Degree Plan from scratch

[TrailRunr]

Look at the speedy and cheap options like SL, ALEKS, TEEX, DSST, and CLEP first. That's the low hanging fruit when you are starting from scratch. Meanwhile, research the degree requirements at several schools including TESU, COSC, and WGU. Try to take courses and exams that fit requirements at two or all three schools.

You will finish fast because of the alternative credits, not because of classes you take at a university.

Keep in mind that 0-90th credit is much cheaper, faster, and easier than the 91st-120th credit.

Here is the link for WGU degree requirements and transfer credits. Once you matriculate at WGU, you cannot bring anymore credits in.

[jsd]

Has anyone also looked into the programs at NAU and WGU, in view of finishing a degree in a fast and cheap way? 1 year at NAU should be around 5500$...

I looked into the program at WGU, but the IT degree seems restricted to people who are working in IT fields only for the last 3-4 years. So that leaves only a Business Degree from NAU...please correct me if I'm wrong.

Can someone throw some light on whether NAU Business degree/Any other degree from WGU would be a more sensible idea financially..(for someone starting a degree from scratch).? Any other pro's or con's compared to a BSBA at TESU?

Thanks in advance!

Ajs1976, thanks for the reply...!

For IT in particular, the degree includes as part of the petition price about 7 (depending on concentration) respected industry certifications as part of tuition, and costs $5780 a year. Comparable to NAU, but more well known and the certs alone give you an advantage after you graduate (or even if you don't graduate but still collect some of those certs along the way)

[busdriver32]

For IT in particular, the degree includes as part of the petition price about 7 (depending on concentration) respected industry certifications as part of tuition, and costs $5780 a year. Comparable to NAU, but more well known and the certs alone give you an advantage after you graduate (or even if you don't graduate but still collect some of those certs along the way)

Jsd, that's great info. But it seems that they need prior IT background/IT work experience to enroll in the program? Can you confirm if this is correct?

[jsd]

Generally yes. If one simply lacks work/school experience but has a solid foundational understanding (or are willing to study independently for a bit to get that understanding), getting an A+ cerification will work for entry to the degree program.

[busdriver32]

Generally yes. If one simply lacks work/school experience but has a solid foundational understanding (or are willing to study independently for a bit to get that understanding), getting an A+ cerification will work for entry to the degree program.

Jsd, I'm willing to consider studying independently, but what do you mean by A+ certification? Can you give some examples and the approximate estimated costs for them? Pardon my ignorance, but I'm kind of a beginner, but interested in building good skills in an alternative field (from flying), and I love computers and coding!

[jsd]

CompTIA's A+ is an entry level IT industry certification. It's very well known in the field and is considered pretty basic, the starter cert.

It consists of two 90 questions exams...

Wikipedia:

The first exam is CompTIA A+ 220-901, which covers PC hardware and peripherals, mobile device hardware, networking, and troubleshooting hardware and network connectivity issues. Also, a candidate must pass CompTIA A+ exam 220-902, which covers installing and configuring operating systems including Windows, iOS, Android, Apple OS X and Linux. It also addresses security, cloud computing fundamentals and operational procedures

It covers a lot of info, so if you're starating from nothing it's going to take a lot of effort. If you have an .edu email address you can get each exam for about $90 each, normal price is about $190 (though there are lots of discounts from various vendors and bundled training packages)

[jsd]

It's not something I'd recommend on a whim. But if it's something you're really passionate about learning, the option's there.

[busdriver32]

It's not something I'd recommend on a whim. But if it's something you're really passionate about learning, the option's there.

Thanks for the info JSD.

You're absolutely right about that...don't think I'll be able to do it on a whim. But I am passionate about coding...and would love to learn. I've already started CS50 from Harvard to learn about Coding. If there's anything related that., I'd be interested seriously.