Can't decide between TESU and WGU - any help appreciated!

[RyTi]

I'm going back to school after getting a divorce recently. For the past 10 years I've been a stay-at-home mom. I went to college about 15 years ago for a Bachelors of Fine Arts with an emphasis in graphic design, but didn't finish. I've decided to venture into the IT field. I'm familiar with IT - both hardware and software, but by no means a pro. I've looked into the different online options and have narrowed it down to TESU or WGU, but can't seem to commit to either and here is why...

TESU - I initially planned on enrolling at a local community college to finish up my Gen Eds and get a refund on financial aid which could be put towards earning credits online through the various ways I've read about on this forum (study.com, straighterline, CLEP, DSST, etc.). Then transfer everything to TESU for their Bachelors of Arts Computer Science degree. Yes, I know I'd have to take some UL courses at TESU and have no problem doing so. I've already applied to TESU and sent in my transcripts and am awaiting the evaluation. I also applied at a local community college, but that turned into the biggest headache. They wouldn't accept some of my credits due to the fact I took them 16 years ago (apparently there's a 15 year cut-off at this school). The credits they won't accept are some classes that are needed as prerequisites for classes that I was going to take. Not to mention their financial aid dept. has been rather difficult to get an appointment with. Every time I speak with someone they need something else, I digress...So, at this point I could stick to my initial plan but go to a different community college. I looked over Clovis Community College and it looks like they have a good amount of the LL courses I could transfer to TESU. I'd like to start in January though and I'm not sure if I'm cutting it too close to apply, register, etc. My biggest question on this path...Is this a good path for someone that doesn't have a lot of experience in computer science? I'd like to get an affordable degree like everyone else here, but I also want to be sure I'm learning what needs to be learned to be a successful programmer.

WGU - I stumbled upon a thread about WGU at some point. After looking into their Bachelors of Science in Information Technology I decided to apply. The application fee was waived so I figured why not. I have read about WGU quite a bit in the past couple of weeks and it seems very doable to me. I'd have a little more guidance as far as the classes go. I like the idea of competency based learning. I like the fact that there are numerous certifications included in the degree. The only problem is that I don't have enough experience in IT to be admitted right now. As other people have said - the admissions counselor has recommended that I get a certification which will give me a good chance of being admitted, but no guarantee. I'm a bit concerned with possibly wasting my time and money on a certification to get into WGU and then not get admitted. On top of that, I cannot decide which certification to get as the Comptia A+ certification is pretty expensive. I'm not sure which other cert is affordable and will look good to make sure I get into WGU.

So, I am stuck and cannot decide which route to go. Any guidance would be much appreciated. As far as the credits I already have - I can list them here if that would help, but there are 30 credit hours and all LL. Thanks!

[jsd]

I'm sorry to hear about the divorce.

If you're really committed to IT, WGU would probably be the best bet. If you just want to get your feet wet with IT, WGU is probably overkill.

TESU doesn't really have a test-outable IT degree. they have a business degree with a computer info systems. It'd be a good option if you are not quite sure what you want to do, but want an intro to the computer world.

As far as certification -- it's expensive, you're right. But with your WGU application, you should now have an .edu email address, and with that you can get over 50% CompTIA vouchers.

[TrailRunr]

How is your math and computer programming skills? TESU's BA CS is quite a bit more difficult and less affordable than TESU's BSBA:CIS.

You might want to consider the same community college strategy for financial aid with the intention of paying for alternative credits and the A+ cert that apply to WGU. When you have around 75-90 credits towards your WGU IT degree, go on in and finish. You can't transfer anything more to WGU once you enroll for your first term.

[jsd]

But with your WGU application, you should now have an .edu email address, and with that you can get over 50% CompTIA vouchers.

I should clarify - with any .edu address you can get this discount, doesn't need to be WGU's. You can use you community college if they provided one.

[rebel100]

Take a look at Luna CC ( New Mexico) and New Mexico Junior College for completing that AA.

[RyTi]

I'm sorry to hear about the divorce.

If you're really committed to IT, WGU would probably be the best bet. If you just want to get your feet wet with IT, WGU is probably overkill.

TESU doesn't really have a test-outable IT degree. they have a business degree with a computer info systems. It'd be a good option if you are not quite sure what you want to do, but want an intro to the computer world.

As far as certification -- it's expensive, you're right. But with your WGU application, you should now have an .edu email address, and with that you can get over 50% CompTIA vouchers.

Thanks - just ready to move on from the divorce and take care of my kiddos as best as I can.

Good to know about the .edu email address for the CompTIA vouchers.

[RyTi]

How is your math and computer programming skills? TESU's BA CS is quite a bit more difficult and less affordable than TESU's BSBA:CIS.

You might want to consider the same community college strategy for financial aid with the intention of paying for alternative credits and the A+ cert that apply to WGU. When you have around 75-90 credits towards your WGU IT degree, go on in and finish. You can't transfer anything more to WGU once you enroll for your first term.

I think I can handle the math skills for the CS degree. I've dabbled in programming, but nothing extensive by any means. That said, I do enjoy programming.

I'm pretty familiar with the both a CS degree and the BSBA:CIS as my ex-husband was in college during our relationship. He initially was going for a CS degree, but switched to a BSBA:CIS during his 4th year because the CS was too much programming for him.

I do like the idea of a community college and then WGU. Do you happen to know if there's a list of courses that will transfer to WGU?

[dfrecore]

Just to reiterate, you cannot transfer ANY courses into WGU after you enroll. So, before doing that, I would seriously consider getting all of the courses you need to transfer first, before enrolling.

Here is a list of alternative sources they provide: Alternative Sources for Transferable Courses - click on all of the sections you need at the bottom. Those are not exhaustive, but some examples. Some of the courses you've already taken will work in those areas as well.

Straighterline is also a partner college so most of their courses will work as well.

If you need more help after going through this, we can help.

[desireelws50]

WGU is compentency based and if you plan to go to a credit based graduate program it may be a challenge.

[dfrecore]

WGU is compentency based and if you plan to go to a credit based graduate program it may be a challenge.

It shouldn't be, if you complete the WGU program. Competency-based may be difficult to transfer credits if you're in the middle of the program and want to switch to something else - trying to convert competencies to courses can be tricky sometimes. But once you have your degree, it's very easy to see what's been completed.

Graduate programs care that you have a Bachelor's degree, how you earned it isn't always their main concern.