Computer Science Bachelor for a non-US resident

[michaela]

Hi everyone, 

I'm seeking advice on selecting the most suitable university.

Your Location: Europe 
Your Age: 30
What kind of degree do you want?: Bachelor of Computer Science or Software Engineering
Current Regional Accredited Credits: No
Some additional exam? No
Other degrees: Bachelor of Economy and Management from 2017, Tomas Bata University (Czech republic)

Online ACE credits: None, yet
Military experience: No
Certifications: PMI-ACP, PSM I (Scrum Master)
Commitments: Full-time job, but flexible and fully remote
Dedicated time to study: I could get in at least 20h per week (likely even slightly more)

RA Credits: I have a bachelor's degree, but my grades weren't the best. Since I read that only C or higher is accepted from international universities, these courses might be applicable for me (not sure if those could be eligible for transfer):
MUSKM/PPZD Computerised Data Processing  - C
MUMMPOMPSY Managerial Psychology - A
MUE/PDET The History of Economic Theories - C
MUMM/PMMT Managerial Methods and Techniques - C
MUMM/PMRK Marketing I - B
MUPI/PPMA Product management - C
MUSKM/PZKMT Introduction to Quantitative Methods - C
MUFU/PFIT Financial Markets - C

Goal?
I am currently employed (full-time) as a Project Manager at a SaaS company, overseeing software development projects. My long-term goal is to transition into a Software Engineering role. To achieve this, I plan to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, followed by a Master's degree.

As a non-US resident, selecting the right online program has been a bit challenging due to cost and eligibility concerns. I'm seeking advice on choosing a suitable program that meets the following criteria:

• Degree: Bachelor’s in Computer Science
  
• Accreditation: Regionally accredited (preferably)
  
• Eligibility: Open to non-US citizens
  
• Credit Transfer: Allows at least 75% credit transfer to reduce costs
  
• Cost: Preferably under €15,000 for the whole program
  
• Time: The program should be doable in under 2 years (I understand this depends on my availability, but I want to ensure it's possible).
  

Programs Considered:

• WGU: Does not accept non-US residents.
  
• University of the People: Not regionally accredited, though I may reconsider if no better options are available.
  
• TESU: Meets most criteria but is a bit expensive; at $556 per credit for non-US residents, the mandatory 30 credits would cost over $16,700 + additional fees.
  
• Franklin University: Offers a 76% credit transfer and charges $526 per credit (= slightly below 16k), though I’m yet not sure if they accept international students living outside the US.
  

Can you suggest any other options that might be suitable for me, ideally with slightly lower costs?

Thanks

[bjcheung77]

Welcome to the board, great post, but you missed the addendum and other important information asked for! Without knowing your full picture, it's going to be hard to answer your questions. But your answers are already in the various posts and threads, TESU remains your best option, followed by SNHU and a whole slew of others all under 10K, TESU being the cheapest (you read that correctly, cheapest as your calculation is incorrect).

[davewill]

In addition to filling out the addendum, you should also do quite a bit more reading here. When we recommend these schools, we do so under the assumption that most of the credits will be transferred in from online ACE providers like Sophia and Study.com. This brings both the cost and the time needed down quite a bit. In the case of a TESU BACS, I'd expect the total to be more in the $6-8K range.

The following wiki page will give you some specifics on how to pursue a degree at TESU, and where to get the required credits:

https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/Sa...ts_Roadmap

Also, unless your previous bachelor's degree was from a completely unrecognized institution, you can likely use it to transfer a large number of your credits for the new degree.

[michaela]

Welcome to the board, great post, but you missed the addendum and other important information asked for!  Without knowing your full picture, it's going to be hard to answer your questions.  But your answers are already in the various posts and threads, TESU remains your best option, followed by SNHU and a whole slew of others all under 10K, TESU being the cheapest (you read that correctly, cheapest as your calculation is incorrect).

Sorry for the oversight. I've added more details now. If there's anything specific still missing, please let me know.

Regarding the costs, now I see I got it wrong. I thought the Bachelor’s program required 120 credits, with max 90 of them being transferable and the remaining 30 credits needing to be done through the TESU. That’s how I arrived at the higher cost.

Reading more about it.. The 90-credit limit applies only to ACE credits; RA credits aren't subject to this limit. The only exception is that I need to complete two courses (6 credits) directly at TESU. This will significantly reduce the cost.


I've listed some of the courses I completed for my bachelor's degree. Could you guide me on how to determine which ones might be eligible for transfer? Do I need to contact the specific university to find out?

[Tomas]

Did you rule out Czech programs? https://www.vysokeskoly.cz/studium-pri-p...e/#results
Most will be almost for free for you. Can't be sped-up (but why - usually companies will be happy to employ students from 2nd year on). Some will be of much higher quality. Little to no general education classes (that depends on point of view whether it's good or bad.)
Admissions to VSPJ Jihlava end tomorrow, not sure about others.

SNHU, Indian online campus, https://in.snhu.edu/, might be much cheaper for you than US campus, but it's a path unwalked (ie. whether it's as flexible, whether they accept transfers of alternative credit from Sophia etc. as easily,...).

[michaela]

Did you rule out Czech programs?  https://www.vysokeskoly.cz/studium-pri-p...e/#results
Most will be almost for free for you. Can't be sped-up (but why - usually companies will be happy to employ students from 2nd year on). Some will be of much higher quality. Little to no general education classes (that depends on point of view whether it's good or bad.)
Admissions to VSPJ Jihlava end tomorrow, not sure about others.

SNHU, Indian online campus, https://in.snhu.edu/, might be much cheaper for you than US campus, but it's a path unwalked (ie. whether it's as flexible, whether they accept transfers of alternative credit from Sophia etc. as easily,...).

Yes, I initially focused on local universities as my first option. However, I found that the only fully online program available is at Unicorn University, which is a private institution and not well-recognized in this area (based on reviews I checked). Most other computer science programs require either full in-person attendance or partial attendance, typically every other week on Fridays and Saturdays. Given my current location, traveling for these sessions isn't feasible. 

Additionally, as you mentioned, the duration is a concern, with a full four years for a Bachelor's degree and three years for a Master's.

[bjcheung77]

Basically, I would try to transfer all your credits to TESU, then only complete 15 residency credits with them in one flat rate fee for that term...  You should get this degree for around the price range davewill mentioned, I would estimate it to be 6-7K as well when all is said and done... 

It's not a 'race', you shouldn't try to rush this, but instead create a plan using the WIKI and your transfer credit evaluation.  Complete classes you know you need with Sophia.org and Study.com for max transfer, finish with TESU 15 credits residency. Good luck, have fun, go at your pace...

[michaela]

Basically, I would try to transfer all your credits to TESU, then only complete 15 residency credits with them in one flat rate fee for that term...  You should get this degree for around the price range davewill mentioned, I would estimate it to be 6-7K as well when all is said and done... 

It's not a 'race', you shouldn't try to rush this, but instead create a plan using the WIKI and your transfer credit evaluation.  Complete classes you know you need with Sophia.org and Study.com for max transfer, finish with TESU 15 credits residency. Good luck, have fun, go at your pace...

Thank you for the information! I'll definitely look into the planning process.

I have (hopefully) one last question. How should I proceed with my application to TESU? A few steps are still unclear to me:

• I need to meet all the requirements for international students (IELTS, ... )—that part is clear.
  
• I should create a plan for credit transfer.
  
• Should I: 
  

            a. Apply to TESU first and then consult with them about the plan?
            b. Or should I complete the courses and accumulate ACE credits before even applying?

• How can I determine if, and how many, of my RA credits from my current university will be accepted?
  

I noticed that SNHU allows credit transfers after the application process begins, but I'm unsure how TESU handles this.

[davewill]

You can freely transfer credit to TESU any time after applying. There is no cutoff point where you can no longer transfer credits. We do, in general, recommend applying to TESU as soon as you know (or even strongly think) you want to go there. There's no downside to doing so, and applying gets access to advising, and locks in your catalog. It can also shield you from some policy changes, at least temporarily. For example, if TESU stops accepting an ACE course for transfer, an existing student will generally have a window of time where they can still transfer it in.

In the case of international students, I think you have to have the English requirement covered before they will admit you.

You might be able to ask advising about which of your courses are likely to transfer, and how, but a definite answer is unlikely. You're probably just going to have to have your transcripts evaluated, send in the eval, and wait to see what they accept. I would expect most courses with a passing grade to transfer successfully.

[michaela]

I started reading up on how GPA and credit transfers might affect acceptance into some Master’s programs. According to some Reddit threads, Sophia classes might be rejected by certain programs, meaning I’d have to retake them later on.

Also, is GPA only calculated from credits earned at the university? If I only complete 15 credits at TESU (as suggested), will that be enough for a relevant GPA (= will that be sufficient to get to Master program)?

And if I transfer RA credits from my bachelor's, will that affect my GPA? If so, can I choose not to transfer them but still use the degree as a proof of relevant education level to enter the program?

It's a bit overwhelming, and I definitely need to read up more to really get a handle on the system. I'm not looking for the easiest or cheapest way through, I want a solid CS bachelor's degree that can set me up for a good master's program down the road. That said, a traditional four-year, in-person degree just isn't an option for me.

Would you recommend I start by focusing on the major first, then work backward to choose the university and plan courses accordingly?