pursuing my second bachelors in computer science from TESC, any advice/opinions?

[wheresmyelephant]

I already have 190 credits from traditional colleges. I have a bachelors in Audio Engineering from Berklee College of Music and while it was worth it because I use what I learned everyday, it's not great for making money. After a few years of thinking about post-grad education I figured computer science was the best route. I can use it in conjunction with my audio degree and if that doesn't work out I can get a good job instead of the job I have now (looks good on resume but it's unfulfilling)

Anyway, I have my academic evaluation and need to take the following classes. I'm probably going to start in September and this is what I think I will do. I work 40-55 hours but work closer to 40 from September to February so that's why I have more courses for those times.

Now: Take the CLEP to test out of intro to computers and start working on my Calculus I CLEP

September: C programming, assembly language 6 credits: also finish up calculus I CLEP
December: C++ programming, data structures, linear algebra 9 credits
March:Calculus II, computer architecture 7 credits
June: operating systems, software engineering 6 credits
September: Artificial Intelligence, Capstone 6 credits

so under the comprehensive tuition plan I could cover all 34 credits for only $5700. 18 of my major classes at 300/400 levels also so that requirement is filled.

So I will finish my degree around next November. i spoke to an advisor and they said the comprehensive tuition plan will go from september to september (even if i don't finish the classes by september) so that's why I have 5 semesters. At least, I hope that's right, I might have to get it in writing. Does anyone know for sure?

My end-game is going to a big name school to get my CS masters. I live right outside NYC so I was thinking NYU or Columbia. I do have a traditional bachelors already so it's not like I was CLEPing my way through which I'm sure some schools look down upon. Anyone have opinions on this?

Also any advice in general? Does my plan seem reasonable?

[dposborne]

Do you have any programming experience and are you good at math? The reason I ask is because it seems as though you are doubling up on your programming classes. Not to discourage you, but programming to most is not easy, especially when taking the class in an online format. You basically have to teach yourself these programming languages. You also are going to have to teach yourself Calc I, II and Linear Algebra. I took CALC I, II and Linear Algebra along with C Programming recently with TESC and this was by far not an easy task. I like to consider myself very good at math and it is one of my favorite subjects, I also enjoy messing around with computers as a hobby and even with these in mind it was like a hammer dropped on my head when I took these classes. It was tough, I studied a few hours a day and I must have did over 1000 Calc problems and the programming class jumped exponentially in difficulty with each assignment... All this with 4 kids, a wife and a dog running through the house along with a fulltime 60+ hour a week job... Again I am not trying to discourage you, but I am going to warn you that you will most likely feel some pain with that accelerated plan you posted.

[cookderosa]

If you know your end game, then start there and work backwards. It's much more likely your plan will be successful. I don't know about the Columbia program, but I know for a fact you can get into the IT master's program at Harvard. Their continuing education college offers an entire degree, and I believe much or all is available via distance learning (that used to be the only program in which they waived the distance learning cap of 6 classes, but you should check for yourself.) Their admission policy is simple, complete and pass 3 courses in the program; if you do- you're in. It's also about $25,000 for the whole master's. Last time I looked at Columbia it was several times that.

Any plan, in order for it to work, means doing your homework ahead of time. So, please don't complete an entire degree via testing only to find out that the school you're looking to get into won't accept the degree. That's as bad as getting an entire degree in a field that doesn't pay a living wage.

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[wheresmyelephant]

Do you have any programming experience and are you good at math? The reason I ask is because it seems as though you are doubling up on your programming classes. Not to discourage you, but programming to most is not easy, especially when taking the class in an online format. You basically have to teach yourself these programming languages. You also are going to have to teach yourself Calc I, II and Linear Algebra. I took CALC I, II and Linear Algebra along with C Programming recently with TESC and this was by far not an easy task. I like to consider myself very good at math and it is one of my favorite subjects, I also enjoy messing around with computers as a hobby and even with these in mind it was like a hammer dropped on my head when I took these classes. It was tough, I studied a few hours a day and I must have did over 1000 Calc problems and the programming class jumped exponentially in difficulty with each assignment... All this with 4 kids, a wife and a dog running through the house along with a fulltime 60+ hour a week job... Again I am not trying to discourage you, but I am going to warn you that you will most likely feel some pain with that accelerated plan you posted.

I'm good at math and don't have much programming experience but I've been using HTML on/off for the last 15 years. Also have been teaching myself C and Java the last couple of months but I'm by no means an expert.

I did take the LSAT last year with only self-study, went from a 149 to a 173 so I'm relatively confident I can teach myself and the formal logic understanding has helped me in every other aspect of my life including programming.

I don't understand what you mean by doubling up on programming languages? I'm doing C in September and then C++ the next semester, no overlap. I'm only taking 2 other classes with them

I thought my program was pretty good, is taking 6-9 credits a semester really that much work? The 2 hardest semesters are still under 10 credits and my work schedule is only 40 hours. No wife or kids.

[dposborne]

I don't understand what you mean by doubling up on programming languages? I'm doing C in September and then C++ the next semester, no overlap. I'm only taking 2 other classes with them

I thought my program was pretty good, is taking 6-9 credits a semester really that much work? The 2 hardest semesters are still under 10 credits and my work schedule is only 40 hours. No wife or kids.

You actually have a good schedule set up, but it seems like you are trying to do too much at one time. By doubling up I mean you are taking a couple programming languages at the same time. in one of the semesters you are taking a programming language and a higher level math class. Can you handle teaching yourself a programming language and Linear Algebra at the same time? From what you are describing about yourself you most likely could, but unless you have a photographic memory, or are a genius of some sorts you are not going to enjoy attempting this schedule. At least that is my humble opinion...

I say give it a try and see what happens, then ease off the schedule if it's too much. You can do anything with enough drive and determination.

[wheresmyelephant]

You actually have a good schedule set up, but it seems like you are trying to do too much at one time. By doubling up I mean you are taking a couple programming languages at the same time. in one of the semesters you are taking a programming language and a higher level math class. Can you handle teaching yourself a programming language and Linear Algebra at the same time? From what you are describing about yourself you most likely could, but unless you have a photographic memory, or are a genius of some sorts you are not going to enjoy attempting this schedule. At least that is my humble opinion...

I say give it a try and see what happens, then ease off the schedule if it's too much. You can do anything with enough drive and determination.

okay, thanks for the advice. not afraid of hard work and i feel like i have pretty good time management skills. worked 50 hours while taking 10 credits at my first b&m university and i just quit my second job so i'm going from 60 hours to a more management 40-45 hours.

i'm going to give my schedule a try and see how it goes from there. i feel like 6 credits and studying for Calculus I CLEP gives me flexibility because I don't NEED to finish the CLEP but can if my time skills are good.

[jam123]

I completed the TESC BA in Computer Science about 18 months ago and I will be completing my Masters in Computer Science this fall. I have a couple of comments for you.

Taking C and Assembly programming at the same time might not be the best idea especially if you have no (or little) programming experience. TESC says "It is advisable to have computer programming experience" before taking assembly. I would agree. Think about switching your Assembly class with Computer Architecture. It's better to understand the computer components before taking Assembly.

Since you said you were planning to continue with a masters degree I suggest you look at those programs now. They have prerequisites. Just beause you may have a BA in CS doesn't mean you are still lacking a course or two. Some masters want Linear Algebra, some want Discrete Math and Some will take either. Check now.

Straighterline offers Calculus I and II so that might be an option for you. I had Calc I at a B&M but did Calc II at Straighterline.

Good luck!

[dposborne]

If it isn't too late, you may want to check out the BS in CS at Grantham University. I don't see CALC II or Linear Algebra as a requirement which will definitely lighten your load... The institution is DETC accredited but no regional accreditation; which in your case, probably doesn't matter.

[sanantone]

The OP wants to get a master's from a big name school, so a DETC degree is not a good idea.

[instant000]

Sounding like a broken record:

Since you already have your eyes on certain graduate schools, make sure to check their program requirements. Some Master level CS programs demand quite a few prerequisite courses: Computer Architecture, Algorithms, Discrete Math, Linear Algebra, etc. Also, some require GRE, so make sure to schedule some time to prepare for that one.

Since you're going to pursue such a course load, I would recommend reading ahead, and reviewing the topics before the classes start. (That is, don't wait until the day before classes begin to crack open a book.)