Coursera - BS in Computer Science from top university for only $10k !

https://www.coursera.org/degrees/bsc-computer-science-pmf

Coursera is developing a new online BS in Computer Science program that will award degree from one of the top universities in USA!

The candidates on their list are:

University of Arizona
University of Georgia
University of Pittsburgh
Michigan State University
and so on


The program doesn't have any admission standard. As long as you pass their certificate program, they'll get you in. No language test scores required for international students either...

This seems pretty strange to me. Which university do you think will be happy with this?
On-campus computer science program usually requires high GPA, calculus math skills, good writing and communication skills to get in.

 

The one that gets the most money.

Seriously, I wonder about the cert. program. Maybe it's really rigorous and acts as a filter. Only those with good math skills, computing knowledge and the requisite English abilities have a ghost of a chance of passing. That's my guess - that the cert. means you've passed a tough admission test for the degree program.

 

But will people laugh at you if you got an online degree ?!

 

I will go with the UoPeople.

 

Why should they? Indeed, the Internet is the first choice for most of today's employees trying to figure out their problems in the workplace. Do they deserve the stance to mock those who already found solutions online?

 

The Certificate program they are referring to is the Google IT Support professional. https://www.coursera.org/professional-certificates/google-it-support

 

It is getting to a point that people laugh when you go on campus to do a CS degree. As CS is really about using the internet and there are tons of resources online, going to a class room to hear a guy talking from a power point is totally useless and non productive.

 

Thanks. I didn't have a clue about where the cert. came from. Still, as I understand it - if you can do one of these - you've learned something, And maybe that preps you for the next stage - the degree program, no? I won't get into the argument over B&M vs. Online. Each side is too busy laughing at the other.

 

I'd recommend the Online MCIT from UPenn is someone with a bachelors wants to learn computer science. For $10K more, you get a master's from an elite university.

 

I really like the idea of variety institutional choices, which allows the students to select a school closer to where they live.

 

Exactly..

Now they're trying to turn CS degree into a joke ? lol I dunno...

People spent $150k+ for on-campus traditional CS degrees
Now Coursera want to make their degree worth only 7% of what they paid for
I don't think the Coursera degree will be recognized well though..

 

On campus is all about networking, partying, and college life experiences. Other than that you can study anywhere unless a degree requires hand-on experiences such as medical.

 

UoL - BS in CS degree wasn't recognized well by the employers though ...

I think UoL has worse reputation than US community colleges... because if you say you have an associate's degree in IT from a community college, you can get a job for sure. But when you say you're studying through University of London, people don't take it seriously.
I decided to not bother with coursera UoL for that reason.
UoL also don't look at GPA, SAT test scores, etc. It has lower admission standard than US community colleges.

 

I am going to call this sheer insanity. I took the Google IT Support Professional program while I was on leave from work for a bit and anyone who believes that finishing that program will enable you to obtain a BS in CompSci is on drugs.

The course was extremely disappointing. And easy. It led you through everything. It asked you to do something and then told you exactly how to do it. I was stunned that there was no "fly by the seat of your pants and figure this out" type problems to solve.

When I took it, there was another course module. I cannot think of the name of it but it was so incredibly difficult. I logged in one day and that module had been removed. They must have gotten complaints that it was too difficult. As an IT Pro in many areas of the field, I'm not seeing this program from Google as anything remotely close to resembling an onboarding situation for a CS degree.

Edited to add: I just looked back at my email. It was a course on Automation and I was pulling my hair out with it. Then an email from Google came:

"An updated version of the Google IT Support Professional Certificate is now available!
Course 5 — IT Automation: It’s not that scary! — is no longer a requirement to complete the certificate program. This is because we’ve heard from learners and employers that automation is not typically required for entry-level IT Support roles. As such, you will not need to complete the automation course to earn the certificate. You will need to successfully complete the other five courses to finish the program.
If you’d like to switch to the updated version of the program that does not require you to complete the automation course, please click below. Don’t worry, all of your progress will be saved, and you can pick up where you left off."

The only course that would have demonstrated to students how incredibly difficult pursuing a CS degree is was removed from the program... Crazy. Had they left it in there, many fewer people would have been able to complete the program.

 

I really doubt it's true.

 

Did the webpage change, or am I missing something? The website says that the cost of the program will be $25,000, not $10,000.

It's not.

 

What ??????!!!

I just checked their page again.

https://www.coursera.org/degrees/bsc-computer-science-pmf

Now they say the price is $25,000 USD ......
They updated the price.

 

Also, they removed names of all top universities I wonder what's going on

 

Well, as they said, "Coursera is developing..." i.e. it was a work in progress. Perhaps um... "developments" didn't "develop" as the "developer" expected.
They jumped the gun? And all the candidates said "No, Thanks?" If that's actually what happened, then I'm laughing at these guys. Forever. Professionals don't do this. Pro-fee-ssionals? Maybe.