Okay, I posted a question regarding ACCIS, and have found their reputation to be questionable. So, what is the cheapest RA school that offers an IT undergraduate program. I wish to attend a school that actually teaches the courses required instead of offering credit by examination. I have browsed the University of Phoenix website as well as Capella's, and have found their tuition cost to be too high. Any suggestions? I am not interested in attending a GAAP oriented school, only U.S. RA institutions. Thanks. Eric
Hmmm... Cheapest, U.S., RA, teaches its own courses. I would go out on a limb here and say Thomas Edison State College (http://www.tesc.edu); I think you can finish the entire B.A. in computer science using TESC's native coursework. Good luck. Peace, ------------------ Tom Head co-author, Get Your IT Degree and Get Ahead (Osborne/McGraw-Hill)
Tom, How about City University-Washington? I remember that their CIS program is inexpensive and nearly complete... but I don't remember the details.
I've been looking at this myself. U of P's program to be honest with you, seems the most likely one for one to succeed well in just because of the format it's laid out. It also seems like a program in which you could be doing a lot of other things besides just sitting down and being glued to books like many DL programs. I looked at the course requirements for some IT DL programs and they're pretty heavy duty. So my take on this (at present time) is if you can afford U of P, it might be the best bet. Also, they've changed their IT degree's name to "E-business" where they've added in elements of the internet to the curriculum. If you already have a first degree, it takes you 1/2 the time it would take someone who doesn't have a first degree. My situation is this. I already have a first BA in art. Unfortunately for me, when I did it (at a conventional art school), I was in my early 20s and did not know the difference between national and regional accreditation. Only lately have I really realized the difference. I'm like or was like most people out there. Most people don't know the difference. The art school I went to was a good one and I went through a rigorous program that lasted 4 years. Just that they never got regional accreditation. I've just been accepted into an MBA program (not DL). I want to continue with my studies after my MBA to a JD (law). This is where I am not sure what I should do because law schools evaluate people on their BA degree. In my case, since my MBA will be from a regional school, will they evaluate me on my more advanced degree? Should I go and "re-do" my BA? Can someone advise? I've been seriously thinking I should and U of P has been my choice just because of their IT courses and the layout of their program. I've been working in the web world for the past 5 years. I'd rather that I didn't have to return for a BA but if I had to, I'd have to do it in conjunction with my MBA since if I waited to do it after my MBA, I'd be waiting even more longer. Please advise!
Hey, glad you mentioned that -- as I recall, they weren't too expensive and they might be just what this guy is looking for; the University of Maryland isn't too expensive, either. Peace, ------------------ Tom Head co-author, Get Your IT Degree and Get Ahead (Osborne/McGraw-Hill)
Might be the genetic predisposition of my race coming out in me, but I thought the City University BS in CS (it's not CIS - it's a bit less lip-wristed than the usual CIS degree and probably warrants the distinction in title) was quite, to very expensive. Perhaps Thomas and Chip are inordinately wealthy and such trifles are of little moment to them, or perhaps I'm just cheap. Anyway, I was officially a student in their MS in CS program for a year and did peruse the undergraduate degree out of general interest. That is how I remember it. Note that they are on a quarter credit hour schedule, so don't let the raw numbers fool you. Multiply per unit cost by 1.5 for the equivalent semester hour price. Could I get a job with one of you guys, cleaning your car collections, or something?
Hi Laurie: Do you think U of P is a better bet then? I took a look at City Univ's programs and seems like their IT/IS program is still a little "underdeveloped". Univ of Maryland's look pretty good but how long is the expected course of study is the question.
I have checked out the City University website, and have found this school to be quite impressive. Has anyone had any experience with this school? How about tuition? Their website seems as if they are geared towards DL, am I correct? Thanks. Eric
Im surprised that nobody has mentioned Athabasca University's CIS Degree program. http://www.athabascau.ca The price seems very competitive and the curriculum looks more challenging and broad compared to City University's curriculium. Im not sure if/how the degree is viewed in the US but I don't see why it wouldn't be since it has the same accrediation as most other Canadian Universities. I am seriously considering Athabasca after I finish my 3 year community college diploma in CIS. Does anyone else have any further thoughts in regards to my comments? Thanks, Stewart McDonald
There is also th Excelsior IT degree which will also award credit for many IT certifications. This will help speed up completon time. http://www.excelsior.edu John
I'd encourage you to check out the DL BSIS program at UMass Lowell. The course offerings are considerable and the tuition is reasonable at $200 per credit. Certainly much less than UMUC where, as I've noted elsewhere, I found the CIS program less than student-centered.
I also looking at UMass Lowell for the BSIS and I review the course listing. I think it's pretty comprehensive and it has a lot of concentration in today's technology. The tuition is $205.00, it's much affordable than Saint Leo University (www.saintleo.edu) and Strayer University (www.strayer.edu). The drawback is UMass Lowell (I think) is not accepting CLEP and Dante's Exam, but I still love their program. It ROCKS!!!!!
