Distance learning degree options for a 31 year old network specialist

Hi everyone,

As the title says, I am 31 years old and I really want to try get myself a degree now after working for 13 years (fresh out of high school).

I never had the opportunity to go to a university when I left high school (long story really, but mainly financial issues prevented me from doing this), so now that I have lots of working experience (and some Microsoft and Cisco qualifications) in network engineering / network architecture / network design, I would love some advice of how to go about getting myself a undergraduate degree (for now) in this related field (IT Networking).

I specifically want to do this online (distance learning) and have been wading through loads of websites and information. I have found lots of dodgy sites offering 'fake' degrees and even some that offer 'life experience' degrees, but I need to get something that is accredited.

I live in Europe (in Cyprus actually) but will be going to New Zealand in a few months to try find a job there and try settle there.

Besides my travels, I really want to get stuck in with a degree that I can do online and at my own pace (and hopefully not break the bank either).

Please, anybody, give me some direction and/or advice and help me to find something suitable.

From all the threads i have read, there are lots of good people on this forum that can hopefully help me out to make some decisions.

Thanks!

 

I would suggest that you thoroughly reseach possibilities for earning a degree in NZ (I do not know if DL degree programs are available?). NZ may offer reduced tuition rates to residents.

If you can't find what you want in NZ then explore options in Australia (where DL degrees are available).

 

Thanks Ian.

For me, however, the most important aspect is the cost. I do want an accredited degree, but cannot afford some of them.

What I find amazing is that, in most cases, distance learning costs the same as on-campus learning. This doesn't make sense to me.

I am looking for cheap options to get an accredited degree. the country I get my degree from is not the most important aspect for me, since most countries will still hold an accredited degree from another 1st world country in high regard anyway.

If anyone knows of how to get a competitively priced degree via distance learning, from the US or UK, please let me know.

I found this youtube video, which is kind of along the lines of what i am looking information on : YouTube - Super-Cheap Accredited Colleges: $11/day (or Less)

I got the PDF and will study it, but I am sure there are others here that also considered the same things as I am currently contemplating.

I have also checked with the New Zealand immigration website for the accreditations that do not require assessment (presumably *trusted* accreditations) from various countries / institutions.

Appendix 5 - List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment

Thanks.

 

You'll need to check with the school to determine what your options for proctored testing are, so I can't guarantee this as an option.

WGU

They've historically taken a lot of the Microsoft exams as credit towards the Network Management degree program. You might opt out of your third year.

 

Wgu

Thanks ITJD,

Looks like a great choice and I like the degrees they offer, but I won't be able to gain access to their program.

As per their website:

International Students

Thank you for your interest in WGU. At the present time, WGU is only accepting applications from individuals living in the U.S., Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as from U.S. military personnel and their families at overseas installations. WGU is also now accepting applications from Canadian residents in certain select geographic areas. (An Enrollment Counselor has more information about which areas are eligible to submit applications.)

Unfortunately, we have discovered that we cannot always guarantee that the educational experience for students living outside the United States will meet our high standards for quality and convenience. It is our expectation that these issues will be resolved in future years. We wish you well in your educational pursuits and regret that we cannot help you at this time.

 

Charles Sturt University in Australia offers several IT-related masters degrees that do not require an undergraduate degree for admission. Many of their programs accept industry certifications for course credit, for example, you could earn the Masters of Network and System Administration (Linux track) by completing 7 courses (@ AUD $2100 each, about EUR €1400 or USD $1750) and 5 certification exams. Their web site for the IT Masters program is IT Masters Degree - The University Masters for IT Professionals and the school's web site is Charles Sturt University (CSU), Australia. Excellence in Education and Research. Find a course, Distance education, Study abroad, International students.

Best of luck, and let us know what you decide!

 

APU offers bachelors degrees in Information Technology or Information Technology Management, $250/credit with free books, probably one of the best deals around ...

APU Degree Program: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

APU Degree Program: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Management

They accept up to 90 transfer credits. Their courses also run quite frequently. They are not exactly "at your own pace" though, from what I've read there are regular assignments with due dates, but there are not lectures you must attend at specific times. Also I don't know whether they will give you and credits for any certifications that you have.

 

Another possibility:

Fort Hays State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Networking & Telecommunications (Computer Networking and Telecommunications) degree. $168/credit, not including books. Could be even cheaper than APU.

 

I received both undergraduate and graduate degrees from a NA school. University of Management and Technology. I have a Master of Science degree in Management and, have not had a problem receiving calls from employers for HR, Adjunct Faculty,project manager, analyst, program management and general management positions. It has been difficult for me to see the merit in the argument of those who speak ill of NA schools. I’ve had plenty of interaction, professional and personal, with people who’ve graduated from RA schools. I’ve been surprised at their lack of post-secondary level acumen. Any education at its core, will manifest itself by what the student puts into it, and how they apply it in the field. Having the degree will get you an interview, but unless one can articulate the concepts of their specialty, and if hired, apply it to the firm to increase bottom line and add value, they will go back to the drawing board RA, or NA degree. This school is recognized by the U.S. Department of education, CHEA( Council for Higher Education Accreditation) and DETC(Distance Education and Training). They also have programs that have (program accreditation) from PMI(Project Management Institute) as well as AAPM(American Academy of Project Managers ). I am still active duty, (Air Force) and just to ensure I have future success, I have attended career fairs and job interviews and, as I stated earlier, haven't hard a problem, getting offers. It has helped me serve on boards, and help me get hired for an Adjunct Faculty position, so I'm experiencing the payback. .. Plus the military also, recognizes national accreditation for commissioning programs.

 

Why does it look like you cut/pasted the same post into a bunch of threads?

 

DSU
Network and Security Administration (BS)
Network and System Administration (BS or AS), Majors and Programs, Academics, Dakota State University, Madison, SD

Cyber Operations (BS)

If you want a degree to go along with the field you are in, the Network and Security Administration BS would be good.

I do not see international student tuition on the tuition page. I believe it is probably the same for out of state. But I would email to confirm.