TalentlessOlympian Wrote:Thanks for the input and I do agree it seems odd that they didn't require Calc I or higher. However, I don't mind taking the Calc I CLEP in the future if necessary. Which CS Classes are you referring to that I will be missing with the degree from Hodges?

davewill Wrote:The big ones are the math, especially Discrete Math or Linear Algebra. The most notable missing CS courses would be Data Structures and Computer Architecture. I'm also concerned about Database Management, and no specific Operating Systems course. They have Hardware and Operating Systems, but it and Intro to Database Management (and every other computer course) are listed as a CIT course which makes me think they are technology courses rather than the theory based ones a CS degree would require. Also for someone who wants to do embedded programming, C/C++, Computer Architecture and Assembly Language are essential.

Essentially this looks like an applied technology degree...which might work out fine for you. It just isn't computer science.

davewill Wrote:When I was looking, COSC didn't have a computer science degree. They now have a Computer Science Studies concentration for their General Studies degree that looks like it has all the right courses in it. In fact it looks tougher (and less flexible) than the TESU requirements. TESU has an actual BACS degree, which is why I went with them. Unfortunately, I didn't find all the courses elsewhere and ended up taking 18 units from them which cost me some money.

It takes 33 units for the Area of Study plus the Capstone. TrailRunr found three tests, DSST MIS, DSST cybersecurity, CSU CBE Global System Analysis and Design which work for TESU, which gets us 9 units. Six of the 33 are Calc 1 and 2 which can be found online for 6 more. COS101 is available as a CLEP and a other places for another three for a total of 18 taken as alternative credit. We're now down to 15 units that would have to be taken at TESU or found elsewhere. It would cost about $8982 plus the $300 cornerstone at TESU to take 15 units on a per credit basis, so it would cheaper than the $9352 comprehensive plan, so no point in tying yourself to an artificial schedule. You would meet the 16 credit residency requirement so no $2000 waiver fee needed. The total cost would be $7485 + 300 + 75 (application fee) + 323 (graduation fee)=$8183. You should be able to use financial aid to help with this, but I know almost nothing about that.

You can get the cost down if you take some of the courses at a community college. It might not even take you much longer if you do the TESU courses at the same time.

P.S. Scratch the community college, 18 of your units must be UL, so you can't take any of the rest of the courses at a community college, and we have to hope that at least one of tests is UL.

dfrecore Wrote:I don't think Charter Oak has a true CS degree, neither does EC. So TESU is the only option there.

At TESU, you can bring your D grades with you, so history is fine. There are also a lot more options to test out through TESU - besides CLEP & DSST, there is Straighterline, Saylor, study.com, etc.

I know nothing whatsoever about loans and such, can't help you there.

The thing about getting your degree is that no one here can tell you how long it will take you to get through a program. Some people bust through and go crazy fast and are done in a couple of months, and others can take a few years. It totally depends on the degree, the number of credits you bring in, your motivation, how much time you can put into it, etc.

Yes, InstantCert is probably the best way to study for CLEP/DSST exams. study.com also can be used but it's more expensive. Not every exam will be available on IC, but a lot of them are.

If you want to compare the 2 degrees, just look at them. They are completely different as davewill said. It's just a matter of what you want. Some people would be happy with the Hodges degree and then teach themselves programming on the side. Some people want the CS degree. You just have to see which one will fit your goals. Check jobs that sound good to you, and see what they require. If they all want a CS degree, then get that. If they require a degree in any number of different programs, then you could go with Hodges. Some companies don't require a degree at all, but want current knowledge or job experience or certifications. It just totally depends on what you want to do.

Hopefully that answers most of your questions. I always suggest spending a couple of weeks on this board to see how it all works, and to start with the Beginner's Guide to help: http://www.degreeforum.net/general-education-testing-discussion/26144-beginners-guide-getting-cheap-fast-college.html

Quote:BA in Computer Science Credit Distribution

Subject Category Credits
I. General Education Requirements 60
A. Intellectual and Practical Skills 15
Written Communication(6)
Oral Communication(3)
Quantitative Literacy(3)
Information Literacy(3)
B. Civic and Global Learning 9
Diversity(3)
Ethics(3)
Civic Engagement(3)
C. Knowledge of Human Cultures 12
D. Understanding the Physical and Natural World 4-7
E. General Education Electives 17-20
II. Area of Study: Computer Science 33
A. Required Courses 15
Introduction to Computer Science(3)
Data Structures(3)
Calculus I(3)
Calculus II(3)
Select one of the following courses:
Discrete Math(3)
Linear Algebra (Calculus-based)(3)
B. Capstone 3
LIB-495 Liberal Arts Capstone(3)
C. Computer Science Electives*
Artificial Intelligence
Assembly Language
Comparative Programming Languages
Compiler Construction
Computer Architecture
Computer Arithmetic Algorithms
Computer Information Systems
Computer Organization
Computer Statistical Techniques
Computer Simulation
Operations Research
Problem Analysis and Solution
Programming Languages
Software Engineering
Switching Theory and Automata
UNIX
15
D. Requirements
Courses transferred to Thomas Edison State University are equated to the following levels: 100, 200, 300 or 400. A minimum of 18 credits equating to 300 or 400 are required.

III. Electives 27
Total 120