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+--- Thread: BA Computer Science VS BSAST Info. Tech.?? (/Thread-BA-Computer-Science-VS-BSAST-Info-Tech)
BA Computer Science VS BSAST Info. Tech.?? - jam123 - 01-02-2012
So what is the difference between the BA in Computer Science and the BSAST in Information Technology at TESC?
Major differences?
Career differences?
Is one easier than the other?
Is one better if I plan to go on to a Master of Science in Computer Science?
Is one better if I plan to teach at an online school?
I have College Algebra, Calculus I and Physics I credits from B&M school about 25 years ago. So for the BSAST I would need Physics II and for the BA I would need Calculus II and Discrete Math.
Thanks
BA Computer Science VS BSAST Info. Tech.?? - nleamons - 01-02-2012
One difference between a BA in Computer Science (CS) and a BSAST in Information Technology (Info. Tech.) is the CS degree requires several programming classes that are not needed to fulfill the Info. Tech. degree. Another difference is the type of math classes required. For example, CS requires Calculus I, Calculus II, and Discrete math; but Info. Tech only requires Physics I, & Physics II. In my opinion, if you want to be a programmer, then CS is the degree you should pursue, but if you are interested in IT maintenance, then the fastest way in most cases is to pursue the Info. Tech. degree. For you it may be easier to finish the Info. Tech degree, but that depends on previous classes taken. I am almost completed with my Info. Tech degree and it was the easiest and fastest route for me. However, if I pursue a Masters in Computer Science, I will have to take Calculus I, Calculus II, and Discrete math. I would think that the differnces in teaching would be similar to the career differences.
BA Computer Science VS BSAST Info. Tech.?? - jam123 - 01-02-2012
I guess I should have given more background on myself. I have been a programmer for 15 years (C# for last 8 years). So I already have a very good programming career, just not a regionally accredited degree. I was more concerned about a Bachelors of "ARTS" versus a Bachelors of "SCIENCE" degree. The BS sounds more respectful and important.
The BA requires Calculus I, II and Discrete Math but no Physics at all. The BS requires Calculus I and Physics I/II but no Discrete Math or Calculus II. They both require programming. The BA has all IT requirements as electives whereas the BS has specific IT required courses. The BA does look like it has some advanced computer courses in the elective pool.
So will most Masters of Science in Computer Science degrees require me to take the Calculus II and Discrete Math? My end goal is really to teach computer science so a Masters is a must do for me.
BA Computer Science VS BSAST Info. Tech.?? - nleamons - 01-02-2012
I think, in most cases, Calculus I & II and discrete math are required for a Masters in CS. I have looked at Masters degrees since I intend to complete one in about two or three years.
BA Computer Science VS BSAST Info. Tech.?? - jam123 - 01-02-2012
nleamons Wrote:I think, in most cases, Calculus I & II and discrete math are required for a Masters in CS. I have looked at Masters degrees since I intend to complete one in about two or three years.
It seems you are correct. I have been looking at a lot of Masters in Computer Science programs and they all require Calculus I and II as well as Discrete Math and/or Linear Algebra. Masters in other IT areas such as Networks, Security, etc. don't seem to require it, but a MS in Computer Science does. I need to do some re-thinking. I don't think it will add much time, if any, to my plan.
Thanks nleamons!