Hi Everyone I am in need of some advice.

itangel

Hello, so I am new here and excited to be part of the community. Ok here is my problem.

I started in 2006 with Devry University, I am about a year and half done with my B.S. in Network and Communication Management. However; I only have a of classes to get my AA in Network Administrator. The problem I have is I am stuck deciding if I want to finish with Devry University or transfer to a regular University. I have put so much money into it and just want to make the correct financial decision. Also another consideration was to get my AA at a local community college and maybe moving to a University from there on.

My second problem that I am having is certification path; I obtain my CompTIA A+ in 3/2011 and been stuck jumping back and forward between going after my CompTIA Net+ and my CCNA or maybe going after programming.

My Third problem is; that maybe dropping networking and trying out programming might be a better way to go? but that would make it so that I start from the ground up again which sound like is not a good financial decision.

Overall I love Information Technology stuff so whether is programming or networking I think I will do fine. Is a matter of learning, teaching myself what I need to know in order to grow within the IT field.

Any advice is appreciate it. Thanks!Excuse my grammar working on English is my second language.

Slowhand

It's a tough position to be in, especially since you've probably already invested some time and money in DeVry. However, since you're not really sure of where you want to go from here, regarding IT or coding, I'm going to see if I can't give you some reasonably helpful advice.

First thing's first, if you're not sure you're happy with what you're doing at DeVry, you should probably consider stopping there. That particular school is pretty expensive for what they offer, and the chances of your classes transferring to a traditional four-year university aren't all that great. In all honesty, I'd recommend having a look at your local community college and see what IT-related courses they offer, how their compsci classes are, and take it from there. You'll be spending a lot less money, (which is probably a good thing since you might need to work a bit anyway to pay back DeVry for any loans you may have taken out with them,) and you'll have a chance to try out some different paths without worrying too much about your investment of time and potentially snatching up someone else's spot in a four-year school. Not to mention, if you're thinking of transferring to a state school, you're much more likely to get in from a community college than you are from a commercial institution like DeVry.

In the end, it's all about what you actually want to do. If heading over to a community college for a while allows you to explore a couple of majors and lets you find out what you really like doing, even if it feels like 'starting over', then that's probably a good idea. Four-year schools, both for and non-profit, tend to push students to pick a path and finish up so they can get more students in behind you. Of course, the things you've done at DeVry aren't useless by any means. Chances are, you'll be able to snag a tech-position to help support your school-endeavors, which certainly wouldn't be a bad thing.

itangel

Slowhand wrote: »

It's a tough position to be in, especially since you've probably already invested some time and money in DeVry. However, since you're not really sure of where you want to go from here, regarding IT or coding, I'm going to see if I can't give you some reasonably helpful advice.

Ic, thank you for your advice and taken the time to reply to my questions. I was already thinking of that, but I did come across a University called Western Governors University that provide online courses. What you think about that over community college? They seems to be a flat rate across 6 months. I can take my classes and have certs cover to take as well but still looking into it. Do you still think community college is still best way to go over WGU.edu?

For me I enjoy networking and security but programming sound very interesting as well. All I know about programming beside basic scripting and programming done for my networking degree is that you must be really good with math. Advance math maybe but how high I am not sure. I done only Statistics for networking and that is the highest math I have completed so far.

Ch@rl!3m0ng

itangel wrote: »

Ic, thank you for your advice and taken the time to reply to my questions. I was already thinking of that, but I did come across a University called Western Governors University that provide online courses. What you think about that over community college? They seems to be a flat rate across 6 months. I can take my classes and have certs cover to take as well but still looking into it. Do you still think community college is still best way to go over WGU.edu?

For me I enjoy networking and security but programming sound very interesting as well. All I know about programming beside basic scripting and programming done for my networking degree is that you must be really good with math. Advance math maybe but how high I am not sure. I done only Statistics for networking and that is the highest math I have completed so far.

I would say If you enjoy Networking then get your CCNA done. Ignore the Network +. Also Finsh your degree.

Now as Slowhand has put if you are in doubt, and by this I mean you dont enjoy networking then STOP.

But as you have said you enjoy it I would finish the AA and do the CCNA. This should enable you to get a job. Once you have a job there is nothing to stop you learning programing. As you also enjoy Security I would Suggest looking at The Ethical Hacker Network Its a IT secuirty Pro's website. They all advocate that been able to program is a good thing.

Good luck in what ever you decide. But remember keep smiling.

itangel

Ic, thank you for the advice and info. I guess my question now is, wether or not should I transfer to http://www.wgu.edu ? I was looking at their program "Online IT Security Degree | Information Security Degree | WGU College of Information Technology " in Security.

So, what attract me to this school was that they are a flat rate for 6 months full course or you can do has many as you can. Secondly they are online, I worked in the IT field, and currently trying to move from my current state to another state. I think this will allow me to work from a hotel or any free wifi area until I get my internet installed. Third, I love how they structure the Cert with the classes.

[h=3]What You’ll Earn — IT Certifications:[/h]This program incorporates 15 industry recognized IT certifications as part of your degree program. You will study for and complete the following certification exams (which are all included in your tuition—a huge cost savings for you):

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA®)
• Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA® Security)
• Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT)
• CIW Web Design Specialist
• CIW JavaScript Specialist
• CIW Database Design Specialist
• CIW Web Foundations Associate
• CompTIA A+
• CompTIA Project+
• CompTIA Security+
• Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): Windows 7 – Configuration
• Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Windows OS Fundamentals
• Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Web Development Fundamentals
• Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Software Development Fundamentals
• Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Database Administration Fundamentals

This Right here seems very appealing to me but, once again is it worth investing on this school or should I still consider going into a local community college? What is your take on this and please anyone experience with this school let me know if is worth it or not. Thanks In Advance!