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+--- Thread: Request for Advice on Selecting a University for My Bachelor's Degree (/Thread-Request-for-Advice-on-Selecting-a-University-for-My-Bachelor-s-Degree)
Request for Advice on Selecting a University for My Bachelor's Degree - Evoluvin - 09-22-2024
Hello everyone,
I’m seeking advice on which university program might be the best fit for my circumstances.
Your Location: Maryland
Current Regional Accredited Credits: None
Current ACE, CLEP, or NCCRS Credits: None
Any certifications or military experience?: CompTIA Sec+, CCSK, CEH, ITIL v3, AWS CCP
Budget: Unlimited
Timeline: Soonest
Tuition assistance/reimbursement: Company offers 6k a year
A bit about me: I’m 35 years old, working full-time as a Director of Cybersecurity at a large technology company. I’ve spent over 16 years in the IT industry, working for multiple large DoD contractors and AWS, progressing from the help desk to my current leadership role. However, I’ve never taken any formal college courses, so I don’t have any transferable RA credits. Although I do currently hold a few IT certifications.
At this stage in my career, I feel like I’ve reached a point where, in order to advance into executive leadership, having a degree is becoming a necessity. While I have the experience, I understand the value of that "piece of paper" to open certain doors. That said, my current workload is around 50 hours per week, and I’m also a husband and father to two young boys, ages 8 and 5. Needless to say, my schedule is quite packed.
Initially, I was looking into Western Governors University (WGU), specifically their Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or Cybersecurity programs. However, after doing more research, I’m not entirely sure if those are the fastest or most efficient routes to take. This search led me here, and I’m hoping to gather insights to help finalize my decision.
Currently, I’m considering the following institutions and degrees:
- Excelsior University: Bachelor of Science in Business (I noticed both their Computer Science and Cybersecurity programs are relatively new).
- Thomas Edison State University (TESU): Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science (BACS) and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA). The option for a double degree in BACS and BSBA with CIS specialization is particularly intriguing. (Con: No RA credits to transfer)
- University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI): Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA).
Any advice or feedback on these schools or programs would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your time and help!
RE: Request for Advice on Selecting a University for My Bachelor's Degree - allvia - 09-22-2024
Since speed is your priority then I'd recommend you opt for the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI): Bachelor of Business Administration. Based on your role as a director I'd probably recommend the MIS, but honestly any concentration you choose gets the job done. Your bachelor checks the box, but your certifications and work experience validate your professional knowledge. If speed was not your priority then TESU might be a good option, as with your budget then you could take some courses with TESU (and some TECEPs) to reach your RA requirements. I'd keep WGU on the list for a master option later down the line; although there are many to choose from with your generous company tuition reimbursement. Plus once you have a bachelor there tends not to be the same 'speed' requirements for a master degree. Why not WGU for the bachelor, yes it is a good choice for many - but generally a state school still often tends to be perceived as a 'better' choice than one entirely online when listed on a Resume/CV. Now for a technology related master WGU is 'known' for that. EU offers no benefit to you in your situation, and some changes they've made in recent years has made it awkward to plan - and would certainly not be on the quicker option list when starting with no credits.
RE: Request for Advice on Selecting a University for My Bachelor's Degree - davewill - 09-22-2024
UMPI is probably your fastest choice. However, you might prefer the TESU BACS if you think you might want to get an master's in CS or Cybersecurity in the future.
RE: Request for Advice on Selecting a University for My Bachelor's Degree - Evoluvin - 09-22-2024
(Yesterday, 09:56 AM)allvia Wrote: Since speed is your priority then I'd recommend you opt for the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI): Bachelor of Business Administration. Based on your role as a director I'd probably recommend the MIS, but honestly any concentration you choose gets the job done. Your bachelor checks the box, but your certifications and work experience validate your professional knowledge. If speed was not your priority then TESU might be a good option, as with your budget then you could take some courses with TESU (and some TECEPs) to reach your RA requirements. I'd keep WGU on the list for a master option later down the line; although there are many to choose from with your generous company tuition reimbursement. Plus once you have a bachelor there tends not to be the same 'speed' requirements for a master degree. Why not WGU for the bachelor, yes it is a good choice for many - but generally a state school still often tends to be perceived as a 'better' choice than one entirely online when listed on a Resume/CV. Now for a technology related master WGU is 'known' for that. EU offers no benefit to you in your situation, and some changes they've made in recent years has made it awkward to plan - and would certainly not be on the quicker option list when starting with no credits.
Thank you for the feedback! When exploring UMPI's website, I did not see where I could take the BBA with a concentration in MIS. The only options I see are a BBA with a concentration in Management & Leadership, Project Management and Information Systems and Supply Chain Management. The BLA seemed tied to the MIS concentration... is that correct?
As someone that is currently in a hiring role, I agree a state school listed on a resume is often perceived by HR as a better choice.
(Yesterday, 12:21 PM)davewill Wrote: UMPI is probably your fastest choice. However, you might prefer the TESU BACS if you think you might want to get an master's in CS or Cybersecurity in the future.
Do you believe I wouldn't be accepted in a CS Masters program without a BA/BS in CS or Tech related field?
RE: Request for Advice on Selecting a University for My Bachelor's Degree - jg_nuy - 09-23-2024
For a CS Masters, they will usually look for certain classes to be done regardless of your major - you'll want to look at the admissions requirements for the desired masters.
For a mix of business and tech at UMPI, you could do the BBA Project Management or the BBA Management and Leadership, and add a minor in Cybersecurity, Computer Science or MIS (which is more of a business minor):
https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/UMPI_BABA_Project_Management_Degree_Plan
https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/UMPI_BABA_Management_%26_Leadership_Degree_Plan
You would need to transfer the bulk of the classes for the minors - here are the requirements:
CS minor http://catalog.umpi.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=7&poid=810&returnto=260
Cybersecurity minor http://catalog.umpi.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=7&poid=798&returnto=260
MIS minor http://catalog.umpi.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=7&poid=775&returnto=260
UMPI Minors Wiki link: https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/UMPI_!Minors
Computer Science Minor example
Required:
COS 101 - Introduction to Computer Science 3 credits - Sophia Intro to Networking
COS 120 - Introduction to Data Structures 3 credits - Study dot com Data Structure and Algorithms
MAT 253 - Discrete Mathematics 3 credits - Community college
COS 320 - Software Engineering I 3 credits - Study dot com Software Engineering
Pick 2 of the following:
COS 200 - Introduction to Web Design 3 credits - Sophia Intro to Web Development
COS 240 - Network Concepts 3 credits - Study dot com Network and System Security
COS 310 - Operating Systems 3 credits - Study dot com Operating Systems
COS 350 - Databases and Database Security 3 credits - Study dot com Database Management
RE: Request for Advice on Selecting a University for My Bachelor's Degree - allvia - 09-23-2024
(Yesterday, 11:37 PM)Evoluvin Wrote:
(Yesterday, 09:56 AM)allvia Wrote: Since speed is your priority then I'd recommend you opt for the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI): Bachelor of Business Administration. Based on your role as a director I'd probably recommend the MIS, but honestly any concentration you choose gets the job done. Your bachelor checks the box, but your certifications and work experience validate your professional knowledge. If speed was not your priority then TESU might be a good option, as with your budget then you could take some courses with TESU (and some TECEPs) to reach your RA requirements. I'd keep WGU on the list for a master option later down the line; although there are many to choose from with your generous company tuition reimbursement. Plus once you have a bachelor there tends not to be the same 'speed' requirements for a master degree. Why not WGU for the bachelor, yes it is a good choice for many - but generally a state school still often tends to be perceived as a 'better' choice than one entirely online when listed on a Resume/CV. Now for a technology related master WGU is 'known' for that. EU offers no benefit to you in your situation, and some changes they've made in recent years has made it awkward to plan - and would certainly not be on the quicker option list when starting with no credits.
Thank you for the feedback! When exploring UMPI's website, I did not see where I could take the BBA with a concentration in MIS. The only options I see are a BBA with a concentration in Management & Leadership, Project Management and Information Systems and Supply Chain Management. The BLA seemed tied to the MIS concentration... is that correct?
As someone that is currently in a hiring role, I agree a state school listed on a resume is often perceived by HR as a better choice.
For all practical purposes the BBA Project Management and Information Systems is the MIS concentration.
RE: Request for Advice on Selecting a University for My Bachelor's Degree - davewill - 09-23-2024
(Yesterday, 11:37 PM)Evoluvin Wrote:(Yesterday, 12:21 PM)davewill Wrote: UMPI is probably your fastest choice. However, you might prefer the TESU BACS if you think you might want to get an master's in CS or Cybersecurity in the future.
Do you believe I wouldn't be accepted in a CS Masters program without a BA/BS in CS or Tech related field?
You might well be accepted with the business degree. It entirely depends on the program, your other (work) experience, and what individual tech related coursework you have on your transcripts. Some programs will have specific prerequisite courses that you will have to take before admission, as noted above. In general, your degree can be in anything so long as you have the prerequisites covered, and the rest of your application is strong, but a CS degree is expected and would undoubtedly help.
If you have a particular program in mind, then it would make sense to research their requirements before committing to your plan. It might help you decide which degree you want, and you could plan on including any prerequisites in your roadmap now.
RE: Request for Advice on Selecting a University for My Bachelor's Degree - Evoluvin - 09-23-2024
(Today, 12:33 AM)jg_nuy Wrote: For a CS Masters, they will usually look for certain classes to be done regardless of your major - you'll want to look at the admissions requirements for the desired masters.
For a mix of business and tech at UMPI, you could do the BBA Project Management or the BBA Management and Leadership, and add a minor in Cybersecurity, Computer Science or MIS (which is more of a business minor):
https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/UMPI_BABA_Project_Management_Degree_Plan
https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/UMPI_BABA_Management_%26_Leadership_Degree_Plan
You would need to transfer the bulk of the classes for the minors - here are the requirements:
CS minor http://catalog.umpi.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=7&poid=810&returnto=260
Cybersecurity minor http://catalog.umpi.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=7&poid=798&returnto=260
MIS minor http://catalog.umpi.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=7&poid=775&returnto=260
UMPI Minors Wiki link: https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/UMPI_!Minors
Computer Science Minor example
Required:
COS 101 - Introduction to Computer Science 3 credits - Sophia Intro to Networking
COS 120 - Introduction to Data Structures 3 credits - Study dot com Data Structure and Algorithms
MAT 253 - Discrete Mathematics 3 credits - Community college
COS 320 - Software Engineering I 3 credits - Study dot com Software Engineering
Pick 2 of the following:
COS 200 - Introduction to Web Design 3 credits - Sophia Intro to Web Development
COS 240 - Network Concepts 3 credits - Study dot com Network and System Security
COS 310 - Operating Systems 3 credits - Study dot com Operating Systems
COS 350 - Databases and Database Security 3 credits - Study dot com Database Management
This is a huge help. Thank you!
Looking at the DegreeForum UMP Minor Wiki page, it says the following:
The following are what is required for each minor:
- Each minor course has to be offered by UMPI YourPace or you need to transfer it in.
- You need to get permission to take minors that are outside of YourPace.
Therefore, would I be able to transfer in all the credits for a minor or would I have to get permission to take a minor outside of YourPace?