Need Help with Degree Plans

[Overlord]

Your Location: India
Your Age: 22
What kind of degree do you want?: Bachelor's in Computer Science
Current Regional Accredited Credits: nil

School Name Total Credits: No credits only have a High school certificate with no college credits

Current ACE, CLEP, or NCCRS Credits: Nil

Provider Total Credits: Nil

Any certifications or military experience? No

I've had no educational or work experience post a high school graduation due to health reasons, but have basic coding skills. I've looked at the Purdue Global BS in Cloud Computing- Plan Review  thread by ClockworkHammer and do genuinely want to follow in similar footsteps in either Machine Learning or Cybersecurity or general Computer Science. I want to know what options I have from good colleges to make up time that I've already lost. The cost is secondary, time is of the most importance tied with the reputation of the University. Would really appreciate all your help.
I will sign up for every available courses on Sophia, W3, etc but first need advice on choosing which course to choose and from where.

[carrythenothing]

"Reputation" is difficult to match up with time. Purdue Global is a fine choice as long as you're comfortable with writing. If you're set on computer science, I think others might also recommend TESU. You'll likely also get recommendations for a BLS at UMPI before applying for the online MSCS programs at Georgia Tech and UT Austin.

[Overlord]

"Reputation" is difficult to match up with time. Purdue Global is a fine choice as long as you're comfortable with writing. If you're set on computer science, I think others might also recommend TESU. You'll likely also get recommendations for a BLS at UMPI before applying for the online MSCS programs at Georgia Tech and UT Austin.

What about offerings from University of Advancing Technologies, Arizona State University, University of Washington Seattle or University of Maine Presque Isle?

Also, do I need to complete all the courses before I join the program or can I do the alternative credits along with the Bachelor's program?

[carrythenothing]

"Reputation" is difficult to match up with time. Purdue Global is a fine choice as long as you're comfortable with writing. If you're set on computer science, I think others might also recommend TESU. You'll likely also get recommendations for a BLS at UMPI before applying for the online MSCS programs at Georgia Tech and UT Austin.

What about offerings from University of Advancing Technologies, Arizona State University, University of Washington Seattle or University of Maine Presque Isle?

Also, do I need to complete all the courses before I join the program or can I do the alternative credits along with the Bachelor's program?

I don't know anything about University of Advancing Technology other than that it is accredited.

Arizona State University doesn't accept the alternative credits (ACE or NCCRS) that are recommended on this forum and enable people to accelerate their degrees.

UMPI = University of Maine at Presque Isle. YourPace is their competency-based program, but it doesn't currently have a computer science program.

If you're ever unsure whether or not a school is accredited by a recognized US accrediting agency, you can check either of these databases

• https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home
  
• https://www.chea.org/directories
  

I'd also review the DegreeForum wiki: https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/Degree_Forum_Wiki

[rachel83az]

For most people, Purdue Global is an okay school (if very writing heavy). But I don't know how well they'd work for a student from India. As far as I'm aware, India (and Indian authorities) are generally more wary of a degree that advertises itself as "online". With many schools that offer degrees online, it's possible for employers to kind of "look the other way" and just assume you got your degree in person. Purdue Global, with "global" in the name, is widely broadcasting itself as handing out online degrees. Because of this, they are awarding degrees that may look less valid to some people, even though PUG sounds quite rigorous in terms of how much work is expected for many of their degrees/classes.

UMPI doesn't yet have a YourPace degree in Computer Science, so that's not really an option at this time. They do have the Liberal Studies - Management Information Systems degree, but that's not really either CS or even IT.

For international students who don't want to broadcast "online degree" on their CVs, I would probably suggest either TESU or SNHU. With SNHU, I believe you would need to finish all alternate credits before you started. But I could be mistaken on that account. With TESU, you would be able to, and would even be encouraged to, transfer in classes on a regular basis to check your progress.

If you want a high GPA for whatever reason, SNHU is probably the best option. If you don't want to be beholden to taking classes on a strict timetable, because of possible additional health issues, and you're not overly concerned about having a high GPA, TESU may be a better option.

[Overlord]

For most people, Purdue Global is an okay school (if very writing heavy). But I don't know how well they'd work for a student from India. As far as I'm aware, India (and Indian authorities) are generally more wary of a degree that advertises itself as "online". With many schools that offer degrees online, it's possible for employers to kind of "look the other way" and just assume you got your degree in person. Purdue Global, with "global" in the name, is widely broadcasting itself as handing out online degrees. Because of this, they are awarding degrees that may look less valid to some people, even though PUG sounds quite rigorous in terms of how much work is expected for many of their degrees/classes.

UMPI doesn't yet have a YourPace degree in Computer Science, so that's not really an option at this time. They do have the Liberal Studies - Management Information Systems degree, but that's not really either CS or even IT.

For international students who don't want to broadcast "online degree" on their CVs, I would probably suggest either TESU or SNHU. With SNHU, I believe you would need to finish all alternate credits before you started. But I could be mistaken on that account. With TESU, you would be able to, and would even be encouraged to, transfer in classes on a regular basis to check your progress.

If you want a high GPA for whatever reason, SNHU is probably the best option. If you don't want to be beholden to taking classes on a strict timetable, because of possible additional health issues, and you're not overly concerned about having a high GPA, TESU may be a better option.

The “Online” tag is something I’m resigned to. So I’m looking for the better ones in that category itself. 
In Purdue, I don’t think I can register for the ExcelTrack course because they are expecting 3 years of work experience if I’m not mistaken. So will I be able to fast track the course even if it’s not “ExcelTrack”?

[rachel83az]

"Better" is highly subjective. It's doubtful that you're going to learn anything THAT useful, no matter what the school. That said, I don't think PUG requires a resume in order to access the ExcelTrack. They just expect you to have graduated from HS at least 3 years before enrolling.

[Overlord]

"Better" is highly subjective. It's doubtful that you're going to learn anything THAT useful, no matter what the school. That said, I don't think PUG requires a resume in order to access the ExcelTrack. They just expect you to have graduated from HS at least 3 years before enrolling.

The ExcelTrack webpage states this 
“
Minimum Program Requirements

• 3 years or more working in a setting where you have acquired professional skills relevant to your program of study. (Not required for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.)
  
• Proof that you’ve successfully completed at least 3 courses at an accredited college.”
  Can I not pace the course faster without the ExcelTrack tag?

[rachel83az]

I know what the page says, but you have to read between the lines. They're trying to discourage students from signing up for classes that they're wholly unqualified for, struggling, and then attempting to sue them "for false advertisement" or whatever. The school can always point to that line and say "see, we told you that you needed to be familiar with the material before enrolling".

The 3 courses thing just means you need to have at least 12 credits. It's easy enough these days to get that. This shows PUG that you are able to complete university-level work.

[Overlord]

I know what the page says, but you have to read between the lines. They're trying to discourage students from signing up for classes that they're wholly unqualified for, struggling, and then attempting to sue them "for false advertisement" or whatever. The school can always point to that line and say "see, we told you that you needed to be familiar with the material before enrolling".

The 3 courses thing just means you need to have at least 12 credits. It's easy enough these days to get that. This shows PUG that you are able to complete university-level work.

I understand. I’ve never dealt with this so I didn’t know. Thank you for explaining it. 
Can those 3 courses be online certification courses?