Ask Hacker News: Online BS in Comp Sci?

Hey folks. I have a BA in a non-computer related field... and almost ten years experience messing with computers-- mostly coding database apps, doing tech support, and some sysadmin type duties. About 5 different hats at any given job.

I notice that most of the more interesting type jobs use the BS in CompSci to weed out people like me and I'm kinda sick of it.

I don't want to quit work to go back to school... flexible online type courses would be great... but... are there any that are any good? My impression is that these online diplomas are a joke.

I hardly know where to start in looking at this stuff. I'd like to have my coursework improve my GPA... and then later have the option to keep working towards a Master's if possible.

At least a quarter of the programmers that I work with have a degree in something non-computer related.

A BS from a well-respected CS program indicates a certain level of knowledge and understanding that helps potential employers sift through resumes more easily. It's not perfect, but it is to be expected. As long as we are faced with going through HR departments, that slip of paper has big value.

I would try to go to a legitimately quality school even if it is not a top-tier one like Stanford or MIT. A decent school will definitely kick start your learning, but you still have to face the fact that some of your most important learning will be done solo (imo).

I'm definitely with jeremy on the fact that a real university which offers distance learning is far superior than most "e-campus". I seem to remember the University of Florida having a fairly good online program, but they, like many other distance learning variants, do require that you actually come to school once in a while for finals and such.

You might be better off learning to network and growing a fat rolodex. Lack of degree is today's excuse, tomorrow's will be another (age, recent graduation, lack of experience, etc.)

I completely agree as well - after asking here on HN about online degree programs, I ended up selecting Troy University. It's a real, respected university, with local offices in my city (Augusta, GA) if I choose to take a course or two that aren't offered online (physics, for instance).

They use Blackboard, which I loathe, but you're not going to get any other choice when it comes to distance learning.

Instructors are smart and fair and classes are reasonably sized so that you actually remember students names and personalities. The program is pretty well-rounded and they offer a multitude of electives to really focus in on a specific area of Computer Science (programming, in my case) while still earning enough credits to declare a minor (I've yet to decide on Math or Political Science).

On the business side of things (books, tuition assistance, advising, etc) it feels like a real university and not an online business (like University of Phoenix and American Military University, my two previous attempts, did).

Highly recommended - just wish they offered a Master's in CompSci (although I hear, it is beneficial to attend a different school for graduate courses). Guess it shows your ability to adapt, adventurousness and interest in experiencing differing cultures.