Need Advice about School Decision

Hows it going everyone?

I have been thinking about a career change lately and would like to purpose into a career in IT, preferably Computer Networking. As of right now I am attending a community college in my area which is pretty cheap
( 2.5k yr) compared to other colleges/university's.

I am enrolled in their Information Systems : Computer Network Specialist program for an A.S Degree. Here is a list of classes I need to take.

Required Courses :: St. Louis Community College

They all seem very interesting and really computer networked based. The school also has a Cisco Acadamey where I can I can earn my CCNA/CCNP and maybe Voice. Last but not least there is a certificate program for Network Administration.

Now all of this being offering is fantastic but I only have a small problem. No one in the St.Louis area offers a B.S in Computer Networking everything is Computer Science which is basically programming, and most jobs are programming jobs here but there are also networking ones too. I have also read that Experience > Degree and that Degree + Cert + Experience = EXCELLENT but mostly people want experience.

So now I know I can finish my A.S and try out the Cisco Academy but I have another question. Should I finish my A.S here at the community college and transfer to a very reputable Trade School? They also have a Cisco Academy and help you earn your MCSE if you taking the Networking Admin route, plus there job placement looks very good. Only drawback is the price which is anywhere from 13-15k a year.

And this is their course outline depending which route you take. They have web develop/ Networking/ Administration

http://www.ranken.edu/media/pdf_docs/Catalog/0910/infotech.pdf

So can anyone help me out on which decision to make, and why it would be the best one? I am very new to this and would like the best advice I could get from people already in the IT field.

Thank You very much for reading this and helping me out

~Dizzle~

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Comments

dynamik

You might want to consider online programs as well. WGU and Capella come to mind, but more and more brick-and-mortar schools are offering online programs as time goes on.

Dizzle

Hmmm the online classes being offered are very interesting and get right to the point. The only problem is that online classes seem like a drag and I really don't want to be on the computer all day taking classes, but thanks for the input dymanik

So what do you think as for my decision? Stay at community college or transfer off to the trade school?

veritas_libertas

Dizzle wrote: »

Hmmm the online classes being offered are very interesting and get right to the point. The only problem is that online classes seem like a drag and I really don't want to be on the computer all day taking classes, but thanks for the input dymanik

So what do you think as for my decision? Stay at community college or transfer off to the trade school?

I would knock off your two-year degree at the community college. This way you have the essentials out of the way. Math and English online is no fun. Try a online class from your college well your at it so you know what online classes are like.

brad-

Dizzle wrote: »

Hmmm the online classes being offered are very interesting and get right to the point. The only problem is that online classes seem like a drag and I really don't want to be on the computer all day taking classes, but thanks for the input dymanik

So what do you think as for my decision? Stay at community college or transfer off to the trade school?

If you can get a B.S., do so. If you cant, get certifications.

IMHO, i wouldnt waste time on an associates. Seems to pigeonhole people into helpdesk. With the B.S., you're more open to anything from database, system admin, programming/development, web, networking...etc.

Dizzle

Yeah thats why I'm at community college to get some of the general education out of the way. I guess I could try an online class but I doubt I would like it.

As far as getting a B.S goes, if there was a school in the St.Louis area that offered it I would go right away after I get the A.S but since there isn't might aswell get the A.S and get certs to go along with it.

I know I will need to to gain experience and helpdesk is probably where I will start but who knows really.

As far as the degree goes, should I finish the A.S at community college and just take the Cisco courses offered there.

OR should I transfer to the Trade School so that way I have my general education at the CC and my technical education at the Trade School (both offer a Cisco Courses). The reason why I was planning to attend the trade school was because since no one offers a B.S might aswell go to a very reputable and highly respected trade school in my area.

and if a school finally offers a B.S in Networking I can easily transfer then since I got classes already from the CC.

Any Ideas on that decision?

Once again thanks for all the feedback and replies

Riskbling

Dizzle wrote: »

Yeah thats why I'm at community college to get some of the general education out of the way. I guess I could try an online class but I doubt I would like it.

As far as getting a B.S goes, if there was a school in the St.Louis area that offered it I would go right away after I get the A.S but since there isn't might aswell get the A.S and get certs to go along with it.

I know I will need to to gain experience and helpdesk is probably where I will start but who knows really.

As far as the degree goes, should I finish the A.S at community college and just take the Cisco courses offered there.

OR should I transfer to the Trade School so that way I have my general education at the CC and my technical education at the Trade School (both offer a Cisco Courses). The reason why I was planning to attend the trade school was because since no one offers a B.S might aswell go to a very reputable and highly respected trade school in my area.

and if a school finally offers a B.S in Networking I can easily transfer then since I got classes already from the CC.

Any Ideas on that decision?

Once again thanks for all the feedback and replies

If you want a more challenging route

I would conquer this: Pre-Engineering Transfer Program

Then transfer to Mizzou or Rolla and challenge your brain even further. That's just me though, and btw trade schools you will pay out your A$$ for.

dynamik

Yes, finish the program you're currently invested in.

Also, you seem to be stereotyping distance learning programs. I've taken the vast majority of my courses at the University of Minnesota via distance learning. The increase in the amount of time I spend in front of my computer is negligible. Just a few emails and submitting my assignments via their portal.