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CS degree help
#1
Your Location: TX
Your Age: late 30s too old.
What kind of degree do you want?: BA or BS Computer Science - online
Current Regional Accredited Credits: Already have BA - Visual communication
total units I have is over 90.
Took a class at Umass lowell on python



Current ACE, CLEP, or NCCRS Credits: None.
Any certifications or military experience?: None
Budget: I'd really like to keep it under the 25k mark
Commitments: A full time job
Dedicated time to study: 20-30h a week
Timeline: 48 months or less
Tuition assistance/reimbursement: Tuition reimbursement is $4k a term up to $12k max total.  Kicks in later this year.

I have a few problems I need to work through.  I like a structured environment which is why I decided to go with school.  I know there are many free options and resources on internet but I prefer the structure so that's the compromise I have to accept.
Just wanted to see if there were any cheap options for CS programs.  My initial search landed with these:
  • FIU - B.A. Art Online
  • OSU - Postbacc Online
  • Weber State - AAS CS Online
  • Colorado State University Online CS
  • Dakota State University BSCS Online
  • Century College
  • Oakton College
I think one thing that has bugged me is just cost of tuition and zybooks.  I'm taking a C++ class that uses zybooks and don't really like it.  I hope that isn't another compromise I have to accept.

The other problem is if I go the BS route is the amount of math needed.  It varies but in general it stops at Calc I and Linear algebra.  For BA side it stops at pre-calc.  I haven't done math in 20 years.  Aleks test I can't stand.  Not sure the quickest way to get to College Algebra because I noticed for most community colleges it's 3 classes (pre-algebra / algebra / intermediate algebra) just to get to College Algebra.
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#2
How about the University of the Cumberlands online:
https://www.ucumberlands.edu/academics/u...quirements

$220/credit and you could do the math (College Algebra and Stats) via Sophia or Study.com
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#3
Welcome to the board, great intro post with the addendum and template, along with other information. At this juncture, I would recommend a Masters level degree in Computer Science or a related field instead of a second Bachelors. I usually recommend a balanced mix/match trifecta of certs, degree, experience. Here are a few options:

1) If you're adamant on getting a Bachelors, you can do the one-done option at WGU, BSCS and MSCS. They're endorsed in TX and a few other states, even though they're not a traditional institution, it'll give you the knowledge and skills required for most, if not all, that is required in this subject matter...

2) If you're alright with skipping the Bachelors, go for an applied Computer Science program that bridges the gap between a non-CS undergrad, and a proper Masters in Computer Science or related field. There are a few listed in the graduate section, I would go for the public or state institutions for this.

3) MOOC options that may not require an undergrad in CS for entry, review the ones on Coursera/EdX and other options. Some may not require an undergraduate degree, but will have some prerequisite classes, make sure you have the minimum requirements and try to exceed them.

4) You may not need a Bachelors or Masters, I would start with the cheapies or freebies first, such as getting the Coursera/EdX professional certificates in subject matter that interest you and is related to Comp Sci. Even though some of these are not worth credit, you'll fill in the learning gaps and gain knowledge in that area. Some have ACE recommendation for credit towards a Bachelors.
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#4
(03-04-2025, 10:19 AM)bjcheung77 Wrote: Welcome to the board, great intro post with the addendum and template, along with other information. At this juncture, I would recommend a Masters level degree in Computer Science or a related field instead of a second Bachelors. I usually recommend a balanced mix/match trifecta of certs, degree, experience. Here are a few options:

1) If you're adamant on getting a Bachelors, you can do the one-done option at WGU, BSCS and MSCS. They're endorsed in TX and a few other states, even though they're not a traditional institution, it'll give you the knowledge and skills required for most, if not all, that is required in this subject matter...

2) If you're alright with skipping the Bachelors, go for an applied Computer Science program that bridges the gap between a non-CS undergrad, and a proper Masters in Computer Science or related field. There are a few listed in the graduate section, I would go for the public or state institutions for this.

3) MOOC options that may not require an undergrad in CS for entry, review the ones on Coursera/EdX and other options. Some may not require an undergraduate degree, but will have some prerequisite classes, make sure you have the minimum requirements and try to exceed them.

4) You may not need a Bachelors or Masters, I would start with the cheapies or freebies first, such as getting the Coursera/EdX professional certificates in subject matter that interest you and is related to Comp Sci. Even though some of these are not worth credit, you'll fill in the learning gaps and gain knowledge in that area. Some have ACE recommendation for credit towards a Bachelors.


1. I've looked into WGU, heavy on Java from what I understand. I will keep it in mind.

2. Do you mean https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/Graduate_Studies?
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#5
No, not the WIKI, the graduate school section of the forum. I'd do a search for applied computer science, you'll come up with this for the entire forum, not the just the graduate school section. Link: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/search....order=desc
Study.com Offer https://bit.ly/3ObjnoU
In Progress: UMPI BAS & MAOL | TESU BA Biology & Computer Science
Graduate Certificate: ASU Global Management & Entrepreneurship

Completed: TESU ASNSM Biology, BSBA (ACBSP Accredited 2017)
Universidad Isabel I: ENEB MBA, Big Data & BI, Digital Marketing & E-Commerce
Certs: 6Sigma/Lean/Scrum, ITIL | Cisco/CompTIA/MTA | Coursera/Edx/Udacity

The Basic Approach | Plans | DegreeForum Community Supported Wiki
~Note~ Read/Review forum posts & Wiki Links to Sample Degree Plans
Degree Planning Advice | New To DegreeForum? How This Area Works

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#6
(03-04-2025, 02:19 AM)jg_nuy Wrote: How about the University of the Cumberlands online:
https://www.ucumberlands.edu/academics/u...quirements

$220/credit and you could do the math (College Algebra and Stats) via Sophia or Study.com

I looked them, will keep them in mind.

I have looked in Sophia and study.com.  I just feel like I should just do the remedial classes at a Junior college, self-paced takes too long.
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