Advice needed - looking to earn CS credits

[jonsnow]

What I always recommend is a backup plan just in case the GT OMSCS has kinks or for some reason didn't go through... I usually recommend going with the MOOC partnership programs as it's the most comparable to the GT OMSCS because that program also uses a MOOC from an Udacity.com partnership.  So, instead of using Udacity, you can go for an EdX.org partnership with the University of Texas!  It's awesome at a wonderful price of $10K exactly and it's also in the top 10 rankings!

Basically, Udacity only has the one-degree program and it's the GT OMSCS for around a bit over $8K (no longer 7K peeps).  Edx.org has a few and I love their offerings, such as the GT OMS Cybersecurity or Data Analytics at a good price of $10K or the U of Texas MS Comp Sci at $10K as well.  As mentioned, Coursera.org has a partnership with ASU OMCS but it's at $15K, but if you want, a BCS at Univ of London is roughly 10-15K UK Pounds.

I'm pretty sure most of us want the GT OMSCS as it's the one with the most value (cheap/great ROI & reputation).  However, it's not the only degree program available.  If you can settle for whatever else is on your plate of options, do have alternatives handy in case... TLDR, see below for possible programs that might interest you.

Now instead of "looking for community college/university credits" just to get you the basic knowledge of Computer Science, I would recommend another approach, get a second degree with just 30 extra credits (10 courses).  If you're an international student, it'll take $300x30=$9000 at a community college.  For TESU BACS, you can transfer everything in for cheaper by taking all the required 30 credits at Study.com!

Coursera degrees link: https://www.coursera.org/degrees
Edx degrees link: https://www.edx.org/masters
FutureLearn degrees: https://www.futurelearn.com/degrees
Only Udacity degree: https://www.udacity.com/georgia-tech
Upgrad thread: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...utureLearn

Hi bjcheung77,

 
Thanks a lot for your recommendations. Much appreciated.
 
All of the options you mentioned are great. However, U of Texas' MSCS requires GRE test scores which I do not have. And I don't think this requirement can be waived. Plus, the program expects applicants to have prior university coursework in CS which I do not have either. Same goes for ASU OMCS and UIUC OMSC. So these options are unfortunately off the table, at least for the time being.
 
For GT OMSCS - I reached out to the admissions office and 2 to 4 accredited core CS courses with good grades might be enough. I am still kind of leaning towards taking accredited CS classes via a college or university if I can find an affordable school offering online classes.

Another option is enrolling into a  BSCS program (not in the US) and taking as many courses as possible in the first year and drop out. The courses in the first year  may be enough to fulfill the undergraduate CS coursework requirement to get into those online MS programs. But that would be an additional year of studies which is a lot for someone who already has two degrees under his belt. And I am no longer in my 20s.... you know what I mean...