Does anyone know of an accredited DL program in which one could learn SQL Server? I've bought a couple of books on it and have a copy of the software loaded on an NT box, but would like a more structured program which will allow me to interact with others working towards the same goal. As far as I know, there aren't any accredited programs here that I can fit into my schedule(I work full time), so I'm looking into DL as an option. Any help is appreciated.
I'm a little surprised that this post hasn't generated any replies. In the interest of keeping the thread alive I'll throw in my two cents' worth although I'm more an Oracle geek than Microsoft. With few exceptions, the accredited programs I've seen that deal with database stuff have tried to be pretty generic (dealing with data modeling and normalization, standard SQL, etc.). I'm sure some of them use SQL Server as the underlying DBMS, but I suspect that even those would be unlikely to stress anything that makes SQL Server different from Oracle or Informix or Sybase systems. The exceptions I mentioned? As of a couple years ago, Microsoft had a program called (I think) ATEC (Academic Technical Education C-something?) in which they partnered with colleges to get them to offer Microsoft Certified Professional content in their degree coursework. It never took off, possibly because of the reluctance of accredited institutions to offer a lot of vendor-specific content. I couldn't find any mention of it anymore during a cursory search of microsoft.com, but someone else might know of some accredited institutions that still take part. I'm wondering why accreditation is important to you in this case. While accreditation is crucial in selecting a degree program, I'm sure there are lots of good sources from Microsoft, their education partners, and others that would be suitable for preparing for MCDBA certification, for example. I'd check in the Usenet comp.databases.* newsgroups for more suggestions. Good luck with your plans. Regards Tommy Kevin Oracle Certified Professional DBA
I would have replied earlier, but I was also a bit confused about why you'd want accredited coursework for learning MS SQL Server. If you have books and the software, then that should be enough to get you through the certification exams. However, if there's another reason that you need these courses from a regionally accredited program, Texas State Technical College is an RA school that has several courses (available through DL) specifically dealing with SQL Server 2000. I haven't taken these particular courses, but they seem to be designed with the MS exams in mind. The courses are part of their AAS in E-Commerce Technology program, which can be completed entirely online. You'll pay out-of-state tuition if you aren't a Texas state resident, but even then it's not terribly expensive. Seriously though, if all you are concerned with is learning SQL Server and studying for the MS exams in a structured manner, I'd just look for some good CBT software and find a relevant newsgroup/message board. It would probably save you time and money, and the certification is more valuable for showing that you know the material than a transcript would ever be. The only reasons I can think of to take the courses are a) if you are either interested in using them for a degree (in which case you should make sure that they will apply toward the degree before taking them), or b) if you're trying to take advantage of tuition reimbursement from your employer (in which case, I'd look for a degree program while you're at it).
I do have one book on SQL right now and a 120day version of the software. I wanted to go to a reputable school(even though I've learned since my post that accredited isn't always reputable) so I could show I had training in it, in addition to being certified if I go that route, and to have a little more structur than with self study. Some don't place much value in certifications these days. I got my MCSE through working with a group of friends from my PC usergroup. We did hands on book study together to both learn NT inside and out, pass the exams, and use it in the real world. Working together helped alot. I did A+ on my own, mostly drawing on my experience building and tinkering with PCs, and a quick review of a good computer repair book and and ExamCram study guide. Now I want to learn SQL, and am looking for the best way to do it.
A Google search on "sql tutorial" turns up a lot of free online resources that you might want to try. But, at the risk of sounding like an anti-Microsoft fanatic, I must say that, especially when it comes to databases, there's a whole wide world outside of PCs/Microsoft. A community college course with "database" in the title is likely to give you a grounding in standard SQL, some DBMS theory (modeling, normal forms, etc.) and probably some Unix or mainframe operating system experience as a bonus. Of course if you can't find anything that fits your schedule you can't, but it sounds like you're at a great jumping off point as far as broadening your horizons. Keep up the good work. Regards. TommyK
