Online Engineering Choice

[bjcheung77]

Hmm, not exactly what I was thinking... what you are trying to do is "mix and match too much"... I'm not sure why you're wanting to do the SBCS EET and a UK degree from Greenwich when you're wanting to go to the USA. You need to have yourself a clear path to what you want and how to get there... not go in circles to get to the USA, you don't need a UK degree.

That's going full circle, the requirements for the USA and UK are different, you'll have to take "bridging" courses, it would be better sticking it out with a TESU BA Comp Sci/Math double concentration and getting a job offer from the US. Another vehicle for immigration to the USA would be doing Masters/Ph.D. studies, get paid for an internship/research associate or similar capacity at a US research school. What engineering are you "planning" to specialize in anyways? ABET has 4 different specialties that they accredit.

As mentioned to you, find what is required in the states that you want to immigrate to, if you're staying in your local area, then the local degree is "King". If you're moving anyways, you need the requirements of that new local/state, it's not the same thing and a waste to take the education at the location you won't be at any longer... it'll only be useful if you're retiring back in the hometown and being a p/t teacher or something along those lines.

Again, if I was in your shoes, SKIP the BALS/BSGS, and go for the BA Comp Sci/Math concentration - cheaper/easier/faster than a Engineering Specialty, you can then being looking at getting a career/job offer from a state of your choice, once you're working and getting $$, use that cash flow for funding your Masters/PHD or something.

[sanantone]

Hmm, not exactly what I was thinking... what you are trying to do is "mix and match too much"... I'm not sure why you're wanting to do the SBCS EET and a UK degree from Greenwich when you're wanting to go to the USA. You need to have yourself a clear path to what you want and how to get there... not go in circles to get to the USA, you don't need a UK degree.

That's going full circle, the requirements for the USA and UK are different, you'll have to take "bridging" courses, it would be better sticking it out with a TESU BA Comp Sci/Math double concentration and getting a job offer from the US. Another vehicle for immigration to the USA would be doing Masters/Ph.D. studies, get paid for an internship/research associate or similar capacity at a US research school. What engineering are you "planning" to specialize in anyways? ABET has 4 different specialties that they accredit.

As mentioned to you, find what is required in the states that you want to immigrate to, if you're staying in your local area, then the local degree is "King". If you're moving anyways, you need the requirements of that new local/state, it's not the same thing and a waste to take the education at the location you won't be at any longer... it'll only be useful if you're retiring back in the hometown and being a p/t teacher or something along those lines.

Again, if I was in your shoes, SKIP the BALS/BSGS, and go for the BA Comp Sci/Math concentration - cheaper/easier/faster than a Engineering Specialty, you can then being looking at getting a career/job offer from a state of your choice, once you're working and getting $$, use that cash flow for funding your Masters/PHD or something.

I could understand this recommendation if the OP expressed an interest in software engineering, but the OP's interest is in electrical engineering. This is very different different from computer science. You asked a question that the OP already answered. EE is electrical engineering. Even if you aren't familiar with that abbreviation, the original post makes it clear that electrical engineering is the specialty of interest.

[armstrongsubero]

@bjcheung77 I guess I was just thinking of speed hence all the 'mix and match'...but apparently there's no fast way around this. I know what I want. I want to work as an embedded engineer. The CS/Math double major was my original plan at TESU but the job postings for embedded engineer jobs I've been looking at all specifically state 'engineering'...almost all the jobs I looked at are along the lines of 'degree from 4 year college or university required in electrical or computer engineering. masters preferred' a few jobs specifically state 'will not accept computer science'...and some jobs will waive a few years of required experience for those with a masters. the only jobs that have computer science as acceptable are the ones that are for embedded linux..

The job I really want is applications engineer at Microchip or TI...but those are large companies, so it might be tough to get into them...I would rather work with microcontrollers or FPGA's not embedded linux..its boring..lol...so I guess the states I'm looking at are states where those companies are..Arizona and Texas...

I know in reality it doesnt matter what your major is once you have the skill and knowledge, but its all about getting past HR with certain keywords..I dont blame them though..CS does not cover VHDL, Verilog or uC's and their protocols. Looking at the job postings I see, over the years I have taught myself and acquired the knowledge and skills required and way beyond that...and I genuinely love embedded development and and can see myself doing that for the rest of my life...so for me its all about getting past HR and into the interview room.

I am tired of doing jobs I dont want to do..I already have the experience with being a web and software developer...it's boring to be..which is why Ieft that industry and went into law enforcement...but all my free time is spent on electronics since I was very young...I have a passion for it, especially desiging ciruits around microcontrollers and FPGAs...the reality is though that the market here for embedded development is non-existent, literally no jobs. and with the oil and gas situation getting worse...getting out is my best bet for stability and doing what I want to do..

right now jobs in software and web is hot and salaries are good..but more and more people are going into that field and if everyone is 'coding' the salaries will start to drop...english, music, psychology and business majors are all getting into those jobs and while there will always be a need for highly skilled developers, I see the demand dropping as more people enter the field...who knows 'coders' may be the barristas of the future..lol
but you are right though..it would be easier to get a job doing that..then using that to fund what I really want to do...thanks this was really good advice...

[bjcheung77]

@armstrongsubero, thanks for providing more details of what "Engineering Specialty" it is within Electrical Engineering. I wouldn't go straight to a blue chip or big international company as a start, I would apply to positions acceptable to you and then work your way up to your desired position. While working, you can use that to fund the final year or two of your Engineering Specialty at one of the ABET institutional providers.

Hmm, well, I guessed both of your states... I knew it would be a southern US state, and I had 6 in mind - California, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Georgia and Florida, the reason is the climate is similar to your current location... since you're still working, I would finish the TESU Comp Sci/Math ASAP and decide on your future.

How young are you? Do you have other commitments that would cause you to "stay" in your city and is holding you back from moving to the US? I would obviously get a contract job/internship or research associate offer before I move, and keep the current job on "hold" for a year at most.

I see that your passion is in application, embedded development and you want to be the engineer for those type of systems. A few of the Electrical Engineering programs I've seen in the past only have 1 course/lab with embedded systems. The majority of Electrical Engineering programs are split into different specialties/concentrations to choose from. And that is where you need to decide which one would be more of a fit for you.

Your category/specialty would probably best be served with a Electrical Engineering degree with a Software Engineering specialty, as what you mentioned - VDHL, Verilog are programming languages, the more software development/programming skills, the easier it'll be to pick up the skill set required for your future positions.

When you're about done your degree, or when you are finished with your current degree goal, you can look up a few ABET degree programs, such as Arizona State Electrical Engineering or Software Engineering, Penn State Software Engineering, Temple Electrical Engineering and so on, again - ABET separates their degree programs, "software engineering isn't located in Computing/IT" it's filed under Engineering not Computing/IT - even though the majority of the classes are computer science related instead of engineering.

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I could understand this recommendation if the OP expressed an interest in software engineering, but the OP's interest is in electrical engineering. This is very different different from computer science. You asked a question that the OP already answered. EE is electrical engineering. Even if you aren't familiar with that abbreviation, the original post makes it clear that electrical engineering is the specialty of interest.

@sanantone, Thank you for your post - I'm sorry, I got confused for a moment reading this. I don't know why I received this message but I was asking a question to get more information and to have more clarity. If you have advice and recommendations for the OP, please advise them directly. Quoting me for some reason or another and saying that it's been answered is incorrect. There are so many specialties in any profession/school, specialties in Electrical or any type of engineering.

This is "Deja vu" from a previous Dfrecore post and it fits this situation, as I am looking for an answer from the OP and not directly from someone else, and I know what the OP said is EE. - http://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/showthre...#pid246085

The OP specifically said that her son was looking at getting a degree in hardware. I would like clarification from her directly, since I don't understand what that means TO HER (or her son). Having someone else explain what he THINKS she means isn't helpful at all.



Now if you didn't know, for programs in Electrical Engineering - we can take a look at some of them. Let's take Temple for example. they've got a plain Jane Electrical Engineering, Bioelectrical Engineering and Computer Engineering. They're not all the same! I looked at the webpage from MicroChip Technologies, they are an Electrical Engineering company that specializes in so many different areas.

So, if I don't ask a question to get more details, I may provide him the incorrect or a worse answer than I already provided him, for instance, he's looking into Embedded Systems which is software used to control hardware. If for some reason he applies for a job at Microchip and they only have a position to Biomedical devices, will he get the job? Sanantone, they need specific specialties matched before they would hire the person.

I like to gather more info and then come to a viable option/solution, I am not like one of those "5 minute surgeons" who looks up a patient info, without asking anything and does the surgery. That's how the "Wrong leg" got amputated for people in one US hospital. There was another case of a "5 minute physician" who diagnosed someone as having a bad cold/flu and yet, they died the next day of severe Meningitis. I like to keep accountable and provide work done well, I am here to see things done properly and that's my advice to him.

Lastly, If you have further advice or other recommendations, please inform the OP, not tell me that I am repeating my question that's been answered. It may be sufficient for others, but for me, the more I know what they need, the more I can get them to that goal.

[armstrongsubero]

@bjcheung77 Okay well I can finish the comp sci/math double major in about a year and a half, since a lot if overlaps. I know TESU has some 24 credit minimum requirement, so I'll finish the Comp Sci then the math... 

Sigh...EE I'm coming for you just hold on okay..lol

Yeah it is luck that the two states with the companies that are my long term target also have a similar climate to where I live! 

I'm 25, so while I'm not too old, I'm closer to 30 than 20, time is running out. Nothing is really holding me back, no wife, no kids, no mortgage, living with parents. My only loan I took out is to pay for school related stuff  and I'm clearing that out by June, so no commitments really. I wanted to target the US by mid 2019 for the latest. The only thing holding me back is a degree really. Once I get a degree I can get my life on. I applied to an internship with a US company remotely but after about a week, they said that they are cancelling the project...If I can get a remote job or internship in the mean time, it would be awesome! I already have experience locally but it would be nice to list a US company on my resume when applying to US jobs. 

Yes I have a passion for that field, in fact I wrote a book ~500 pages that is being published by Apress on that topic and is available for pre-order now. 

https://www.apress.com/us/book/9781484232729

The concentration really doesn't matter to me, if only AMU was ABET it would be the best choice because they have a specialty in Mecatronic Systems, which is the closest to what I want. For embedded systems schools offer masters in it cause its a highly specialized field. I just want an EE degree that would get me a foot in the door.

Well VHDL and Verilog are HDL's, a totally different mindset from software languages, it looks the same but it is not. I already have that skill set, in fact I designed my own CPU from scratch earlier this year in VHDL. Here take a look if you're interested:

https://github.com/ArmstrongSubero/FPGA/...0bit%20CPU

I wish I could do the Arizona State EE! it's perfect! online, ABET, EE and in the region of where I want to work! (job fairs),  but it's so long and expensive. Sigh.... I really don't want to be too close to 30 when I do this stuff.

Well back to the grind. 

So in summary I'll have to do the Comp Sci and Math at TESU then apply to get a Job/Internship in the US probably for embedded Linux or possibly a software position, and use that money to do a bachelors in EE that's ABET then apply for the job I want?

[sanantone]

@armstrongsubero, thanks for providing more details of what "Engineering Specialty" it is within Electrical Engineering.  I wouldn't go straight to a blue chip or big international company as a start, I would apply to positions acceptable to you and then work your way up to your desired position.  While working, you can use that to fund the final year or two of your Engineering Specialty at one of the ABET institutional providers.

Hmm, well, I guessed both of your states... I knew it would be a southern US state, and I had 6 in mind - California, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Georgia and Florida, the reason is the climate is similar to your current location... since you're still working, I would finish the TESU Comp Sci/Math ASAP and decide on your future.  

How young are you? Do you have other commitments that would cause you to "stay" in your city and is holding you back from moving to the US?  I would obviously get a contract job/internship or research associate offer before I move, and keep the current job on "hold" for a year at most.  

I see that your passion is in application, embedded development and you want to be the engineer for those type of systems.  A few of the Electrical Engineering programs I've seen in the past only have 1 course/lab with embedded systems.  The majority of Electrical Engineering programs are split into different specialties/concentrations to choose from.  And that is where you need to decide which one would be more of a fit for you.  

Your category/specialty would probably best be served with a Electrical Engineering degree with a Software Engineering specialty, as what you mentioned - VDHL, Verilog are programming languages, the more software development/programming skills, the easier it'll be to pick up the skill set required for your future positions.

When you're about done your degree, or when you are finished with your current degree goal, you can look up a few ABET degree programs, such as Arizona State Electrical Engineering or Software Engineering, Penn State Software Engineering, Temple Electrical Engineering and so on, again - ABET separates their degree programs, "software engineering isn't located in Computing/IT" it's filed under Engineering not Computing/IT - even though the majority of the classes are computer science related instead of engineering.

---

I could understand this recommendation if the OP expressed an interest in software engineering, but the OP's interest is in electrical engineering. This is very different different from computer science. You asked a question that the OP already answered.  EE is electrical engineering. Even if you aren't familiar with that abbreviation, the original post makes it clear that electrical engineering is the specialty of interest.

@sanantone, Thank you for your post - I'm sorry, I got confused for a moment reading this. I don't know why I received this message but I was asking a question to get more information and to have more clarity.   If you have advice and recommendations for the OP, please advise them directly.  Quoting me for some reason or another and saying that it's been answered is incorrect.  There are so many specialties in any profession/school, specialties in Electrical or any type of engineering.  

This is "Deja vu" from a previous Dfrecore post and it fits this situation, as I am looking for an answer from the OP and not directly from someone else, and I know what the OP said is EE. - http://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/showthre...#pid246085

The OP specifically said that her son was looking at getting a degree in hardware.  I would like clarification from her directly, since I don't understand what that means TO HER (or her son).  Having someone else explain what he THINKS she means isn't helpful at all.



Now if you didn't know, for programs in Electrical Engineering - we can take a look at some of them.  Let's take Temple for example. they've got a plain Jane Electrical Engineering, Bioelectrical Engineering and Computer Engineering.  They're not all the same!  I looked at the webpage from MicroChip Technologies, they are an Electrical Engineering company that specializes in so many different areas.

So, if I don't ask a question to get more details, I may provide him the incorrect or a worse answer than I already provided him, for instance, he's looking into Embedded Systems which is software used to control hardware.  If for some reason he applies for a job at Microchip and they only have a position to Biomedical devices, will he get the job?  Sanantone, they need specific specialties matched before they would hire the person.

I like to gather more info and then come to a viable option/solution, I am not like one of those "5 minute surgeons" who looks up a patient info, without asking anything and does the surgery.  That's how the "Wrong leg" got amputated for people in one US hospital.  There was another case of a "5 minute physician" who diagnosed someone as having a bad cold/flu and yet, they died the next day of severe Meningitis.  I like to keep accountable and provide work done well, I am here to see things done properly and that's my advice to him.  

Lastly, If you have further advice or other recommendations, please inform the OP, not tell me that I am repeating my question that's been answered.  It may be sufficient for others, but for me, the more I know what they need, the more I can get them to that goal.

That situation with Dfrecore doesn't apply because your assumptions were way off base. Dfrecore asked what was meant by hardware, and you answered by saying that the OP wants to transfer certifications. The answer didn't match the question at all. Plus, you can't get a degree in hardware. Computer science is not electrical engineering. Plain and simple. A CS program doesn't even come close to preparing someone for a career as an electrical engineer. Even after the OP told you that a computer science degree will not work, you're still recommending it. Giving you "clarification" served no purpose.

Finding an appropriate masters in electrical engineering is going to be even more difficult than finding one at the baccalaureate level. It's also likely going to be more expensive to get a BA in math/CS and a master's in electrical engineering. What if the OP can't immigrate to the U.S. or Canada right away? Then, he or she will be stuck with an unwanted degree.

Bioelectrical engineering is a rare concentration. Companies would have a tough time finding qualified candidates if they required a concentration in bioelectrical engineering. Look at how many jobs ask for bioelectrical engineering. That should give you the answer to how unimportant that concentration is. Regardless, you're recommending math and CS, which has little to do with bioelectrical engineering or electrical engineering, period.

By the way, biomedical engineering is not the same as bioelectrical engineering. If they want an electrical engineer to work on biomedical devices, then an electrical engineering degree will suffice. When you went to the Microchip Technology website, did you even both to look at their jobs and what they require?

[bjcheung77]

That situation with Dfrecore doesn't apply because your assumptions were way off base. Dfrecore asked what was meant by hardware, and you answered by saying that the OP wants to transfer certifications. The answer didn't match the question at all. Plus, you can't get a degree in hardware. 

There seems to be a communication error/confusion here someplace... That situation actually does apply to you as you're quoting me when I'm replying to the OP, I wasn't asking you what it meant, I wanted to hear it from the OP.  Furthermore you haven't read the thread I linked earlier, I wasnt even answering Dfrecore, I was answering JSD and post #8/#9.  Read below - I copied it from that post.  But why are you quoting me or answering me?

LOL, Haha, I see what happened there, incorrect internet etiquette on my side. No wonder I got confused for a moment reading this. My mistake and I apologize profusely, I was actually responding to JSD's post #8 trying to validate these recommendations and geissingert's #9. I should have done so in quotes... so there would be no confusion. Anyways, my bad.

Computer science is not electrical engineering. Plain and simple. A CS program doesn't even come close to preparing someone for a career as an electrical engineer. Even after the OP told you that a computer science degree will not work, you're still recommending it. Giving you "clarification" served no purpose.

That's very good and that is correct, but that does serve it's purpose, as if you kept reading and not cutting into someone else's chat/correspondence, you would have read that I recommended to get the BS CS/Math, get the EE online while working and find a job in the US... you haven't heard the full story of what I have to tell, he also needs a backup plan.  

Finding an appropriate masters in electrical engineering is going to be even more difficult than finding one at the baccalaureate level. It's also likely going to be more expensive to get a BA in math/CS and a master's in electrical engineering. What if the OP can't immigrate to the U.S. or Canada right away? Then, he or she will be stuck with an unwanted degree.

For you it may be an unwanted degree, but again, for yourself and many others, the OP wanted a degree first before going into Engineering and their degree of choice was BA CS/Math.  Like you and others, they want to get a second degree and that's where I was getting more details to see which provider/degree was suitable for him.  It is a stepping stone for himself, once that's done, he can apply to an EE program online of his own choice.

Bioelectrical engineering is a rare concentration. Companies would have a tough time finding qualified candidates if they required a concentration in bioelectrical engineering. Look at how many jobs ask for bioelectrical engineering. That should give you the answer to how unimportant that concentration is. Regardless, you're recommending math and CS, which has little to do with bioelectrical engineering or electrical engineering, period.

To get a US EE degree for an international student is very hard, period, but what he can do is use his CS/Math degree and skills to continue working, he would have his undergrad gen eds and some of his engineering courses done to transfer into a third year EE degree, what's stopping him from getting an "ideal for the time" degree and getting a second one?  I think it's a good idea, not everyone has the resources to go directly into an EE and at his age, it would set him up for the fields involving CS/Math.

By the way, biomedical engineering is not the same as bioelectrical engineering. If they want an electrical engineer to work on biomedical devices, then an electrical engineering degree will suffice. When you went to the Microchip Technology website, did you even both to look at their jobs and what they require?

That was an example I wanted to provide to illustrate that there are "other electrical engineering specialties" on their site, and if he was going into Embedded Applications/Development, it would be a big "NO" to having just an Electrical Engineering degree.  Why would they hire someone with just an EE when they want to have a specialist that has the EE with that specific specialty?  Just because he has an Electrical Engineering degree doesn't mean he's qualified for all types of Electrical Engineering specialties or subspecialties, that was just one example, I could have used others.

Ultimately, it's up to the OP to decide on what is best or better for their situation and take advice with a grain of salt. You and others on this board, as well as myself - we just volunteer our time to see if we can help them and that's what fellow members are here for.  It's not like we're telling them to do anything illegal to get a job in the US or immigrate here.

Now last but not least? What other advice or recommendations would you have for the OP, do you have anything constructive to add?  I think he woud like some feedback to what advice/options he has in his current state.  I do thank you again for taking your time to read through my writings... I no longer am the +1, "I agree", and "add a sentence or two to cheer the student on" poster, the last few months, I've been providing clearer/longer, more detailed advice... 

[sanantone]

There seems to be a communication error/confusion here someplace... That situation actually does apply to you as you're quoting me when I'm replying to the OP, I wasn't asking you what it meant, I wanted to hear it from the OP.  Furthermore you haven't read the thread I linked earlier, I wasnt even answering Dfrecore, I was answering JSD and post #8/#9.  Read below - I copied it from that post.  But why are you quoting me or answering me?

If you weren't responding to Dfrecore, and it was a misunderstanding on who were you responding to, then how does that situation apply to what's happening here? I intentionally responded to you.

That's very good and that is correct, but that does serve it's purpose, as if you kept reading and not cutting into someone else's chat/correspondence, you would have read that I recommended to get the BS CS/Math, get the EE online while working and find a job in the US... you haven't heard the full story of what I have to tell, he also needs a backup plan.  

I did read the whole thing. You seemed to have missed some things mentioned by the OP. 


For you it may be an unwanted degree, but again, for yourself and many others, the OP wanted a degree first before going into Engineering and their degree of choice was BA CS/Math.  Like you and others, they want to get a second degree and that's where I was getting more details to see which provider/degree was suitable for him.  It is a stepping stone for himself, once that's done, he can apply to an EE program online of his own choice.

In reference to what I said above, you seemed to have missed the fact that the OP switched from computer science to liberal studies so that he or she can later concentrate on working on the dream degree, which is engineering. The OP decided that CS wouldn't be an easy "tick the box" degree to get because you can't completely test out of it. If you're going to spend a lot of cash and time on a degree, you might as well spend it on something you really want.

"So basically I am doing the BALS at TESU and will hopefully start the capstone in February or April and graduate in June or September. However I really want a degree in engineering, I originally signed up for computer science at TESU, but realized it can't be tested out of as quickly and I want something with "Engineering" in it. So I'll get a "tick the box degree" and take my time (hopefully no more than 2 years) and finish my dream degree, something with "Engineering" in it."


To get a US EE degree for an international student is very hard, period, but what he can do is use his CS/Math degree and skills to continue working, he would have his undergrad gen eds and some of his engineering courses done to transfer into a third year EE degree, what's stopping him from getting an "ideal for the time" degree and getting a second one?  I think it's a good idea, not everyone has the resources to go directly into an EE and at his age, it would set him up for the fields involving CS/Math.

I'm just taking into account that the OP has worked in web and software development and left that field because he or she was bored. I'm taking into account that the OP said that he or she is tired of doing jobs he or she doesn't want to do. While a liberal studies degree isn't ideal for jobs, the OP does have the experience to return to IT if he or she wanted to. He or she can get a concentration in computer science and/or natural science and mathematics within the BALS program to make the degree more marketable. I just don't think it's smart to spend a lot of effort and money on a degree you don't really want, especially since it takes away from the time and money you can spend on your dream degree. You either get the cheap, check-the-box degree or the dream degree. 

That was an example I wanted to provide to illustrate that there are "other electrical engineering specialties" on their site, and if he was going into Embedded Applications/Development, it would be a big "NO" to having just an Electrical Engineering degree.  Why would they hire someone with just an EE when they want to have a specialist that has the EE with that specific specialty?  Just because he has an Electrical Engineering degree doesn't mean he's qualified for all types of Electrical Engineering specialties or subspecialties, that was just one example, I could have used others.

Do you have an example of someone not being able to get a job because he or she doesn't have a concentration in addition to an electrical engineering degree? You don't need a community corrections concentration to get a job as a parole or probation officer. You don't need an information security, cybersecurity, or information assurance concentration if you have a computer science degree and want to work in information security/cybersecurity. As a matter of fact, a computer science major often looks more attractive than a whole cybersecurity major. Most people working in forensic science don't have forensic science degrees. They most often have chemistry degrees and biology degrees without concentrations in forensic science. Most of the time, specialization comes from chosen electives, internships, work experience, and self-study rather than a concentration listed on a transcript.   

Now last but not least? What other advice or recommendations would you have for the OP, do you have anything constructive to add?  I think he woud like some feedback to what advice/options he has in his current state. 

I've given my feedback and advice. Did you not see it? 

[decimon]

@armstrongsubero

Don't forget the cost of books and equipment. AMU, for instance, requires the purchase of some expensive equipment for its EE degree.

[bjcheung77]

I intentionally responded to you.

Oh Really? Cool, so... about that hot date you and I are about to set-up... err, ok, I am back to reality.

I did read the whole thing. You seemed to have missed some things mentioned by the OP. 

I hope not, I read all of it before I tried to provide feedback.  Forgive me if I did...

In reference to what I said above, you seemed to have missed the fact that the OP switched from computer science to liberal studies so that he or she can later concentrate on working on the dream degree, which is engineering. The OP decided that CS wouldn't be an easy "tick the box" degree to get because you can't completely test out of it. If you're going to spend a lot of cash and time on a degree, you might as well spend it on something you really want.

Good stuff here, I agree to some extent - I would spend it on something he can attain now and work on the EE later.

I'm just taking into account that the OP has worked in web and software development and left that field because he or she was bored. I'm taking into account that the OP said that he or she is tired of doing jobs he or she doesn't want to do. While a liberal studies degree isn't ideal for jobs, the OP does have the experience to return to IT if he or she wanted to. He or she can get a concentration in computer science and/or natural science and mathematics within the BALS program to make the degree more marketable. I just don't think it's smart to spend a lot of effort and money on a degree you don't really want, especially since it takes away from the time and money you can spend on your dream degree. You either get the cheap, check-the-box degree or the dream degree. 

We're on the same wave length, I originally recommended the BALS with CompSci/Nat Sci, etc.  When he mentioned he's going to be taking courses at AMU and get his other math/science courses he's purchased done, I thought he would like to continue on with his BA CS/Math with some Engineering courses.  Technically, if he takes all the required courses for his BACS/Math with some engineering courses into the BALS, it'll be a waste to graduate with BALS degree when those courses would fit into and fulfill the double concentration!

Do you have an example of someone not being able to get a job because he or she doesn't have a concentration in addition to an electrical engineering degree? You don't need a community corrections concentration to get a job as a parole or probation officer. You don't need an information security, cybersecurity, or information assurance concentration if you have a computer science degree and want to work in information security/cybersecurity. As a matter of fact, a computer science major often looks more attractive than a whole cybersecurity major. Most people working in forensic science don't have forensic science degrees. They most often have chemistry degrees and biology degrees without concentrations in forensic science. Most of the time, specialization comes from chosen electives, internships, work experience, and self-study rather than a concentration listed on a transcript.   

For Cybersecurity I actually have had two people tell me with mixed results.  One has a Comp Sci degree and he doesn't have any certs, he made the cut to a position with a growing company.  The other doesn't have any degree (nothing at all) but did have a few years experience and certs including the CISSP.  The CISSP is highly regarded and he actually got the job due to the cert and experience.  I don't know how each company HR department would look at things so radically different.  For myself, I place my focus on three items, 1) Experience, 2) Degree, 3) Certs.... I dunno how HR does things.

I've given my feedback and advice. Did you not see it? 

Yup, I read it.  Cool beans, so... about my first sentence... that hot date...
Oh geez, I am gonna shower and get that outta my mind... right now!

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@bjcheung77 Okay well I can finish the comp sci/math double major in about a year and a half, since a lot if overlaps. I know TESU has some 24 credit minimum requirement, so I'll finish the Comp Sci then the math... 

Sigh...EE I'm coming for you just hold on okay..lol
<<SNIP>>
Well back to the grind. 

So in summary I'll have to do the Comp Sci and Math at TESU then apply to get a Job/Internship in the US probably for embedded Linux or possibly a software position, and use that money to do a bachelors in EE that's ABET then apply for the job I want?

@armstrong, Si mi amigo. I would recommend continuing with your studies until you graduate with a degree first (BALS or BA CS/Math). Si, get that position to fund your BSEE of choice that's ABET and lastly (maybe when you reach 30), apply to your dream companies!