Best option for a fast Associate's in I.T. or something related? Total noob!

[Alec311]

Thank you so much everybody for the insightful responses. I'm feeling very optimistic after reading all of the suggestions! I've tried to reply to everybody below:

Associate degrees aren't usually that much cheaper or faster than the Bachelor's degrees we recommend here. They're also often not very much use for employment. However, because you're in the US, your age, and your prior college credits, you could get the FREE Pierpont BOG AAS with an Area of Emphasis in Information Systems. https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/Pierpont_C%26TC Instead of CLEP, I would strongly recommend utilizing Sophia.org. It costs $99/mo. and you're allowed to complete as many credits as you're able to in that time. Depending on how much time you have to devote to this, you could get sufficient Sophia credits to get the Pierpont degree in 1-2 months.

Thank you for the advice! I realize Associate degrees aren't particularly sought after in the work force, but I figured it can't hurt and would prefer to make use of the year I already spent in college, so the classes I took don't just go to waste.  One thing I'm unsure of though, what is the difference between an Associates in Science and an Associates of Applied Science?  Is one better than the other?  And were I to go with the Pierpont/Sophia route (which seems the most likely so far) what does it mean by area of emphasis?  Would I write "AAS in Information Systems" on my resume, or "AAS with an area of emphasis in Information Systems"?  Sorry I'm not very familiar with all the degrees and different versions thereof. Thank you again, very valuable information and you've given me a few goals to decide on!

@Alec311, Welcome to the board, you've done the template but missed the last post addendum.  The more details on your budget, commitments, study habits and so on would give us a clearer picture of your situation.  It really depends on what you're looking at, if you're looking to finish your Associates at the current school, see if they take CLEP or ACE alternative credits and what their residency requirements are, most schools just need 15 out of 60 credits for their Associates and you have 24 already, you can finish it by CLEPing the rest if they allow and your courses/exams hit all the spots, then ladder up to a Bachelors.

Thank you! From what I've seen on the threads I've been reading, I have enough savings to go with whichever of the common paths I decide fits me best. I can devote at least 2-4 hours of study per day, which should help me breeze through Sophia courses, and I'd strongly prefer not to physically go back to school and just do everything online, so something like Pierpont sounds perfect for me.

If you go with Purdue or somewhere else, it’s going to be a similar game plan. The trick is to just start the process, and keep checking your plan to see what can overlap and what is time sensitive. Example being start doing the Sophia classes you know you need, while you’re waiting on transcript evaluations. And keep your head up, and steps forward. I’ve seen people start to get down because they hit a month or two that seem slow, and had to remind them that the two months prior to that they knocked out the equivalent of a year and a half worth of work at a traditional school.

Thank you so much for the input and motivation. I'm definitely going to look into the options suggested here but I'm leaning towards Pierpont for sure.  I'll be registering with Sophia soon, and I'll remember to keep looking forward!

@Alec311, you're a little more than two decades younger than I.  You should really take your time to 'learn' what you're looking at and focus on three things I recommend, certs, degree, experience.  This is my suggestion, Coursera/TADA plus Sophia.org to get all the requirements for Pierpont BOG AAS and UMPI 90 credits max transfer.

If you're not able to get the CLEP/ACE credits towards your local CC associates degree, then shoot for the Pierpont BOG AAS with an Info Systems emphasis by taking Coursera/TADA certs (any one of them that is wroth credit and also gets you some entry level experience/knowledge), Sophia.org transfer to UMPI for the BABA PM&IS.

I'm for sure doing my best to truly learn and retain the information I'm studying from CompTIA/Coursera!  I have a genuine interest in technology and I promise I'm not just looking for a shortcut to a career, only a shortcut through the tedious parts of school that I was so burned out from, and I'm very excited to see all of these options suggested to me here (especially Pierpont!). Could you expand on TADA certs? I've never heard of that before and would like to look into that as well.  And of course, thank you for taking the time to respond!

Talking to IT with our company, IT world seems kinda like an odd space to me. They seem all about “what do you know, and what certs do you have?” Like, none of them that I’ve talked to have degrees in anything. Some were like “I took an IT class in CC once, got this job, now they signed me up for a Cisco cert class but I keep missing it.” Like, it seems like if someone sped rushed a degree and took their time and learned the info from some good cert courses AND put the info to practice after the classes to retain the knowledge, they’d be IT king/queen!

---

That’s just my observation from the outside looking in.

100% agreed.  I've read so many threads/forums on different aspects of IT and have seen tons of contradicting experiences. It's hard to figure out what to expect but I'm going to do all I can to improve.  Thank you for sharing your observations!

If you really want to work in IT, then a degree from WGU will be your best bet - you'll get a bunch of certs along the way.  There are lots of options from which to choose, so you can really focus on the area you like best (networking, cloud, cybersec, data analytics, etc.).

Since you don't have a ton of credits, and some will count in the GE area, you won't "lose" a ton of credits.  The A+ cert will actually count as 6cr in two of the harder/more time consuming courses (IT-Foundations and IT-Applications), so you're kind of ahead there.

Also, for someone just starting out, WGU will get you towards where you want to go more quickly than most of the other degrees I think.  All of those certs will be awesome (and "free").

A friend of mine is actually currently enrolled in WGU's Cloud Computing program, that's an interesting option as well and I will look into the degree pathways they provide as well. I suppose I won't know which specific field I'd like the most until I continue learning more and develop more skills in the industry. For now though Sophia courses seem like the most convenient and easy way to catch up to where I'd like to be.  It's good to know that my A+ will benefit me as well. Thanks for the input and recommending WGU!

A quick and free Associates degree would be the Pierpont BOG AAS with an Area of Emphasis in Information Systems
https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/Pi...egree_Plan

Your Google IT support cert brings in 12 credits, so you are 36 of 60 done. I would do the rest with Sophia finishing out the general education and taking IT-related courses such as Intro to IT, Web, DB, Python. 
https://www.sophia.org/

Pierpont seems to be the most common answer so far and my favorite of them all, thank you for reinforcing that!  After looking back at my coursera account, it turns out I've only completed the first course in the Google IT Professional series so I haven't fully earned the certificate, but I'm seeing a lot of discussions online that claim it's very similar material to the CompTIA A+ so I'll definitely go back and complete it all to use as credits at Pierpont! Thank you for bringing that to my attention!

@Alec311, Everyone will have different views on how to do things, you can decide what you want to do.  Generally, I would go with the trifecta of Certs, Degree, Experience.  Basically... If you're trying to break into IT, the Associates should be enough along with the Coursera/TADA certificate offerings as it will give you some experience in those subjects along the way.  

I totally understand, I'm looking to improve on all 3 aspects of your trifecta; CompTIA/Coursera for certs, finishing my Associates Degree for now before going further, and gaining some experience in an entry level role once I find one. I figured getting the A+ would be enough to land a Help Desk position or equivalent, but I've also read plenty of unlucky experiences where people were struggling to land interviews.  Hopefully obtaining the AAS in Information Systems will add just the slightest boost to my chances and I'll find a good position more quickly.  Thanks for taking the time to contribute!

I second this recommendation as a start.  It gives you an associate degree (quick and cheaply), and you gain the Google IT certificate to add to your resume.

Thank you for the recommendation!  Pierpont seems like the best option for now and the most popular suggestion, which I believe I'll be starting on soon.

[rachel83az]

Thank you for the advice! I realize Associate degrees aren't particularly sought after in the work force, but I figured it can't hurt and would prefer to make use of the year I already spent in college, so the classes I took don't just go to waste.  One thing I'm unsure of though, what is the difference between an Associates in Science and an Associates of Applied Science?

An AAS is traditionally considered a "terminal degree", while the AS assumes that you'll continue on to get a Bachelor's (and perhaps even further). An AS can sometimes at very specific schools be used to waive gen ed requirements for a Bachelor's degree. An AAS usually cannot. Some schools (none of the ones recommended in this thread) require an AS or an AA for admission to a degree program but will not accept an AAS. Most employers probably don't care either way or know the difference.

  Is one better than the other? 

Usually, no. In some circumstances, maybe. For employment, probably not.

And were I to go with the Pierpont/Sophia route (which seems the most likely so far) what does it mean by area of emphasis?

The "Area of Emphasis" here is functionally equivalent to a major. With Pierpont, you cannot "major" in Computer Science or IT, but you can "major" in Information Systems. Other possibilities include Math, Spanish, Business, etc.

Would I write "AAS in Information Systems" on my resume, or "AAS with an area of emphasis in Information Systems"? 

I believe you can style the degree as something like "AAS (Board of Governors) - Information Systems". It's definitely not an AAS in Information Systems. Technically, I think Pierpont sees you as majoring in Board of Governors. If you want to be pedantic, it would probably be something like AAS in Board of Governors - Information Systems. Which sounds weird, yes.

I'm not sure this question has previously come up in the forum. If you choose Pierpont, I would ask Nancy Parks directly. Some schools care a lot about degree formatting so that you're neither misrepresenting yourself nor the school.

[allvia]

Thank you for the advice! I realize Associate degrees aren't particularly sought after in the work force, but I figured it can't hurt and would prefer to make use of the year I already spent in college, so the classes I took don't just go to waste.  One thing I'm unsure of though, what is the difference between an Associates in Science and an Associates of Applied Science?

An AAS is traditionally considered a "terminal degree", while the AS assumes that you'll continue on to get a Bachelor's (and perhaps even further). An AS can sometimes at very specific schools be used to waive gen ed requirements for a Bachelor's degree. An AAS usually cannot. Some schools (none of the ones recommended in this thread) require an AS or an AA for admission to a degree program but will not accept an AAS. Most employers probably don't care either way or know the difference.

To clarify what rachel83az said here - no school 'requires' an AS or an AA for admission to a degree program, what she is saying is that many of those who will waive Gen Eds for an associates degree will only do so for an AS or AA (vs AAS).  The reason for this is typically the AAS contains more (trade) specific subject matter than general education credits.  And it is correct that it is considered a 'terminal degree', but again because of its focus on a specific (trade) area - meaning you've gained required skills/knowledge for a professional field (now at associate level, that would indicate more entry than higher level degrees).  There are many types of 'terminal degrees', that should not deter you from one - after all the MBA is considered a terminal degree, and you don't see people running away from those :)

As far as listing it on your resume...I would recommend 'Associate of Applied Science (AAS) - Information Systems' OR 'Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) - Information Systems (BOG)'

For this AAS degree, BOG is the program they (Pierpont) offer for it, and in your case Information Systems it's subject area (as rachel83az said, it's basically your major)

[rachel83az]

To clarify what rachel83az said here - no school 'requires' an AS or an AA for admission to a degree program, what she is saying is that many of those who will waive Gen Eds for an associates degree will only do so for an AS or AA (vs AAS). 

No, I did actually mean that there are a couple of schools that require an AS or an AA for admission. IIRC, there is at least one law school in California that does not accept an AAS, but will accept an AS or AA. I have also seen a handful of Bachelor's degree programs where an AS or AA is required for admission, but an AAS is not an acceptable substitute. This does not apply to TESU, UMPI, PUG, or any of the other schools that we discuss regularly here.

Waiving gen eds is a separate issue and doesn't apply to most schools these days either.

[bjcheung77]

@Alec311, That's great... There are so many things mentioned in this thread alone along with several WIKI links, I would take some time to process everything and sort your study in an orderly fashion.  As everyone pointed to, you can do the BOG AAS Info Sys from Pierpont by using the Coursera/TADA offerings here, complete the ones that interest you: Coursera | Here's a link of the cheapies/freebies: Free Sources of Credit

[allvia]

To clarify what rachel83az said here - no school 'requires' an AS or an AA for admission to a degree program, what she is saying is that many of those who will waive Gen Eds for an associates degree will only do so for an AS or AA (vs AAS). 

No, I did actually mean that there are a couple of schools that require an AS or an AA for admission. IIRC, there is at least one law school in California that does not accept an AAS, but will accept an AS or AA. I have also seen a handful of Bachelor's degree programs where an AS or AA is required for admission, but an AAS is not an acceptable substitute. This does not apply to TESU, UMPI, PUG, or any of the other schools that we discuss regularly here.

Waiving gen eds is a separate issue and doesn't apply to most schools these days either.

Are you talking about the CA Law Schools that don't require a bachelor? Any program that would require an associates in order to gain admissions into a bachelor program (or above) would be an outlier. And certainly wouldn't impact this particular OPs situation. As you're aware it is far more common the colleges look at each course (even if you have an associate degree) that waive Gen Eds, and would be very rare for a transfer student (or one advancing) to have completed a required associate degree prior (of any type, as possible with some CA law programs). The only other example I can think of is an ASN to BSN program (and that is due to RN licensing being required, not specifically the type of lower level degree awarded). Again, definitely not relevant to this OPs situation. The entire 'terminal degree' phrase can be misleading to many; my intention was in clearing that up - not in deepening the confusion with examples that wouldn't apply to this OP.

[dfrecore]

Just an FYI on WGU, they will take an AA or AS or AAS for their block transfer - but it's not necessarily a great deal - because you're trading 60cr for about 30cr. If you want to go to WGU, you're probably better off just doing the full degree plan there, with as much through ACE credits as possible (up to 90cr) and then enrolling and finishing up, instead of doing the AAS at Pierpont.

[Insert Name]

Ok. This thread has actually turned out really cool as far as threads go. Like, a lot of great ideas and info.

I feel like the only blatant thing missing (unless I missed it) is the link to look up ACE credits. So, here it is. ?
https://www.acenet.edu/National-Guide/Pa...fault.aspx

The reason I wanted to add it is because I’ve noticed IT type people who find this forum seem to be pretty creative when it comes to continually stacking up certificates and degrees, and it may not hurt to keep the ACE credit search in your pocket, because some of those may give credits, like the course that our company sent out IT guy to.

---

I don’t think an AA through a CC is the best idea compared to an alt credit friendly school, but check out page 202 in your old CC’s handbook. If you ever hit a point that you wanted it, you’ve got one of the 4 classes done for a Certificate of Performance in Information and Communication Technology.

https://www.sdccd.edu/docs/StudentServic...atalog.pdf

[dfrecore]

Ok. This thread has actually turned out really cool as far as threads go. Like, a lot of great ideas and info.

I feel like the only blatant thing missing (unless I missed it) is the link to look up ACE credits. So, here it is. ?
https://www.acenet.edu/National-Guide/Pa...fault.aspx

The reason I wanted to add it is because I’ve noticed IT type people who find this forum seem to be pretty creative when it comes to continually stacking up certificates and degrees, and it may not hurt to keep the ACE credit search in your pocket, because some of those may give credits, like the course that our company sent out IT guy to.

---

I don’t think an AA through a CC is the best idea compared to an alt credit friendly school, but check out page 202 in your old CC’s handbook. If you ever hit a point that you wanted it, you’ve got one of the 4 classes done for a Certificate of Performance in Information and Communication Technology.

https://www.sdccd.edu/docs/StudentServic...atalog.pdf

WGU will also take some certs whether or not they are ACE-recommended for credit - and they don't necessarily give the same number of credits for them as ACE recommends.  You're much better off figuring out which certs will work for different courses: https://partners.wgu.edu/Pages/transfer-guidelines.html

[origamishuttle]

If you want to go to WGU, you're probably better off just doing the full degree plan there, with as much through ACE credits as possible (up to 90cr) and then enrolling and finishing up, instead of doing the AAS at Pierpont.

This is what I did. Even though I earned my Pierpont AAS before WGU, I already transferred specific courses to WGU, and the remaining courses were easier at WGU anyway. However, if you're going for the AAS BOG, you can always try to send it in along with your ACE-credit transcripts to see if it fulfills any extra courses.

WGU will also take some certs whether or not they are ACE-recommended for credit...

This is what drew me to WGU. I already had some AWS certs which were worth 12 credits. I also picked up the PSM I certification, which transfers for Software Engineering at WGU, and AZ-104, which transferred for an outdated Azure course. The more expensive certs like ITIL and CompTIA I took for free at WGU