In my 30s and looking to finish my degree in Computer Engineer/Science

[RichardN]

Here's the backstory:

I dropped out of college (San Jose State University) to pursue working in a lucrative market of real estate in 2002-2006. My major was/is Computer Science and throughout my adult life (mid to late 20s) I took some classes here and there looking to go back to San Jose State University after being disqualified. Now I'm in my 30s, have moved away from the SF Bay Area and I heard about these online degrees. So I'm looking to see what the fastest and cheapest route is to get a Computer Science Degree online, but I'd prefer Computer Engineering vs. Science. Is there any Computer/Software Engineering online degrees out there and what's the fastest way to get the degree with the CLEP tests not having to take courses as much as possible.

Here's what my current transcript looks like:

Institution Course Title Grade Units
Ohlone College PSY-101 General Psychology B 3
Ohlone College SPCH-101 Public Speaking B 3
Evergreen Valley College HIST-17A History of the United States C 3
Evergreen Valley College MUSIC-008B Music History and Literature C 3
San Jose City College PSYCH-100 Human Sexuality A 3
San Jose City College HIST-17B History of the United States A 3
San Jose City College VIET-001A Elementary Vietnamese A 5
San Jose City College PED-038 Soccer-Recreational A 1
San Jose City College PED-039 Hatha Yoga A 1
San Jose City College PHYS-004A General Physics B 5
San Jose City College CHEM-001A General Chemistry B 5
San Jose State University BIOL-10 Bio 21st Century C 3
San Jose State University MATH-19 Pre-Calculus C+ 5
San Jose State University ENGL-1A English-Composition B- 3
San Jose State University MATH-30P Cal I with Pre-Cal C- 5
San Jose State University MATH-31 Calculus II B+ 4
San Jose State University MATH-31W Calculus II Workshop Credit 1
San Jose State University MATH-32 Calculus III C+ 3

Please help. =)

[Outis]

So I'm looking to see what the fastest and cheapest route is to get a Computer Science Degree online, but I'd prefer Computer Engineering vs. Science. Is there any Computer/Software Engineering online degrees out there and what's the fastest way to get the degree with the CLEP tests not having to take courses as much as possible.

I'd like to point out that "computer engineering" is not similar to "software engineering". They are quite different. For the most part courses in CE, CS, or SE cannot be tested out of anywhere that I am aware of. Is your goal to enter the industry? If so, which industry (doing what)?

Some ECE programs through distance:
Electrical & Computer Engineering 2+2 Program
Stony Brook University - Electrical Engineering Online
Electrical Engineering Degree | Electrical Engineering | Degrees | Online Distance | Extended Learning | Academics | UND: University of North Dakota
Online Electrical Engineering Degree ASU Online Degrees

[davewill]

I'm just finishing my CS degree at TESU. I managed by using a process called Prior Learning Assessment. This allows you to write a portfolio that documents how you have already learned the material for a college course. If you don't have the domain knowledge, then you'll pretty much have to take all of your CS courses. The cheapest way I know to start that is the local community college, but that will only get you part way there.

The upper level courses will have to come from elsewhere.

[TrailRunr]

Will you consider a business administration with CIS degree at TESU? (CIS can be tested out) Keep in mind that employers know the difference between a MIS/CIS grad and a CS grad. What are you going to do with the degree?

As far as tests for the CS at TESU, there are 2 MIS tests that cover 6 credits of upper level (MIS DSST and CSU-Global System Analysis and Design). There are a ton of options for lower level CS programming exams if you already know Java or C++. But if you can pass those exams, you might be able to PLA those courses and a lot more. Be aware that applied computer stuff like cybersecurity, cloud computing, and TCP/IP networking exams or classes won't work (but will work for BSBA in CIS).

That leaves you with 3 upper level CS courses plus one capstone course you have to take. On the lower level credits, you are missing a math course (either linear algebra or discrete math) and a CS data structures course. The linear algebra counts as upper level in CS as long as you don't take the class at a community college.

I'm not sure what you mean by disqualified. But if you have any D grades lying around, they will count as long as it's not in the major (area of study) or for English comp.

The Calc 1 with the C- might be an issue at TESU because officially you need a C or better in the area of study. You can CLEP the calculus if a retake is needed.

[RichardN]

I'd like to point out that "computer engineering" is not similar to "software engineering". They are quite different. For the most part courses in CE, CS, or SE cannot be tested out of anywhere that I am aware of. Is your goal to enter the industry? If so, which industry (doing what)?

Some ECE programs through distance:
Electrical & Computer Engineering 2+2 Program
Stony Brook University - Electrical Engineering Online
Electrical Engineering Degree | Electrical Engineering | Degrees | Online Distance | Extended Learning | Academics | UND: University of North Dakota
Online Electrical Engineering Degree ASU Online Degrees

Yes, I understand CE, SE, and CS are all different. I'm not really looking to enter the industry, but more awareness and just a desire to finish some technical degree. I'd like to just learn with an ability to speak more intelligently to my team (I run a tech start up) and perhaps get into the trenches if need be. Maybe someday fall back on IP Law in my later years, but that requires an engineering degree not CS (from what I know). At least that is my train of thought.

Another option is to complete the fastest technical degree with my current credits, to test out of as many units as I can and avoid taking courses. Perhaps that would be the TESU CIS Degree?

[RichardN]

@TrailRunr

Thanks for your input. I was disqualified at SJSU a long time back for dropping below a 2.0 GPA due to the Incomplete (U) grades that count as an F in Grade point comparison. I'm looking for the fastest degree that I can test out for the most part. I guess at this point it doesn't have to be CS and it sounds like CIS may be the better option.

[TrailRunr]

@RichardN

Are you a California resident for residency purposes at California community colleges? (eg. 3 years of high school in CA but reside out-of-state) If so, there are some alternatives we can discuss privately for completing some GE courses that would be better than CLEP or DSST.

[dfrecore]

Here's a spreadsheet showing what you would need to complete the BSBA in CIS at TESU. I included 8 TECEP's (minimum needed for residency), and then tried to get everything I could find at Straighterline. You have other options if you don't want to use them, but it's one of those things where if you're going to take courses there anyway, you might as well take a bunch and get it over with.

I also included a free Insurance Ethics course: Preserve the trust on which insurance transactions are based with an understanding of ethics where you don't have to take the course, you can just pass the exam with a 70% and you're done (and you can retake is as many times as you need to).

There are some additional courses you can take through Saylor, but I've heard they are more time-consuming than SL, so I didn't include them if there weren't other options.

If you want alternatives to any of these, most have them, but I tried to keep it to as few places as possible to make it a little simpler.

[Togas]

Will you consider a business administration with CIS degree at TESU? (CIS can be tested out) Keep in mind that employers know the difference between a MIS/CIS grad and a CS grad. What are you going to do with the degree?

As far as tests for the CS at TESU, there are 2 MIS tests that cover 6 credits of upper level (MIS DSST and CSU-Global System Analysis and Design). There are a ton of options for lower level CS programming exams if you already know Java or C++. But if you can pass those exams, you might be able to PLA those courses and a lot more. Be aware that applied computer stuff like cybersecurity, cloud computing, and TCP/IP networking exams or classes won't work (but will work for BSBA in CIS).

That leaves you with 3 upper level CS courses plus one capstone course you have to take. On the lower level credits, you are missing a math course (either linear algebra or discrete math) and a CS data structures course. The linear algebra counts as upper level in CS as long as you don't take the class at a community college.

I'm not sure what you mean by disqualified. But if you have any D grades lying around, they will count as long as it's not in the major (area of study) or for English comp.

The Calc 1 with the C- might be an issue at TESU because officially you need a C or better in the area of study. You can CLEP the calculus if a retake is needed.

Speaking of Calculus. I'm taking it right now and I went into the class being rather rusty with my Algebra. (I too am over 30 going back to school). If/when you retake Calc, i recommend watching Professor Leonard's videos on youtube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL...61509B4EB5. I watch these before I get the lecture in class, what way I have already gone over the material and I am able to ask meaningful questions in class. It's been working so far. Set the curve on two tests. With out this, I would more than likely be failing.

[sanantone]

Yes, I understand CE, SE, and CS are all different. I'm not really looking to enter the industry, but more awareness and just a desire to finish some technical degree. I'd like to just learn with an ability to speak more intelligently to my team (I run a tech start up) and perhaps get into the trenches if need be. Maybe someday fall back on IP Law in my later years, but that requires an engineering degree not CS (from what I know). At least that is my train of thought.

Another option is to complete the fastest technical degree with my current credits, to test out of as many units as I can and avoid taking courses. Perhaps that would be the TESU CIS Degree?

If you're interested in doing patent law, then no, you don't need an engineering degree. Starting on page 4, you'll see the education requirements for sitting for the patent bar.

http://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/OED_GRB.pdf

Because I was looking into becoming a patent agent, I looked at a lot of job ads. Most of them want a degree in engineering or computer science, but there are some openings for people with backgrounds in chemistry, physics, or biology.