Associate in Networks

Thanks for your replay TEKMAN , here in Egypt it depends upon like what you said Experiences,a College degree and certifications I have Exp. & Cert.
But i don't have collage degree and it seem that i can afford it now i thought to start thinking of taking a good diploma as a beginning and maybe later when i move to a bigger company with bigger salary i can think of getting good Collage degree .

so i hope you can recommend me a good diploma in computer networking
at a good university online of course .

 

Neo,

I am confused. How do you define DIPLOMA? Well, at least to me a diploma is a degree. In higher education, the associate degree is the lowest degree/certificate/or diploma. If you're saying you're searching for a diploma, do you mean a High School Diploma? I believe when refer to certificate, diploma is usually used for high school level. Or unless you're looking for Information Technology Certification, which you don't have to attend any school. You can study your own and take the exam at VUE or Thomson Testing Center.

The cheapest way to gain an undergraduate degree is the BIG THREE (Thomas Edison State College, Excelsior College, Charter Oaks State College), and Western Governors University.

 

I mean something like this (Career diploma) :
http://www.ashworthuniversity.edu/programs/information-technology/cs/outline.html

 

so you mean Diploma is for high school only because in Egypt it different,
Diploma can be part of undergraduate program it is after Bachelor Degree and before Master !!!

SO you mean Diploma is equal in USA Certificate , right ?

 

Well, I assume so. It seems that you refer to career diploma or vocational certificate. That is completely different, these certificates or diplomas are not transferable into an Associate Degree or Bachelor Degree. If you want to get into IT career without getting college degree; the IT certifications have more valuable than those Asworth University offers. Check your PM

 

Here you go, Western Governors University has this program.

"IT Certifications Incorporated
into the Program (At No Extra Cost)


Like all WGU programs, progress in an online IT degree is measured by passing challenging assessments. In this degree, the assessments are in many cases actual industry certification exams. Thus, as a student in the program you will study for and complete the following certification exams (which are all included in your tuition—a huge cost savings for you):
CIW Professional
CIW Associates
Microsoft Certified Professional (based on MS 70-270 Windows XP Exam)
Sun Certified Associate for the Java Platform
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Project+
CompTIA A+ IT Technician"

If you have these certifications, it takes you less time to complete the degree. Which means costs less for tuition.

 

Here is the link to this program
http://www.wgu.edu/online_it_degrees/information_technology_degree_networks_admin.asp

 

I just found out that WGU does not accept applications from persons living outside of the USA except for active duty military and their spouses.

 

Yes, and their reasoning seems flawed. Anyway, if you have worked in the USA and have a SSN you could rent a mailbox at a UPS Store and probably get around the restriction. The fact active military and spouses are able to enroll means it is not a course delivery issue since many countries have higher broadband penetration rates than the USA.

 

aha , so where i can find Diplomas that can be transferred into collage degree ?

i already have valid CCNA and MCSA+S

unfortunately yes

sorry no .


I have sent to Charter Oak State College asking for details about Computer Security Certificate and they replayed me :

(If you are only interested in our computer security certificate, there are five courses that make up the certificate and each course is $768 for anyone living outside of Connecticut. Each semester there is a $40 registration fee and once you have completed one or two courses, the certificate application fee is $75 ) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Have look at Charles Sturt University's IT Master program? I believes they accept addmission without a Bachelor degree if you have over 15 years experience in the field. With those certificates gain you half way to the degree.

 

I am 24 years old .

 

Thomas Edison State College does grant credit for various certifications. If you were to take the 5 computer security certificate courses from Charter Oak State College (15 credit hours) plus the credits for your two industry certifications you should have the 21 credit hours in the area of study towards the Associate in Applied Science (Applied Computer Studies). The general education requirements could come form courses taken through Penn Foster (ACE-reviewed courses only) and Louisiana State University, for example, to keep overall costs low. Once you have accumulated the needed 60 credit hours you could apply to Thomas Edison State College and have the degree based on all the prior coursework and certifications.

In any case, the computer security certificate along with the certifications you already possess will start you on the road to a career in IT since that is your goal. You can always earn a few more certifications such as CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ that can be transferred into your associate degree.

Once you take the first step you will realize the journey is nothing more than a series for single steps but those steps quickly accumulate and you will find yourself closer to your destination.

 

My view after more than 12 years in IT is 80% experience and 20% a combination of post-secondary education and certifications. In my entire IT career I have never required an industry certifications, but the college diploma in computer programming & systems analysis has provided the best ROI of all the education I have undertaken. There is a noticeable increase in employers wanting bachelor or master degrees from applicants which is one of the reasons I decided to earn a bachelor degree despite my professional experience.

 

finally

Hey guys finally i decided to enroll in that program i need your opinions :

http://www.umassonline.net/degrees/ComputerNetworksDistributedSystems.html

 

First, it is a graduate certificate and requires an undergraduate degree to fully enroll beyond two courses towards the certificate.

You would be better off studying for the CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ certifications if cost is the limiting factor at this time. Later, as time and money permit you could pursue an associate degree and likely apply the CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ certifications towards the degree. The CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ certifications will definitely give you a taste of the type of skills and knowledge needed in this field. You can buy the study guides and practice lab manuals for these certifications and then when ready register for the computer-based examination. I think these examinations are multiple choice. It is possible to complete both certifications before December 31, 2008 if you apply yourself. Best of luck!

 

Like I have told you before i am :

- Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator : Security
-Cisco Certified Network Associate & SOON ==> CCNA:Voice

so i don't need A+ & N+ for now

But what about AShworth which i don't like :
http://www.ashworthuniversity.edu/programs/information-technology/cs/

???

 

Check out TESC (it's a fast track process - earn 30 -36? credits in one year with one low fee.

MM

 

- This is a diploma program and unlikely to be accepted as credit towards an Assocites or Bachelors degree.

- It looks like you could learn what this program purpotes to teach by just reading books (but then I'm not an expert in this area).

+ Being able to take open book exams on-line is probably a plus in your situation.

+ The school is DETC accredited (RA is the gold standard).

+/- If you like the program content sign up; then if you find you dislike it just ext the program. (Applicable for any program or school)

You still have not said why one of the big three schools is unacceptable to you - this is a low cost way of earning a reputable, regionally accredited, associate or bachelor degree. Although I know you do not like the idea of general education courses even though they are common to all USA degree programs except for a few vocational degrees.

 

when i tried to enroll there is an options says :

Study Method: Offline (Print-Based Option)

what does this mean ???????????????????????????