Getting my degree online

Snowmayne · 09-13-2009, 04:07 PM

I am going to start working to getting my degree, finally going to school after many years of slacking off since high school working bullshit jobs. It's about time I step up.

I've been wanting to go to a tech school but seeing how I am always moving and I am currently in a small town there is nothing available.

So, I am going to start working towards a degree in Computer Science Information Technology, but am not quite sure which path to go down. My options are..

Quote:

Business Programmer Analyst (CSBP)
111002
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Programmer Analysts are computer professionals who determine
system requirements and write computer programs to
satisfy those requirements. Assignments consist of on-the-job
application programs for the student to analyze, code, and
run in the lab. Courses in C, C++, Visual Basic, JAVA, Web
Authoring, and Systems Analysis provide the skills required in todays job market.

Quote:

Information Security Management
(CSSM)
111003
Associate of Applied Science Degree
The security manager determines policies and procedures
to safeguard data on computers and networks, and monitors
compliance. As ever increasing amounts of personal, business,
and national security information is stored on computers, special
attention must be paid to its security. Information must be
protected as a business asset, to assure privacy, and to further national security

Quote:

Information Technology (CSIT)
111002
Associate of Applied Science Degree
The primary job function of the Information Management
professional is to assist others with using computer technology
in the performance of their jobs. This requires a general
knowledge of PC hardware and software, to include operating
systems and applications such as word processors and
spreadsheets, and the internet. This degree offers a clear path
to understanding computers and today’s technology.

I need to research each of these fields to fully understand them but was hoping maybe I could get some easy input just posting here.

my_scatterheart · 09-13-2009, 05:01 PM

I think generally speaking IT work can give you lots of opportunities. I'd want to say moreso than the others, but I'm not sure to be honest, so don't quote me on it.
Do you know anyone in these fields? Because an in is what's going to get you a great job.

The Rev · 09-13-2009, 05:11 PM

Online degrees, such as those at Univ. of Phoenix, are expensive and relatively worthless. You're much better off going to a real school.

The Rev

Mydriasis · 09-13-2009, 05:12 PM

I'm a computer science major.

I'm not sure about the whole online classes thing. I'd be worried it was a scam, but if it's not and you can either get a degree or a legitimate certificate, go hard dude! Don't be afraid to enroll in a community college, they are cheap, and theirs plenty of "older" folks I dunno how old you are but I have some 40+ year olds in some of my classes and it actually is a lot cooler than being around a bunch of kids who aren't trying to learn.

In a lot of programming jobs it's in my understanding that a portfolio is just as important as a degree. So try working on applications or things just to show that you know what your doing.

I wish I knew more but I'm probably changing my major.

mookie · 09-13-2009, 05:23 PM

^ programmers should be proficient in programming.

There currently seems to be a glut in the US for I.T. jobs.
(Too many experts ,not enough jobs)

The best programmers for your dollar, are schooled in India.

American Schools just cannot compete.

Mydriasis · 09-13-2009, 05:31 PM

The reason why is because, they export work to India for dimes on the dollar.

Hence my major change.

Snowmayne · 09-13-2009, 05:51 PM

Originally Posted by The Rev

Online degrees, such as those at Univ. of Phoenix, are expensive and relatively worthless. You're much better off going to a real school.

The Rev

This is Central Texas college providing an online coarse. My wife already has a bachelors from them and working towards her majors.

Snowmayne · 09-13-2009, 05:55 PM

Another route I could be interested in going into would be Chemical Dependency Specialization.

Mydriasis · 09-13-2009, 06:09 PM

I was thinking about doing the same ^

Start off by just taking solid classes like english and math etc, is my best advice. So you can decide what you really want to do with time.

Snowmayne · 09-13-2009, 06:45 PM

tbh those kinds of classes, the englishes, maths and ect are what always discouraged me from attending more schooling after high school, I am just not at all interested in doing any more of that kind of shit... but with this felony hanging over my head I am realizing I really need something so I stick out a little and can get better jobs. Getting a major in something where those classes are kept at a minimum is a big incentive.

Mydriasis · 09-13-2009, 07:15 PM

I hear that for sure dude. Don't worry though, if your taking them online you are gonna be able to work at your own pace through the BS to get to what you want. I hate how colleges make you take courses that have NOTHING to do with what you want to do. It's like they assume everyones lost in life or something. Actually they just want the money.

The boring stuff will pass sooner then you expect, it'll be fun man.

myxomatosis · 09-14-2009, 09:11 AM

First and foremost, congrats aids, it's a damn good move to make. Second, good luck not getting saddled with a bunch of shitty pre-reqs. Glad it's online classes through a legit university and not one of those dubious ones on TV. Best of luck picking a major though, that shits can be a bitch.

Snowmayne · 09-16-2009, 12:48 PM

god damn general discussion sucks.

myxomatosis · 09-16-2009, 12:59 PM

Well fuck you too!

Snowmayne · 09-16-2009, 01:12 PM

lolol myxo, u know I appreciate your response. Was just hoping for more of a turn out for this thread.

turmaline · 09-16-2009, 01:21 PM

I just wanted to say good for you.

myxomatosis · 09-16-2009, 03:07 PM

Originally Posted by Snowmayne

lolol myxo, u know I appreciate your response. Was just hoping for more of a turn out for this thread.

Haha, nah I know buddy, only playing. Yeah GD is pretty slow a lot of the time.

wellfleation · 09-16-2009, 09:35 PM

There are more and more well known colleges offering courses online now. It's starting to be a real trend. I personally would prefer to be there physically. I like to get to know my professors. I don't think I would have been as successful doing it online.

SpankyMcLankey · 09-16-2009, 09:42 PM

I agree, there's nothing like actually having to show up to class for exams and having a professor to ask questions.

BigSpliffSmoka · 09-17-2009, 03:58 AM

Yeaaaa Central Texas... dude I was going for my Associates there too.... you know being the military type, and I was going for my Associate of Applied Science.

The one reason I hate central texas is because all the classes you need are not always available. That's why I switched, the other thing that is a bitch is the proctoring. I was lucky enough to have friends be able to proctor me. So I switched to Troy University. They don't have the associates I want but they do have the bachelors, which is along the lines of information technology management in science or some shit. No proctors, and every class is available pretty much evertime you want. Hit me up dude