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Ask HN: Fully online CS degrees?

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Re: Ask HN: Fully online CS degrees?

#61

Post by unethical_ban »

bhaumik wrote: post #46
shawndrost wrote: post #36

If your goal is "become a software engineer", I would recommend you consider other online options. Your rough ROI equation should be "cost = (tuition + time-to-job * delta-in-salary) + cost-of-failure * odds-of-failure" and "odds-of-failure" is the product of graduation rate * job placement rate. Online CS programs tend to have higher time-to-job and unpublished job placement stats. They may still be good options, bu…

re: Thinkful, we have a rigorous, full-time program that matches your definition of "online classroom" as well as a flexible program for those who can only commit part-time. Both offer 1-on-1 mentorship, with stats available on CIRR.org. OP - you're welcome to ping me (bhaumik@thinkful[dot]com) w/ any specific questions. I run the full-time product.

It looks like an interesting setup, but the requirement to provide email in order to view the syllabus is offputting.

Re: Ask HN: Fully online CS degrees?

#62

Post by dgbarnes »

figurehe4d wrote: post #28
intermittently wrote: post #15

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Genuine question regarding a masters programs instead of a BS: I've already got an undergrad degree, but it's not related to the computer science field at all. I have taken a few CS classes and know the very basics of coding (loops, conditionals, using functions, etc). Despite that, I'm assuming I should go for the BS instead of the masters since there's still quite a bit of CS knowledge I'm lacking (most algorithms,…

I'm in the same boat as you, what I'm currently planning on doing is getting the 'cs undergrad' experience by taking a bunch of the lower division classes at my local community college, then doing the upper ones through the university's program of extended studies (the one I'm trying for) then just going straight for the masters. There are some risks, ergo, if I don't reach the master's then I won't have much to show…

I replied generally above, but this is pretty much what I'm doing too. In addition, I think you can usually use extended university coursework to meet prerequisites in a degree program at a different school, if not count some of the credit toward the degree. So that helps mitigate the risk somewhat. Of course it won't line up as nicely as if you just do everything through the same school, but it doesn't have to be entirely for naught either.

Re: Ask HN: Fully online CS degrees?

#63

Post by jimnotgym »

neverminder wrote: post #12

Surprised nobody has mentioned Open University which just happens to be one of the largest in the world - http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/qualifications/q62

I studied for a few years with the Open University, first in maths and then a specialism which allowed me to change careers. It was fabulous, the course materials were great, the tutors helpful and available. My Wife used it to gain entry to full-time study and gained her degree. I followed on with professional study in my field with an expensive professional study provider and the materials sucked, the support was terrible and I stalled. My wife found full-time study at a real uni never came close in terms of materials. When I started OU people in the UK on modest incomes got it for free, since 'The Cuts' this is not true and it is a shame, as it changed my life.

Re: Ask HN: Fully online CS degrees?

#64

Post by realitygrill »

playing_colours wrote: post #44
neverminder wrote: post #12

Surprised nobody has mentioned Open University which just happens to be one of the largest in the world - http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/qualifications/q62

I am getting a BSc in Mathematics there and enjoying is a lot. The first year was easy, but to the third year it has become really serious.Tons of support with forums, tutors, videos, great learning materials.

I'd be interested in hearing more about your experience, as someone who likes math amateurly. How expensive is it and what's the process been like for you?

Re: Ask HN: Fully online CS degrees?

#65

Post by xapata »

dsp1234 wrote: post #39
xapata wrote: post #29

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If you already have a BS in another field, you might be better off taking Georgia Tech's MS CompSci ( https://www.omscs.gatech.edu/ ).

"Preferred qualifications for admitted OMS CS students are an undergraduate degree in computer science or related field (typically mathematics, computer engineering or electrical engineering) from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants who do not meet these criteria will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis; however, work experience will not take the place of an undergraduate deg…

preferred != required

Re: Ask HN: Fully online CS degrees?

#66

Post by dunkmaster »

shawndrost wrote: post #36

If your goal is "become a software engineer", I would recommend you consider other online options. Your rough ROI equation should be "cost = (tuition + time-to-job * delta-in-salary) + cost-of-failure * odds-of-failure" and "odds-of-failure" is the product of graduation rate * job placement rate. Online CS programs tend to have higher time-to-job and unpublished job placement stats. They may still be good options, bu…

This doesn't work for non-US citizens wanting to work in the US

Re: Ask HN: Fully online CS degrees?

#67

Post by shawndrost »

bhaumik wrote: post #46
shawndrost wrote: post #36

If your goal is "become a software engineer", I would recommend you consider other online options. Your rough ROI equation should be "cost = (tuition + time-to-job * delta-in-salary) + cost-of-failure * odds-of-failure" and "odds-of-failure" is the product of graduation rate * job placement rate. Online CS programs tend to have higher time-to-job and unpublished job placement stats. They may still be good options, bu…

re: Thinkful, we have a rigorous, full-time program that matches your definition of "online classroom" as well as a flexible program for those who can only commit part-time. Both offer 1-on-1 mentorship, with stats available on CIRR.org. OP - you're welcome to ping me (bhaumik@thinkful[dot]com) w/ any specific questions. I run the full-time product.

Thank you for the update! I would like to edit my original comment to state that both are available, but comments are only editable for a short time. Here's an upvote!

Re: Ask HN: Fully online CS degrees?

#68

Post by HarfTarf »

razakel wrote: post #21
intermittently wrote: post #15

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Genuine question regarding a masters programs instead of a BS: I've already got an undergrad degree, but it's not related to the computer science field at all. I have taken a few CS classes and know the very basics of coding (loops, conditionals, using functions, etc). Despite that, I'm assuming I should go for the BS instead of the masters since there's still quite a bit of CS knowledge I'm lacking (most algorithms,…

In the UK, there are usually two streams of masters programs - those aimed at people with the necessary background, and conversion courses aimed at people who don't. Assuming you're in the US, though, you probably had to study all sorts of irrelevant junk for your BS.

As an American that has gone through the process, I can confirm that there is a lot of irrelevant junk crammed down our throats and poured into our ears.

Re: Ask HN: Fully online CS degrees?

#69

Post by Fordrus »

Danihan wrote: post #7
Can_Not wrote: post #6

If you're ok with BS in Information Technology instead of CS, WGU has a good 100% online program. If not, their masters degree programs may be a good follow up (one of them is in security and may include one or more relevant certifications).

They also have Software Dev. https://www.wgu.edu/online-it-degrees/software-development-b... And I believe CS coming "soon."

I'm finishing up at WGU in Software Dev but sure wouldn't mind switching to CS proper - I keep hearing this and "soon," but can't pinpoint the source of the rumors whatsoever - do you know where you heard / got the impression that CS was coming to WGU?

Re: Ask HN: Fully online CS degrees?

#70

Post by senatorobama »

playing_colours wrote: post #44
neverminder wrote: post #12

Surprised nobody has mentioned Open University which just happens to be one of the largest in the world - http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/qualifications/q62

I am getting a BSc in Mathematics there and enjoying is a lot. The first year was easy, but to the third year it has become really serious.Tons of support with forums, tutors, videos, great learning materials.

How much ?
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