Fastest path to a computer science or software degree?

[Nutmeg0065]

I haven't done a lot of research yet. I did apply to WGU and had my previous transcripts evaluated, but I was looking at their software development bachelor's degree and it is very heavy on IT (like Ethernet, TCP/IP, which cables to use, etc, which I don't think of as programming or software development.) I started studying for a prerequisite certification to get into the WGU software development bachelor's degree but it seems like a huge waste of time for me to study IT when I want to write code. 

I already have Java, C+, VB, and SQL skills, which I acquired at the community college, so I have those (12) credits, and my associate's and bachelor's degrees from many years ago. I found that taking a few classes did not make me employable in any hiring manager's eyes, so I want to get a CS degree as quickly as possible and try again. 

I guess my options are the "big three" which I understand are TESC, Excelsior, and one other that I haven't discovered yet, and WGU. (I've pretty much decided against going into the WGU software development due to the heavy emphasis on IT, so I'm looking at CS. Unless the WGU software development Bachelor's would simply be so much faster than all of the CS options that I should just go ahead and do it anyway???) 

Is there are pretty fast way to get this done?  

Thanks for any help! 

I hope someone can help me evaluate my options and make a decision. I've been thinking about this a long time and just haven't been able to figure out the best option. Highest priority: get done quickly.  I like math and calculus doesn't scare me. 

Thanks!!!

[jsd]

Did you look into WGU's Computer Science degree? There's still some general IT stuff in that tract, but it's not as heavy on it as their Software Development degree

[mednat]

The big three are: Thomas Edison state university (https://www.tesu.edu/heavin/ba/computer-science ), Excelsior (https://www.excelsior.edu/programs/techn...or-degrees ) and Charter Oak State College (https://www.charteroak.edu/prospective/programs/ ) . Of the Big 3, only TESU has a true Computer Science Degree (it can not be fully tested out of, but many of the courses can be).

You mentioned the WGU software development degree, but they recently added a Computer Science degree that is more aligned with the traditional CS requirements ( https://www.wgu.edu/online-it-degrees/co...ience.html ).

To answer your question on if they can be done fast, the answer depends on your ability and comfort level -- but it is possible for someone willing dedicate enough time or having enough prior knowledge to complete really quickly.

As to which is the best choice, that really depends on your goals. Software development jobs do not usually have a hard CS requirement and prefer to see portfolios. With that being said, to really understand the underlying concepts I think the CS degrees provide a solid foundation and I would suggest that for someone who isn't afraid of the math requirements (it also makes it easier to get into a CS masters program). I would not recommend a degree in IT if you want one in CS. They are very different and it won't help you get the type of job you want (without alot of independent work).

If it were me, I'd send my transcripts to both TESU, and WGU and post back on here with the results. The members here can pretty quickly help you put together a degree plan that will give you an idea of the level of effort necessary.

[Nutmeg0065]

Thanks for your reply!  I have a question concerning: "If it were me, I'd send my transcripts to both TESU, and WGU..."

Do you have to apply to TESC before they will evaluate transcripts?  And then you're locked in in some way and have to start paying their tuition? 

[dfrecore]

Thanks for your reply!  I have a question concerning: "If it were me, I'd send my transcripts to both TESU, and WGU..."

Do you have to apply to TESC before they will evaluate transcripts?  And then you're locked in in some way and have to start paying their tuition? 

You apply to TESU and send in your transcripts, but there is no cost for an evaluation other than the $75 application fee.  At that point, you can decide if you want to enroll, you have a year before you have to do so, and even then, it could be done by taking a TECEP exam ($75 for a lower level course, and $225 for an UL course - and you can choose something really easy if you want, like Applied Liberal Arts Math).

TESU does not give "credit" for a prior degree, they do a course-by-course evaluation.  WGU gives credit for a degree, meaning that your degree counts for the Gen Ed requirements automatically.  But they'll also apply any credits in the major area if you have them.

If you list your courses here, we can help with the degree plan.

[bluebooger]

WGU

you have an associate's and bachelor's degree already
you have some programming courses already
their software dev program does not require calculus so that's one course you won't have to take

so you could be done in one term (6 months) easily
wouldn't be surprised if ou complete it in 3 months

it will only be $3200

yes, you'll have to take the A+ and Network+ exam --- big deal -- like I said, 3 to 6 months and you're done and have a degree

[Nutmeg0065]

Thanks for the input! Let's say, hypothetically, that I went with the WGU CS degree. What can be used to satisfy the calculus? Does it have to be Straighterline or can other programs count, too, like Aleks? And others?

[Nixi]

Thanks for the input! Let's say, hypothetically, that I went with the WGU CS degree. What can be used to satisfy the calculus? Does it have to be Straighterline or can other programs count, too, like Aleks? And others?

I don't see any reason why they wouldn't accept Calculus CLEP to satisfy the calculus requirement. I would still confirm with WGU though.

ALEKS only offers pre-calculus, so you cannot use that to fulfill the calculus requirement.

[bluebooger]

aleks is no longer ace accredited at the end of this month

calculus in no longer a requirement to get into the CS program -- it is a requirement to graduate, but not to be admitted
https://www.reddit.com/r/WGU/comments/8s...quirement/

but if you do want to take straighterline here's some info
https://www.reddit.com/r/WGU/comments/8c...ghterline/

and here's just general discussion on calculus and WGU
https://www.reddit.com/r/WGU/comments/90...r_credits/

https://www.reddit.com/r/WGU/comments/8e...quirement/

[Nutmeg0065]

Thank you! I'm awaiting a transcript evaluation from WGU for the CS degree, and I'll compare that to the evaluation they gave me for Software Dev and see which looks best. The transcript eval is a pdf. How should I go about sharing the info here? Just re-type it all?