For those of you into computer science and technology...

[indigoshuffle]

I'm looking into adding a degree to my resume and I know there are many here who know much more about IT than I do. WGU has several IT bachelor's degree programs. Wouldn't the BS in IT be considered foundational?? They have many options available such as cyber security, computer science, IT, Data management and analytics, cloud computing, software development. Even after reading all the degree descriptions I'm a bit confused as to which would be right for me and which would be good for a young person pursuing a career in computer science and technology. As far as credits are concerned, it seems that the IT route allow for more credit transfer from ACE providers.
Where is the market now? Are any of these degrees "harder" than the other? Thanks.

[studyandpass5]

I'm looking into adding a degree to my resume and I know there are many here who know much more about IT than I do. WGU has several IT bachelor's degree programs. Wouldn't the BS in IT be considered foundational?? They have many options available such as cyber security, computer science, IT, Data management and analytics, cloud computing, software development. Even after reading all the degree descriptions I'm a bit confused as to which would be right for me and which would be good for a young person pursuing a career in computer science and technology. As far as credits are concerned, it seems that the IT route allow for more credit transfer from ACE providers.
Where is the market now? Are any of these degrees "harder" than the other? Thanks.

I am kind of in the same boat as you. While I'm not pursuing a degree through WGU, I decided on the BSBA Computer Information Systems from TESU. It's a general IT degree, so I'm hoping I can be versatile with it. Like you, I have absolutely no clue as to what specific direction I want to go as I have no experience. So I picked the general degree. Do you have any IT experience that would go nicely with any of those specific degrees?

[indigoshuffle]

I'm looking into adding a degree to my resume and I know there are many here who know much more about IT than I do. WGU has several IT bachelor's degree programs. Wouldn't the BS in IT be considered foundational?? They have many options available such as cyber security, computer science, IT, Data management and analytics, cloud computing, software development. Even after reading all the degree descriptions I'm a bit confused as to which would be right for me and which would be good for a young person pursuing a career in computer science and technology. As far as credits are concerned, it seems that the IT route allow for more credit transfer from ACE providers.
Where is the market now? Are any of these degrees "harder" than the other? Thanks.

I am kind of in the same boat as you. While I'm not pursuing a degree through WGU, I decided on the BSBA Computer Information Systems from TESU. It's a general IT degree, so I'm hoping I can be versatile with it. Like you, I have absolutely no clue as to what specific direction I want to go as I have no experience. So I picked the general degree. Do you have any IT experience that would go nicely with any of those specific degrees?

I'll most likely be doing a nurse informatics degree concurrently with the IT degree. I work as an RN now, but I'm a still on the fence about my choices. Informatics and IT? Nurse Practitioner? or MD/DO? I'm not sold that Nurse Practicioner or MD is a good financial move, but I also need to keep in mind that personal satisfaction is part of ROI... it's not all about money.

[bluebooger]

> good for a young person pursuing a career in computer science and technology

Computer Science is almost always the way to go
it usually requires the most math and deals with the most theory (its about the "science" of computing and programming -- instead of "this is how you write a program" -- its more "this is WHY you would write a program this way"

computer science is the "generalist" degree -- from there people specialize in data or networking or whatever
the idea is that if you understand the theory then you'll be able to pick up or teach yourself the details and specifics

but if you want something that is more immediately practical and less theory then either of these -- if just depends what you're interested in
Data Management/Data Analytics
Network Operations and Security

but all that Cloud and Security stuff is only for people with lots of experience

I think if you're not a "young person pursuing a career in computer science and technology" then Information Technology is a good way to go
I think IT is more for people who are doing computers in a "secondary" role or as a stepping stone ... someone who wants to be a manager or someone who already has a degree in nursing or pharmacy and wants computer skills

at least that's my opinion

you might be interested in the
Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program
mentioned about 1/3 down this page
https://www.nursepractitionerschools.com...rgiveness/

https://bhw.hrsa.gov/loans-scholarships/...nt-program

and I don't know if you've seen this
https://www.nursingworld.org/our-certifi...ics-nurse/
scroll down and click on the + next to Eligibility

and there are online certificates in Nursing Informatics
https://www.nursing.pitt.edu/degree-prog...ate-online

[dfrecore]

For many people who don't want to go the computer science route (if you're not going to get to calculus any time soon, or don't have the desire to do so), then IT is just fine. There are lots of things you can do in the IT world, and having a foundational knowledge in it is a smart step. Of course, a BSIT will check the box for many companies, but it's just as important to get certifications in your preferred area of knowledge, and of course, experience is key in that world. So be prepared to start low on the totem pole, even with a degree, until you start building your experience.

My husband started in IT in 1998 with the Microsoft certs, and A+, and started at a help desk, and has worked his way up. But it's a long haul, you're probably not going to be making six figures in the next few years. And you really have to like it, and constantly be learning new things as you go.

I also think that this is a hard field to move to as a career change if you're making good money where you're at. Be prepared for a big step down in pay.

[indigoshuffle]

For many people who don't want to go the computer science route (if you're not going to get to calculus any time soon, or don't have the desire to do so), then IT is just fine.  There are lots of things you can do in the IT world, and having a foundational knowledge in it is a smart step.  Of course, a BSIT will check the box for many companies, but it's just as important to get certifications in your preferred area of knowledge, and of course, experience is key in that world.  So be prepared to start low on the totem pole, even with a degree, until you start building your experience.

My husband started in IT in 1998 with the Microsoft certs, and A+, and started at a help desk, and has worked his way up.  But it's a long haul, you're probably not going to be making six figures in the next few years.  And you really have to like it, and constantly be learning new things as you go.

I also think that this is a hard field to move to as a career change if you're making good money where you're at.  Be prepared for a big step down in pay.

I'm not scared of math at all. In fact I enjoy it. As far as computer science, I would stay within nursing informatics as to avoid a drop in pay. The bachelors degree would just be a personal satisfaction type of thing that MIGHT also look good to an employer, which would be the hospital system I work with now. I work within the largest hospital system in the state, so it's unlikely that I would leave.

[Merlin]

If you're interested in the theory, science, and mathematics behind computing, and want to pick up some software development skills along the way, then Computer Science is the way to go. If you're looking for something more applied, then a regular IT degree is probably a better option.

Of course, if you're looking at IT degrees, you should also think about what aspects of IT excite you and consider a degree that is more focused in the area(s) that you're interested in. For example, WGU offers specialized BS degrees in Cybersecurity, Network Operations, and Cloud Computing. If you want to get into big data, you can look at the Data Analytics degree. Alternatively, if you want to build web or mobile applications, then you should consider the Software Development degree.

Of course, if you don't know what you want to do and are open to a generalist degree, then the BS IT is probably a good place to start. After that, you can add certifications in the areas that you're looking to specialize in.

[bjcheung77]

I'll most likely be doing a nurse informatics degree concurrently with the IT degree. I work as an RN now, but I'm a still on the fence about my choices. Informatics and IT? Nurse Practitioner? or MD/DO? I'm not sold that Nurse Practicioner or MD is a good financial move, but I also need to keep in mind that personal satisfaction is part of ROI... it's not all about money.

I'm not scared of math at all. In fact I enjoy it. As far as computer science, I would stay within nursing informatics as to avoid a drop in pay. The bachelors degree would just be a personal satisfaction type of thing that MIGHT also look good to an employer, which would be the hospital system I work with now. I work within the largest hospital system in the state, so it's unlikely that I would leave.

BSIT is not a foundational degree compared to the others, each degree they have is geared towards a certain specialty/type of concentration.  They pretty much may have some courses that are the same, but the concentration or specialty courses are what separates them.  I would recommend a Bachelors in something else, then get a Masters in Health or Nursing Infomatics.

Just wondering, since you're a RN, do you already have a Bachelors of Nursing? Do you have any other credentials?  If you're going the Big 3 route or the WGU & other competency based degree providers, you should get all your transferable credits done before enrolling in them, especially since Sophia.org has FREE courses going on.

If you're an RN, this Masters program might be a good program: https://www.wgu.edu/online-nursing-healt...ogram.html#
If you already have a BSN, then this program is a good choice too:  https://www.wgu.edu/online-nursing-healt...ogram.html

[indigoshuffle]

I'll most likely be doing a nurse informatics degree concurrently with the IT degree. I work as an RN now, but I'm a still on the fence about my choices. Informatics and IT? Nurse Practitioner? or MD/DO? I'm not sold that Nurse Practicioner or MD is a good financial move, but I also need to keep in mind that personal satisfaction is part of ROI... it's not all about money.

I'm not scared of math at all. In fact I enjoy it. As far as computer science, I would stay within nursing informatics as to avoid a drop in pay. The bachelors degree would just be a personal satisfaction type of thing that MIGHT also look good to an employer, which would be the hospital system I work with now. I work within the largest hospital system in the state, so it's unlikely that I would leave.

BSIT is not a foundational degree compared to the others, each degree they have is geared towards a certain specialty/type of concentration.  They pretty much may have some courses that are the same, but the concentration or specialty courses are what separates them.  I would recommend a Bachelors in something else, then get a Masters in Health or Nursing Infomatics.

Just wondering, since you're a RN, do you already have a Bachelors of Nursing? Do you have any other credentials?  If you're going the Big 3 route or the WGU & other competency based degree providers, you should get all your transferable credits done before enrolling in them, especially since Sophia.org has FREE courses going on.

If you're an RN, this Masters program might be a good program: https://www.wgu.edu/online-nursing-healt...ogram.html#
If you already have a BSN, then this program is a good choice too:  https://www.wgu.edu/online-nursing-healt...ogram.html

I'm doing my BSN at WGU now. I have just a few more courses left. I anticipate I'll be done in 2-3 months, unless I get lazy.
I guess it doesn't make sense to back track and do another bachelors. WGU has been a great school IMO, but I think it also has to do with my program mentor.

[cwendy111]

I'll most likely be doing a nurse informatics degree concurrently with the IT degree. I work as an RN now, but I'm a still on the fence about my choices. Informatics and IT? Nurse Practitioner? or MD/DO? I'm not sold that Nurse Practicioner or MD is a good financial move, but I also need to keep in mind that personal satisfaction is part of ROI... it's not all about money.

I'm not scared of math at all. In fact I enjoy it. As far as computer science, I would stay within nursing informatics as to avoid a drop in pay. The bachelors degree would just be a personal satisfaction type of thing that MIGHT also look good to an employer, which would be the hospital system I work with now. I work within the largest hospital system in the state, so it's unlikely that I would leave.

BSIT is not a foundational degree compared to the others, each degree they have is geared towards a certain specialty/type of concentration.  They pretty much may have some courses that are the same, but the concentration or specialty courses are what separates them.  I would recommend a Bachelors in something else, then get a Masters in Health or Nursing Infomatics.

Just wondering, since you're a RN, do you already have a Bachelors of Nursing? Do you have any other credentials?  If you're going the Big 3 route or the WGU & other competency based degree providers, you should get all your transferable credits done before enrolling in them, especially since Sophia.org has FREE courses going on.

If you're an RN, this Masters program might be a good program: https://www.wgu.edu/online-nursing-healt...ogram.html#
If you already have a BSN, then this program is a good choice too:  https://www.wgu.edu/online-nursing-healt...ogram.html

I'm doing my BSN at WGU now. I have just a few more courses left. I anticipate I'll be done in 2-3 months, unless I get lazy.
I guess it doesn't make sense to back track and do another bachelors. WGU has been a great school IMO, but I think it also has to do with my program mentor.

Hi, I was directed here as an RN-BSN student at TESU frustrated about not seeing the finish line as they have traditional 12 wk semesters for 9 courses. I haven't started any of my nursing courses yet and actually reached out to WGU to see what that would look like for me as well. I am taking all the required courses first and have not taken a nursing course yet. I too was thinking about a BSIT or even a BALS with a CIS concentration in NSM just to get something completed quickly and for less money.

I applied to WGU and sent my AAS transcript over to get the process started over there if I pull the plug on TESU.

HOWEVER, I haven't officially decided. I would love to hear more about what WGU is like. I'd love to hear more about your experiences there. I know they have a competency based model. Can you tell me more about how the assignments work? What is the papers/exam ratio? Is it difficult taking 3 + courses simultaneously? Is the workload typical or have no life level? 

Any feedback at all you can provide would be great. Thanks!