The Fast Track Approach with TESC vs 4 years + Paid Internships? (Computer Science)

[soulfulcj]

About Me:

I am fairly new to computer programming and currently have no "real world" experience. I've always fared well academically - Math, Science, and English has always been my strengths. I'm currently looking into Distance Education due the convenience of time and possibility of interning while attending college.

My question:

Which one?

The Fast Track Approach:

Thomas Edison State College (TESC) and testing out of most of my classes + transfer credits I already have then looking for a job. With this approach, I may be able to finish in less than a year.

vs

4 years + Paid Internships:

Attend the Harvard Extension School while gaining experience through Paid Internships.

Your thoughts?

[ironheadjack]

The people who I've spoken to who work in the tech world, all say experience is key. If it were me I would finish the BA as fast as possible, get an entry level job with your degree and build your resume from there.

[soulfulcj]

Thank you ironheadjack for the input as well as the others who voted. Will be creating a degree plan for TESC and search through some threads for the fastest approach in getting my CS degree. Much appreciated!

[UptonSinclair]

If you would like the best of both worlds, take your computer courses as a block from a single source. That way your transcript shows a steady growth in the computer science discipline. Harvard Extension may be a good choice for this block if you can afford the tuition. I believe there is benefit from the cohesion that comes with a single program. This is coming from someone who has transcripts from 6 sources. If I had to do it all over again, I would limit my sources to CLEP, DSST, ALEKS, and a single college that provided all of the courses in my major.