Request for Advice on Selecting a University for My Bachelor's Degree

[Evoluvin]

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).
  

My goal is to pursue a technology or business-related degree, whichever will be faster to complete given my current commitments. I've also looked into Sophia and Study.com and understand that receiving as many transferable credits is key to accelerating. 

Any advice or feedback on these schools or programs would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your time and help!

[allvia]

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.

[davewill]

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.

[Evoluvin]

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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.

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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?

[jg_nuy]

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/UM...egree_Plan
https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/UM...egree_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....turnto=260
Cybersecurity minor http://catalog.umpi.edu/preview_program....turnto=260
MIS minor http://catalog.umpi.edu/preview_program....turnto=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

[allvia]

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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.

[davewill]

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.

[Evoluvin]

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/UM...egree_Plan
https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/UM...egree_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....turnto=260
Cybersecurity minor http://catalog.umpi.edu/preview_program....turnto=260
MIS minor http://catalog.umpi.edu/preview_program....turnto=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?

[bjcheung77]

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?

Both! You need to take a minor that's available through UMPI (doesn't have to be Your Pace if you can transfer the bulk of the classes). You'll need to have them add it to your degree plan as a second minor.

[jg_nuy]

You should be able to transfer in the credits for the minor and for minors that are not on YourPace that tends to be the only way to achieve said minor.