Associates Degree: Which computer related degree is best?

[redfella]

I am looking to go back to college and get an Associates degree in either 'Computer Engineering Technology' or 'Computer Information Technology', but I am not sure which one.

In the community college brochure that I am looking at it has an almost indentical description for both programs. This ambiguity raises these questions:

What is the difference between the two degrees?
What is the difference between the nature of the jobs attained by each degree?
Which requires more coding (if either)?
Which requires more technical skills?
Which requires more soft skills?
Which has a better job market?

Thanks!

 

[JohnCU]

why don't you go get a bachelors degree in EE or CpE? a lot more opportunities.

 

[duragezic]

Well I think there are better associates degrees to get. But anyway, why not post the description the college has for each? Maybe we can decipher. Because without that and a suggested course list, it'd be kind of hard for us to answer those questions.

The CET sounds like a more digital kind of Electrical Engineering Technology. But hell they could possibly call a PC technician type program Computer Engineering Technology. The CIT sounds more like an IT or system admin program.

 

[PhlashFoto]

I have a CSET degree. IT was more hardware, software and networking based. The same school offered a CIS/CIT program bas was more business based. IT was very little hardware, more some programming, and basic business classes.

JohnCU, the EE and CpE are totally different degrees. Way more math (calculus based) which many people are trying to avoid.

 

[SoulAssassin]

I am not a big pusher for certifications but I think you would be better off getting certified in what you want to do. In IT it's less about what you have on paper vs what you can do but I think a cert is slightly more valuable than an associates degree.

 

[JohnCU]

Originally posted by: ELopes580
I have a CSET degree. IT was more hardware, software and networking based. The same school offered a CIS/CIT program bas was more business based. IT was very little hardware, more some programming, and basic business classes.

JohnCU, the EE and CpE are totally different degrees. Way more math (calculus based) which many people are trying to avoid.

EE and CpE aren't totally different. I was in CpE and it didn't diverge from the EE curriculum until junior year (but i switched to EE). It's a little more programming. I took 7 math classes as an EE.

 

[PhlashFoto]

John, I mean the EE and CpE are different degrees to the CET and CIT.

 

[JohnCU]

Originally posted by: ELopes580
John, I mean the EE and CpE are different degrees to the CET and CIT.

oh true. but if he wants a real great job with stability he should get a EE or CpE.

 

[clamum]

computertraining.com

 

[Gibson486]

Originally posted by: JohnCU

Originally posted by: ELopes580
John, I mean the EE and CpE are different degrees to the CET and CIT.

oh true. but if he wants a real great job with stability he should get a EE or CpE.

no he doesn't. Don't be a tool. He could always become an electrician, which does not even need a degree.

Also, jobs with degrees are not anymore stable than jobs without degrees. Certain markets are more stable, but you cannot say a job i smore stable just because it requires a degree (just look at the electronics market).

 

[PhlashFoto]

John, but it isn't for everyone. I did two years of it and left after calc 3. Now I'm about to be done with my undergrad in Management and Technology. Though I might one day go finish my EE later on.

Plus since he mentioned CSET and CIS specifically; I wanted to advise him on the difference since I have a degree in CSET (our school called it Computer Systems Engineering Technology) and I am familar with the CIS program the school had at the time. Plus since he seems to rather be in the IT related field, engineering have little to do with the actually technology and its all about the math and theory of design. Although if he got into CS the programming would help of course, but its not as if they teach about computer hardware to begin with.

EDIT: Not only did I leave cause yes it was kind of hard. But mostly I figured, Do I wanna do calculations forever? Not really. It was fun to learn calc and what not, but not something I want to do forever. Plus I find I'll have just as much success if not more so than EE in my current acedemic path.

 

[JohnCU]

Originally posted by: ELopes580
John, but it isn't for everyone. I did two years of it and left after calc 3. Now I'm about to be done with my undergrad in Management and Technology. Though I might one day go finish my EE later on.

Plus since he mentioned CSET and CIS specifically; I wanted to advise him on the difference since I have a degree in CSET (our school called it Computer Systems Engineering Technology) and I am familar with the CIS program the school had at the time. Plus since he seems to rather be in the IT related field, engineering have little to do with the actually technology and its all about the math and theory of design. Although if he got into CS the programming would help of course, but its not as if they teach about computer hardware to begin with.

EDIT: Not only did I leave cause yes it was kind of hard. But mostly I figured, Do I wanna do calculations forever? Not really. It was fun to learn calc and what not, but not something I want to do forever. Plus I find I'll have just as much success if not more so than EE in my current acedemic path.

yes, true. i just wanted to offer him the brightest path possible.

 

[Injury]

Don't bother with the descriptions of the programs, look at the CURRICULUM. They might be close enough that with only a few extra classes you can get both degrees.

We really can't tell you diddly about future opportunities and such without knowing what they'll be teaching you.

I also second the notion that you should go for the 4 year degree with IT. At a minimum, talk to an adviser and set yourself up for one of the programs where you can easily transfer in to a 4 year college and only do 2 years after you get your degree. The prospects now may completely change in 2 years and you might find that you needed that 4 year degree.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: JohnCU
why don't you go get a bachelors degree in EE or CpE? a lot more opportunities.

Indeed, but don't they lead you to brag about how awesome college is and all the drinking you do, only to lead to self-proclaimed alcoholism?

 

[JohnCU]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak

Originally posted by: JohnCU
why don't you go get a bachelors degree in EE or CpE? a lot more opportunities.

Indeed, but don't they lead you to brag about how awesome college is and all the drinking you do, only to lead to self-proclaimed alcoholism?

oh well, atleast i make a lot of money.

oh and fuck you, i was offering my opinion/advice.