ACCIS or Columbia Southern?

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by pcguy, Jan 16, 2002.

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  1. pcguy

    pcguy New Member

    If one wanted to not go the RA path, for whatever reason, I pose the following:

    Just out of curiousity, is one better than the other? I know they are both DETC accredited - but I wanted some objective opinion from this group...

    Thanks for any info!
     
  2. Chip

    Chip Administrator

    You've managed to choose two of the least-loved DETC accredited schools. Both have extremely shady stuff in their past, including deceptive marketing tactics, questionable programs, etc.

    Making a choice between those two would probably be similar to saying "Would you rather have a Yugo or an unrestored 1975 Renault LeCar?
     
  3. DaveHayden

    DaveHayden New Member

    Hey what about the AMC Pacer?! You had to love those space capsule sized doors. Seriously I think Chip is corect that is a very poor set to choose from. The only reasons I can think to select them are cost and difficulty and I actually think there are RA choices that are as cheap and easy. Good luck.

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    Best Regards,
    Dave Hayden
     
  4. Well, actually I liked the Renault (called the R5 elsewhere in the world). In Zambia, I once rode in a taxicab that was an R5 (circa 1975). Unforgettable. So I guess that means I'd like Columbia Southern too?
     
  5. John Bear

    John Bear Senior Member

    I am trying to choose between Frying Pan State University, and Fire College. I am told I can transfer from one to the other.
     
  6. dlkereluk

    dlkereluk New Member

    Don't be scorning the LeCar!

    Darren.
     
  7. KidDL

    KidDL member

    John, are there any DETC school that you like?
     
  8. I'm not John (obviously) but I shall answer nonetheless by paraphrasing previous responses to similar posts…

    It shouldn't be a question of whether one “likes” a school, but a question of the usefulness (or more accurately, probability of usefulness) of the degree. The answer to this depends in part on the intended use for the degree (e.g. a faculty position or the proverbial “admiration of all” or a diploma you can wipe yourself with). But in any case (except perhaps the latter) a DETC-accredited degree will generally have a lower probability of usefulness than an RA degree.

    Having said that, I would suggest that the most admired DETC-accredited schools discussed on this forum are USOU, ISIM, and (in their respective specialized niches) AMU and Rhodec. Jury is out on Cardean and Concord Law. U. Leicester is GAAP anyway, so I didn’t list it. (Some would argue that USOU is GAAP, but I wouldn’t.)

    The least admired? Perhaps Columbia Southern, ACCIS, and Azaliah University (NM).

    OK, let’s hear from those who disagree!
     
  9. pcguy

    pcguy New Member

    Well that's why I was asking. I didn't say I know everything about DETC schools, that's what I thought the purpose of this group is.

    John, I respect your opinion - but instead of posting something like that, how about posting a few other DETC choices that you DO like?

    I obviously see that those 2 "schools" are not good options.

    Please make a few suggestions (for the BS in IT or IS fields)

    Thanks!
     
  10. DaveHayden

    DaveHayden New Member

    Hi PCGuy

    A DETC degree is always a second rate choice compared to a RA degree. Unless there is a reason to choose a DETC degree the better choice would always be a RA degree. As I said before the only reason I can see for DETC would be lower cost or an easier to achieve degree, and I honestly think you can find RA choices just as cheap or easy. Is there another reason you are thinking of DETC? The only DETC related CS degree I would recommend are Western Governors Univ., US Open University and ISIM. The first two are seeking RA. Also the USOU Masters is a joint program w U of Mass so it is RA. I hope this is of help.

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    Best Regards,
    Dave Hayden
     
  11. pcguy

    pcguy New Member

    Dave -

    Thanks for the info...the only reason I would consider a DETC school is $$$ and time. Moreso, (if I can be honest without getting slammed) I'm attracted to the "self paced" approach. I work full time, have a part time business run from home, 1 kid, one on the way, yada yada yada....

    I'm in the eval process with UMass Lowell, and I'm hoping they transfer in enough credits to make it worth while.

    If you happen to have the links for those DETC schools you mentioned, that would be most appreciated!

    Thanks again!
     
  12. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    Try www.detc.org for DETC, which then has links to its accredited schools.

    Rich Douglas
     
  13. DaveHayden

    DaveHayden New Member

    The other possibility that I have considered is knocking out a Bachelors with a regular concentration from Excelsior, TESC, or COSC and then getting a Masters from say Regis University, USOU, or another University with a CS related major. I am not sure if that would be more effective or not. Maybe Rich, John, or someone else can comment.

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    Best Regards,
    Dave Hayden
     
  14. pcguy

    pcguy New Member

    Dave-

    What have you heard about Open University (www.open.edu)

    The Good, Bad and ugly...

    Thanks
     
  15. The USOU Master’s in Computing uses courses from Open University in the UK, and is not “RA.” The USOU Master’s in Information Systems is a joint venture with U. Maryland, Baltimore County, and could perhaps (with some creative wiggling) come under the umbrella of RA.


    This ( http://www.open.edu ) is United States Open University. Open University (in UK) is http://www.open.ac.uk .
     
  16. DaveHayden

    DaveHayden New Member

    My apologies. Gert is correct. The Masters program is in association with the Univ. of Maryland. USOU is DETC accredited and is seeking Regional Accreditation. OU has a very good reputation and since they are establishing USOU a lot of that reputation is continuing over to USOU. USOU itself is too new to have much of a reputation. Also it is not acheap DL school. If it is possible I would like to have feedback from some of the regulars on the idea of a general major followed by a Master.

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    Best Regards,
    Dave Hayden
     
  17. Howard

    Howard New Member

    Columbia Southern - DETC -$125.00 per credit for Bachelor's courses

    Fort Hays State U - R/A -$ 83.00 per credit
    or $112.00 per credit for Masters Level courses

    Go figure!

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    Howard Rodgers
     
  18. Chip

    Chip Administrator

    Originally posted by pcguy:


    Thanks for the info...the only reason I would consider a DETC school is $$$ and time.


    Then, in that case, I have excellent news, if you can use a CIS degree instead of CS. (For industry, this would in most cases be fine; in academia, your results may vary.)

    I think you'll find that Thomas Edison's CIS degree can be earned for considerably lower cost than a Columbia Southern or ACCIS degree (and probably for less than just about any other DETC school, as well.) Additionlly, since Edison is so incredlbly flexible in how you earn your credits, it will work well with your schedule.

    The bonus is that if you already have considerable experience and have the equivalent knowledge to what would be taught in many of the CIS curriculum classes, you can either exam out of the classes or demonstrate your knowledge through the portfolio process, thereby getting you much closer much faster to a complete degree. If you've got lots of knowledge and experience, have your act together, and can work quickly, there's a good possibility you could knock out your BA or BS in under a year for around $3500. Depending on how you do it, you could end up paying considerably less, as well.

    Charter Oak and Excelsior have similar programs, and each has advantages and disadvantages. Edison is unique in that they will allow your *entire* degree to be earned through portfolio if you have the background and experience. Excelsior gives a little more credit for certain IT certifications, and Charter Oak is apparently a bit more liberal in awarding portfolio credit, as well as having excellent advisors who can help you plan a testing program that will earn you maximum credits in minimum time.

    There are lots of other choices as well, but I'd take a close look at those programs before digging too much more on DETC, just because of the limitations imposed by DETC degrees.

    Good luck!
     
  19. pcguy

    pcguy New Member

  20. DaveHayden

    DaveHayden New Member

    It can get confusing. TESC offers a BA in CS, BS in AST and BS in BA with a CIS concentration. Excelsior offers a BS in CIS and BS with concentration in Computer Technology. From the job market point of view a BS in CS would be best followed by a BS in CIS. A BA in CS is an unusual degree that may not be acceptable for some or most job openings. A BS in IT or IS I bekieve would be the equivilent of a BS in CIS but not as good as a BS in CS. Any of these would be preferable over a BS in GS or LS. OK. More confused or less?

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    Best Regards,
    Dave Hayden
     

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