Associates in Computer ... something?

[SolarKat]

After going through a lot of job ads, employers seem to mostly want experience with C++. Java, C, and C# were some of the other languages I saw. TESU's BSAST requires C++ and software engineering along with several other courses that could be used in their CS program. When the job ads listed a preferred or required major, I saw computer science listed. I think a degree in computer science or an IT program that focuses more on software than hardware would be most appropriate, but the CS program will lay a better foundation. Another option would be WGU's software development program, but you would need to learn more programming languages on the side.

It depends on what you're competing against in the workforce, though. The TESU CS degree only includes 7 actual "computer" classes (and that's the bachelors!). The free electives can be anything (and most people will go easy/cheap/fast). Compare this with any other CS program:

University of Wyoming (looks like 18 classes in computers, with additional math classes)
Texas A&M (also looks like about 18 classes, with additional math classes)
Grantham (requires 14 computer classes, plus math)
WGU (requires 20 computer classes, this is a Software Development degree, not pure CS)

So if a student does what is asked of them with TESU, without adding in extra CS & math within their gen-eds/free electives, and absent a significant portfolio/experience-based resume, they are completely hamstrung when competing against practically *any* other CS (and many IT) programs. Yes, they can check off the "CS degree" on the application, but in transcript comparison they'll lose, and at an interview, they just will not have the same depth/breadth of knowledge as graduates of practically any other CS program. Both the math and the CS are just too light.

Don't get me wrong, I think TESU has a lot of strong points. But as a CS option for a young student, I think there are much better ways to spend time/money.