What are your opinions!

Hey, thought I'd ask here, I'm currently 28, soon to be 29 YIKES!. And I have never been more motivated in my life to try to finish school. I mean hell, I took 7 years off lol. But in any case I'm kind of torn between these three colleges (WGU, Bellevue, Dakota State U).

I HAVE to do an online course because I have financial responsibilities. Unless I some how win the lotto or end up dating a sugar mama! Joking aside, I want an education that I know will make a difference in my future.

My education goal is to try to study and get an MS at RIT in NY.

My career goal, is to try to work my way up and build and design networks! In a nut-shell to have a degree and a CCIE cert.

So I'm guessing the main degree I'm looking for is a Information Technology or just generally Network and Administration programs. What are your guys thoughts on these three schools? I know a lot of people favor WGU on here, but how about the other two? Also one of the cons for ME at least is that WGU is strictly certs in itself; which definitely is a plus for many. But I am also looking for education that will broaden my whole knowledge of Business and Technology (if that makes any sense?).

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ptilsen

ratchoke wrote: »

I HAVE to do an online course because I have financial responsibilities.

I'm not sure I understand. Do you mean you can't take courses during the day because you work, so the flexibility of online classes is required? Wouldn't night classes work just as well? I ask because there are often hybrid night/weekend/online programs available at local brick-and-mortar schools, which are worth considering.

ratchoke wrote: »

But I am also looking for education that will broaden my whole knowledge of Business and Technology (if that makes any sense?).

Get a computer science degree. I won't knock WGU, but what you're describing sounds like a desire to get a more traditional CS/EE or at least CIS or MIS degree, as opposed to WGU, which more or less offers degrees specifically about implementing and managing IT infrastructure.

Wherever you go, make sure it is regionally accredited, first and foremost. Essentially all public schools (and WGU) fall under this category. Since you plan to pursue a graduate degree, don't worry too much about where you go -- just make sure it's where you want to be and that it's affordable.

ratchoke

ptilsen wrote: »

I'm not sure I understand. Do you mean you can't take courses during the day because you work, so the flexibility of online classes is required? Wouldn't night classes work just as well? I ask because there are often hybrid night/weekend/online programs available at local brick-and-mortar schools, which are worth considering.

Get a computer science degree. I won't knock WGU, but what you're describing sounds like a desire to get a more traditional CS/EE or at least CIS or MIS degree, as opposed to WGU, which more or less offers degrees specifically about implementing and managing IT infrastructure.

Wherever you go, make sure it is regionally accredited, first and foremost. Essentially all public schools (and WGU) fall under this category. Since you plan to pursue a graduate degree, don't worry too much about where you go -- just make sure it's where you want to be and that it's affordable.

Currently the job I work at is lower-end IT desktop support for a internet/video/cable. It is a major company and so they give two shits about anyone trying to go back to school and better themselves. Basically we have shift changes, that for some ungodly reason always tend to be during school seasons.....But in any case, most jobs out here in northern CA that pay you enough to support yourself will NOT give you flexibility with schedules. It's why I've been out of school for so long; most companies just simply say no.

But thank you for the advice, I'll look more into a CIS/MIS or CS degree. It's one of the reasons why I like Dakota State, it seems more well rounded - according to the curriculum.

Also, I can't seem to find MANY programs that are 'hybrid' especially ones in the Bay Area. One of the better CIS programs in Northern Cali is Chico State, but it's 100% lecture driven.

Update: There are the programs offered
DSU
Network/Admist: http://catalog.dsu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=9&poid=574&returnto=738
CIS (Focus: Infrastructure Analysis): http://catalog.dsu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=9&poid=526&returnto=738

Bellevue
CIS: http://www.bellevue.edu/degrees/undergraduate/computer-information-systems-bs/major-requirements.aspx

WGU
To many to list really....

I like the CIS a lot, because it seems more well-rounded. It looks like it has more flexibility in changing my focus to what would suit me for a future career.I think since it's more business focused too; it's a big bonus for managerial positions?

ratchoke

ptilsen wrote: »

I'm not sure I understand. Do you mean you can't take courses during the day because you work, so the flexibility of online classes is required? Wouldn't night classes work just as well? I ask because there are often hybrid night/weekend/online programs available at local brick-and-mortar schools, which are worth considering.

Get a computer science degree. I won't knock WGU, but what you're describing sounds like a desire to get a more traditional CS/EE or at least CIS or MIS degree, as opposed to WGU, which more or less offers degrees specifically about implementing and managing IT infrastructure.

Wherever you go, make sure it is regionally accredited, first and foremost. Essentially all public schools (and WGU) fall under this category. Since you plan to pursue a graduate degree, don't worry too much about where you go -- just make sure it's where you want to be and that it's affordable.

Currently the job I work at is lower-end IT desktop support for a internet/video/cable. It is a major company and so they give two shits about anyone trying to go back to school and better themselves. Basically we have shift changes, that for some ungodly reason always tend to be during school seasons.....But in any case, most jobs out here in northern CA that pay you enough to support yourself will NOT give you flexibility with schedules. It's why I've been out of school for so long; most companies just simply say no.

But thank you for the advice, I'll look more into a CIS/MIS or CS degree. It's one of the reasons why I like Dakota State, it seems more well rounded - according to the curriculum.

Also, I can't seem to find MANY programs that are 'hybrid' especially ones in the Bay Area. One of the better CIS programs in Northern Cali is Chico State, but it's 100% lecture driven.

UPDATE: I did look and compare a few of the IT vs CSor CIS degrees. It does kind of seem like the CIS is more well rounded even w/ the same focus. I do like that a lot. I figured w/ a business focus in technology paired w/ the certs will be a lot stronger than a IT only focus and certs?

ptilsen

ratchoke wrote: »

UPDATE: I did look and compare a few of the IT vs CSor CIS degrees. It does kind of seem like the CIS is more well rounded even w/ the same focus. I do like that a lot. I figured w/ a business focus in technology paired w/ the certs will be a lot stronger than a IT only focus and certs?

I don't know if stronger is the word I would use. More in line with your goals might be the term. You really can't go wrong with a computer science degree in this field, but CS will be heavily focused on technology theory (especially programming and the requisite math), while you'll see more technology application and business theory in a CIS degree. If that's what you feel is most interesting, then CIS might be a good fit for you. I decided to pursue computer science after getting well into my career with no degree because I don't feel education on application and business theory is really what I need at this point. For you, it might be exactly what's best.

ratchoke

Ok, update!:

Decided to go WGU route, but I'm unsure which 'program' is right for me. Again my goal is to be able to help design networks, troubleshoot, and maintain. I want to do something that will help allow me to travel, more the merrier, around the world even better.

Certifications that I WILL eventually receive that are separate from what WGU are offering are CCNA/CCNA Security/CCNP/CCIE (those are my goals). Which program will help complement each other and help insure I don't fall short in real world applications. The three programs that seem to obviously fit are

1) Information Technology
2) Information Technology - Network Administration
3) Information Technology - Network Design and Management

Right now, I only work as tier1 support for a major ISP company.

Right now I've applied, sent transcripts, and have finished 3 of the 4 'assessment' test. I don't even know if I passed the math/english ones. Third was some odd questionnaire, the only one I put off was the essay, going to finish it tomorrow after school!

lantech

You might think about the Network Administration. You will get your CCNA in the course of your studies plus the Security+ which will give you a basic introduction to security in general.

Since you work for a company that is also an ISP you might think about the self study route for your CCNA as well. That might open a few doors for you with your company.