Suggestions on how/where to start an Associates or Bachelors IT Degree ?

Discussion in 'IT and Computer-Related Degrees' started by fcruz420, Aug 16, 2012.

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  1. fcruz420

    fcruz420 New Member

    Hello All,

    I’m completely new to this realm of schooling. Please forgive me if my terminologies are off. I’m seeking a degree in the computer field. I would prefer a bachelors, but an associates to start would be awesome as well. I would prefer to complete everything online, but I reside in New Jersey and I'm willing to accommodate brick and mortar classes if needed.

    Here is the long story short:
    Cons:
    - I have no college credit or college experience.
    - I've been out of high school for about 12 years.
    - I have no tech certificates.

    Pros:
    - I have experience and on the job training for 7-8 years in tech field.
    - My company pays tuition capped at 3k per year.

    I found this site while searching for online school options and I believe it was also mentioned in BAin4weeks (can’t recall right now). I have formulated somewhat of a plan. This is what I have thus far.

    School/Degree options:
    - The big three of course. offers associates and bs in IT.
    - Fort Hays State University. Offers bs in information networking & telcomm.
    - Clovis community college. Offers associate in applied science degree.

    Testing:
    I've read a little on clep, ece, fema and dante testing. Given I haven’t been in school for 10 years - I’m not sure if this testing route is the thing to do. Anyone recently take these exams? Any thoughts on difficult levels regarding taking the test? Shall I take a few test exams to see how my test taking skills are?

    This is all I have thus far. Does anyone have any suggestion or recommendations for my situation? I would like to thank you all in advance for your time and assistance.

    Ohhh one last note. I would prefer to complete everything in an inexpensive, yet reputable way. =)
     
  2. rebel100

    rebel100 New Member

    Tuition and Financial Aid | Thomas Edison State College (your in NJ so TESC is likely cheaper for you by a little)

    Pick a degree plan then pick a CLEP/DSST/Straighterline that fills the requirements. Locate a cheap way to fill any requirements that the above won't satisfy. Degree Forum Wiki

    You don't just take the exams cold...you study. Free Clep Prep.com

    once you have all (or nearly all) your credits apply to TESC (or any of the big 3), pick up anything you missed....then graduate.
     
  3. rebel100

    rebel100 New Member

    I doubt your company will pay for credit by exam (maybe, but doubt it). Your local CC, Clovis, or New Mexico Junior College can come in handy here to access your companies tuition funds. You can usually still use CLEP to knock time off the degree completion.

    have you completed your FAFSA? A PELL grant, if you qualify, could make your education essentially free.
     
  4. fcruz420

    fcruz420 New Member

    Thanks Rebel100 I will check out these links once I return to my desk. Thanks for the prompt response.
     
  5. fcruz420

    fcruz420 New Member

    Hello Rebel100,
    The company will cover exam costs =(
    I checked my local CC and the per credit is still close to 2.5-3 times what Clovis charges. In addition my local CC doesn't have online degree programs.

    I'm not eligible for fasfa. This is why I figured Clovis might be a good option to get tuition reimbursement, get an associates online and not worry about accreditation as they're a brick and mortar school. Is that the correct path of thought for Clovis?
     
  6. fcruz420

    fcruz420 New Member

    Company will not pay for exams. This is why I figured Clovis would be a good choice to get tuition reimbursement.
     
  7. fcruz420

    fcruz420 New Member

    Would it be a good idea to Attend Clovis CC to obtain a CIS associates, obtain the tuition reimbursement from my company and then follow up with a degree from one of the big 3 schools?
     
  8. indiaedu

    indiaedu New Member

    Go for it. With the hard work you can achieve a lot in the specialization that you like. If you can go through the road which is interesting to you, you would surely achieve the fruits of success. Best of Luck...:)
     
  9. msganti

    msganti Active Member

    Oh...boy...this guy is driving me :crazy:
     

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