Hello Everyone, I'm new here, but I've been reading a lot of information on this post. I've finally made my decision to get my degree and I work in the computer field. I've enrolled in Empire State College, but I realized that they don't offer a BS in CIS. They don't apparently offer a BSCS either with their distance learning program (CDL). I'm not a programmer, but I'm experienced in networking, servers, database admin, Lotus Notes admin, and TCPIP. I'm more of a systems guy, therefore a BSCIS seems more attractive to me now than a BSCS. I do not any college credits. Also, I understand a BSMIS is for management, in which I'm very interseted as well. My question is: How important is a BSCIS or BSMIS in the real world? Do employers take note of the concentration? If so, would going with EC or TESC be of better value? Also, what of the name of the college? I hear that since Empire is affiliated with SUNY, it hold better prestige than say Excelsior. Is this true? I like everything I read of ESC so far, but one thing I like about Excelsior is to test out, in order to finish faster. I like that option. I have about 10 years of field experience and hold only a couple certifications. I'm interested in a BS that will last a long time. Since I work in a technology field, I can continue to learn new things. Is sticking with ESC a better choice? ESC offers a SMAT (Science, Math and Technology) concentration only.
Hi Bennun I definately can't answer all of your questions but perhaps I can pass on some of the info I have come across. As you probably know SUNY Fredonia offers a dl degree of BS in Computer and Information Science http://www.fredonia.edu/academicaffairs/compscience2.htm#IS . The programs I would rank near the top for dl CS/CIS are Troy State University, Limestone College, Excelsior College, and Touro International University. All except EC are labeled the traditional BS in Computer Science which has additional utility. Both TSU and LC are really more of CIS/IT programs despite the name. Since I don't know exactly which career path I will be on in 10 years I want the added utility of CS followed by either a MBA or a MS in Management. If I decide to stick with the tech end I may change the MS to CS. Here is some additional info and links: Troy State Uninversity CS RA, State program, accepts CLEP and DANTES, low cost, true Computer Science major http://www.tsufl.edu/distancelearni...r%20Science.htm Limestone College CS RA, Small private College with a long history, limits CLEP/DANTES to 30 credits, true CS major http://www.limestonevirtualcampus.net Touro International University RA, Private College/University moving very aggressively into DL, True CS major with 50% of classes in the major, somewhat expensive http://www.tourouniversity.edu/CCS/BSCS/BSCSM.htm Excelsior College CIS RA, accepts all CLEP and DANTES, lowest cost, very good reputation, requires the most self discipline and is best for those with industry experience and certifications http://www.excelsior.edu/tec_home.htm Univ. of Mass. Lowell IT RA, State program, accepts CLEP and DANTES, low cost (dl program charges in-state rates for out of state students), great reputation, feedback from students is it is a great program http://cybered.uml.edu/cy_BSonline.htm Univ. of Maryland IS Management, CIS, and Computer Studies RA, State program, accepts CLEP and DANTES, medium cost (out of state students pay much higher tuition), great reputation Ft Hays State University General Studies with a concentration in Computer Networking and Telecommunications RA, State program, may accept CLEP and DANTES, low cost, faculty seems to have a good contacts in the industry which could easy lead to a nice job, program can include cisco training http://web.fhsu.edu/universitycatal...ecommunications Regis University Computer Networking RA, Jesuit program, designed in conjunction with Sun (the makers of Java programing lang. and Solaris OS), Higher cost but if you have tuition reimbursement not an issue, great reputation and excellent program University of Washington Computing and Software Systems RA, State program of the highest calibur, medium cost, programming focus, school has an excellent reputation http://www.outreach.washington.edu/...am/overview.asp University of London Non-RA but a GAAP school of the highest reputation, haven't had time to thoroughly check out program Also of interest but further down the list for me NJIT City University Park University Franklin University Western Governors University Strayer University Rogers State University Bakers College Jones International University Again this is not an exhaustive list but the lowest cost ones that have captured my interest the most. All are RA with good to great reputations with the exception of U of London.
Dave, Thanks for your input! This information is very useful. I didn't know about the Fredonia college of SUNY. I will have to do more investigative work. I will research the other colleges you recommend. I'll post back later. Thanks again! Bennun
