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Computer science for international student in 2024 - Passa - 02-26-2024

Hello everyone. Since finnish universities are not an option anymore (or so I read), I wonder what's the best computer science online university for those starting in 2024.
Here's my info:

Your Location: Italy, EU
Your Age: 27 years this June
What kind of degree do you want?: Computer science
Current Regional Accredited Credits: None
Current ACE, CLEP, or NCCRS Credits: None
Any certifications or military experience? No
Budget: Around $10.000 - $15.000. 15k feels like going all-in, but if it's worth, I'll do it
Commitments: Full time job (unrelated from the field of study). Fortunately I am able to study at work most of the time
Dedicated time to study: I'll try to put 30 hours per week
Timeline: I aim to expat in 2 years
Tuition assistance/reimbursement: I don't believe I'm eligible for tuition assistance
Schools: I dropped out from the University of Bologna after completing courses in Microeconomics and Accounting.


My ultimate goal is to secure a remote job as a SWE, or in a related related field. Therefore, I'm looking for a regionally accredited degree program that is recognized globally. I hope this isn't too ambitious of a goal.
WGU would be perfect, but they don't accept non US residents. UMPI doens't have compsci.
Through my research on this forum, I've found TESU and SNHU to be promising options, but I couldn't find information on the total cost. Additionally, I'm wondering if having a BA degree from TESU rather than a BS would pose any challenges in finding a job.

Any insights or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!


RE: Computer science for international student in 2024 - davewill - 02-26-2024

Well, TESU is going to cost you under $8000, plus whatever you spend on alt credit, so well within your budget. I don't think the difference between a BS and BA is worth worrying about, especially if you have any experience at all.


RE: Computer science for international student in 2024 - bjcheung77 - 02-26-2024

Basically, I would check out all your options, including the ones mentioned in your previous thread here: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-Computer-science-as-an-international-student-for-around-6000-flexible


RE: Computer science for international student in 2024 - Passa - 02-26-2024

Thank you guys. Sorry for posting twice, but I took a pause in my research. I'm glad nothing changed for the worse. Is the TESU degree plan on the wiki still relevant today?
Also, I'm considering whether pursuing a degree in CIS or cloud computing from TESU would be more beneficial than pursuing a degree in computer science when it comes to securing a remote job. What's your thoughts?


RE: Computer science for international student in 2024 - Tomas - 02-26-2024

Finnish universities are still an option for EU citizen. (In terms of "low cost" option of course, otherwise anybody outside of EU can apply but cost is EUR 10.000 per year.) Though "Finnish universities" mostly boils down to Metropolia and they don't have degree in computer science. it's "Bachelor of engineering in information technology".
Remote job as SWE requires expertise in the area, degree in the field will play a minor role.

(02-26-2024, 01:19 PM)Passa Wrote: whether pursuing a degree in CIS or cloud computing from TESU would be more beneficial than pursuing a degree in computer science when it comes to securing a remote job

For securing a remote job, no. 1 is solid knowledge in the field and experience. School knowledge is not sufficient. Finding remote job at junior level in IT is relatively hard, because companies know that as a junior you know little and need constant access to colleagues.

For companies that care about degrees, they will usually place degree in CS above others, as it is supposed to be more rigorous. But...depends on company, depends on position. 

In which field there is higher chance of remote jobs, I don't know. I'd suggest to better go by what you want to do. If your passion is cloud and you plan to work in cloud field, then probably cloud computing degree would be best for you. If you don't know what to do, CS or CIS might be better. If AI/ML, CS. If web dev, anything will do. If sw dev other than web, probably CS would be best.


RE: Computer science for international student in 2024 - Tomas - 02-26-2024

(02-26-2024, 12:14 PM)Passa Wrote: what's the best computer science online university for those starting in 2024.

just to be clear, these mentioned here are not best in general, they are best in terms of low cost and finishing (much) faster than usual


RE: Computer science for international student in 2024 - Passa - 02-27-2024

Thank you Tomas for your insights! I think I'll stick with CS