually hate your job and/or co-workers, you have an opportunity now to explore your interests in software, as a hobby and studying, while staying employed. Alternatively, bite the bullet, quit your job and attend a brick-and-mortar campus to earn the CS degree.

 

I agree...nowaday, all the programming and coding can be outsourcing to INDIA. Where the costs are cheaper than in the United States. "Thank you for coming again."

Xarick,

If you want to be specialized in Programming, why don't you shoot for Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering/ Programming? Because if you do Computer Science, you're required in a broad spectrum of the curriculum; which includes hardware and networking as well.

Well, that is what I think.

 

Isnt that essentially what troy is as an applied degree.. more of a programming software engineering degree?

 

You should not get so hung up on the name of the degree. The computer science degree offered by Troy University would be sufficient for a computer programmer.

Here is a link to a university which offers a specialty in software engineering as part of their computer science undergraduate degree. This is provided only for informational purposes. http://www.carleton.ca/cu0708uc/programs/computerscience.html

There are computer programmers with undergraduate degrees in non-science subjects such as philosophy so the actual degree is not always the determining factor.

 

I agree. If you have a choice between two similar degrees and one is far less expensive than the other, you'd be foolish to pay for the expensive one.

 

It's generally easier to advance in your own field than to enter a new field at an older age- that's just the truth. Can you wrap your brain about any way shape or form that you could advance by BUILDING on your background rather than recreating it? I know you said you didn't like business administration, but what about upper level management within your field? What type of degree would put you a position for a promotion? Just two cents to consider.

 

I want out of transit. I do not want to advance in it and I do not want to be a part of it longer than I have to.

 

Thanks guys.. my main question was about cost. I think it is just to much money so I am going to stick with the three degrees I have found that meet my budget requirements.

 

I found this link to the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at University of Illinois Online. Not sure about the cost.
http://www.online.uillinois.edu/catalog/ProgramDetail.asp?ProgramID=638