ASNSM in CS vs. AAS in Applied Computer Studies

[sanantone]

I haven't checked the requirements fully for individual courses required, but... I think...
The ASNSM CS is the clear winner in this bout.  The reasons are four-fold.

2) Easier, courses are similar to the Applied Comp Studies and "easier" to find using ACE/NCCRS or from the CC
3) Faster, can take several courses at the CC or complete them with CLEP/DSST/TECEP, Saylor/SL/Study.com

These two are not true. Applied computer studies is the more flexible degree; it accepts just about any computer-related course. Applied computer studies has no specific course requirements other than the capstone. The theory courses in the ASNSM are harder to find and will be more expensive. The advantage of the ASNSM is that it doesn't have an expensive capstone. Other than the capstone, the ASNSM has no advantage (unless you count computer science being a better title than applied computer studies). If the OP wanted to major in computer science, then the ASNSM would have another advantage since you'll be required to knock out some of the theory and math, but software development doesn't require most of those courses.

You can choose courses for the AAS that will transfer into whatever degree you're looking at. To be honest, some of the ASNSM courses that you have to take don't have a place in the software development program if WGU is the school the OP is looking at. WGU's software development program is very different from a computer science program. The math and theory courses might be helpful to you, but if you were to go straight into WGU's program, you wouldn't get any of that stuff. Apparently, WGU doesn't think those courses are necessary. The only math courses they require are college algebra and statistics. And, their science requirements are very basic. They're what you'll see in their non-IT programs.

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This is sort of unrelated, but TESU has a knack for long, unnecessary degree titles. The ASNSM degrees should just be AS degrees in mathematics, computer science, and biology. When I apply for jobs, I type out the whole degree title because no one is going to know what ASNSM means. The natural science and mathematics part is so unnecessary. This implies that it's a general natural science and mathematics degree with a concentration, but this isn't true. My biology degree required your normal general education requirements and biology courses. I didn't have to take any advanced math courses or any sciences other than biology.

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Science and Technology is another stupid and unnecessary degree title. Just call it a BS in IT and call it a day.