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Second Bachelors from National University, Devry, or other?

C

corinthos

Golden Member
Hi, I have a BA in a major completely unrelated to my current work. My employer provides tuition reimbursement and is encouraging me to pursue a work-related degree (CS or engineering) in order to advance. Since I likely don't have the background to go straight into an MS degree program, I may have to pursue a second bachelor's for starters.

I'd prefer to attend physical classes at a nationally accredited state university where my credits will be recognized and transferable to any school should I later want to pursue a MS degree, but I currently work well over 40 hrs/wk and find that there may not always be off-hours/weekend course offerings for needed classes at a state university. Also, state university admissions windows are usually every semester or once per academic year, and I'd like to enroll into a program as soon as possible.

Enter National University, Devry and the like, which offer more flexibility with 100% online class offerings, and quarterly or monthly admissions windows. The flexibility that these schools offer make it easier to schedule a degree program around work, but I have some concern about the value/recognition/transferablility of the credits to other schools nationally should I choose to later pursue an MS degree.

Does anyone know:

1. how solid the CS programs are at National University or Devry?
2. if credits from either of these schools are recognized and transferrable to state
universities or private universities nationally?
3. any better options to consider than these 2 schools given my scheduling needs and
future plans?

Thanks in advance!
 
Do not waste your time with any "NATIONALLY" accredited university. In order to properly get credits that will transfer and be utilized in the future you need to attend a "REGIONALLY" accredited school/university. Before you spend the time research the program you're interested in and make sure its the right choice for you, if the classes will be required to take do not sound interesting to you do not waste your time and effort.

Also research the exact tuition costs for you and how much is covered under your employer and how their program works, online classes are often more expensive then traditional class-room setting classes, even if its the same exact class. Make sure the full amount is covered or at least that you're aware of the difference you will be required to pay prior to committing.
 
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I like the above one at least they're up front about the cost. I'd love to get some certificates unfortunately they're not offered.
 
I wouldn't just dismiss going straight to the MS. It is quite common for people to start a masters degree with no background in that field. You'll likely be assigned two or so extra undergraduate classes that will add a semester on to your timeline. You'll likely have the rest of the prerequisites waived (especially since you work in that field already). But, you'll likely still graduate about the same time with an MS as you would a second BS, with a far more valuable degree.

It can't harm to ask. Determine what school you want your MS in and call professors in your field at that school.
 
I know a ton of CS grads from DeVry.
DeVry really depends on the campus, as some are better than others.

Some employers view DeVry as a tech school and think they only offer associate degrees.
Or they view them as inferior. If you can find a program at a standard state school that can work with your schedule, I would go for that.

Still, all of the CS guys I went to DeVry with have never had a problem with getting or keeping a good job. All have been fully employed and in high demand since the day we graduated.
 
I'm not sure Devry is even accredited. I would stay away from someplace with credits that do not transfer.
 
don't even trust regional accreditation anymore. look at the whole package; selectivity, cost, graduation rates, the qualifications of the professors, etc. The first is my new gauge; if a school has no entrance requirements and too helpful to get you loans, run the hell away.
 
Stick with the local state university. You may even want to check out the local community college. Many of those now offer 4 year degrees, and are much more likely to transfer than those from DeVry and the like.
 
For online only, DeVry would be a poor choice. In my experience, many of the off-hours and weekend classes were populated with working professionals so that made it interesting.

edro said:
I know a ton of CS grads from DeVry.
DeVry really depends on the campus, as some are better than others.

Some employers view DeVry as a tech school and think they only offer associate degrees.
Or they view them as inferior. If you can find a program at a standard state school that can work with your schedule, I would go for that.

Still, all of the CS guys I went to DeVry with have never had a problem with getting or keeping a good job. All have been fully employed and in high demand since the day we graduated.
Click to expand...

Agreed on the campus.

Jumpem said:
I'm not sure Devry is even accredited. I would stay away from someplace with credits that do not transfer.
Click to expand...

It's regionally accredited.
 
Most large state schools have a ton of their courses online. You may not be able to get everything for the undergrad but likely much of it.
 
boomhower said:
Most large state schools have a ton of their courses online. You may not be able to get everything for the undergrad but likely much of it.
Click to expand...
I looked into on-line courses in the past, and it seems as if they are mostly for pre study or supplemental guides for brick and mortar institutions.

IMHO, it doesn't hurt to look over the free courses so that you know what you are getting into.
 
iGas said:
I looked into on-line courses in the past, and it seems as if they are mostly for pre study or supplemental guides for brick and mortar institutions.

IMHO, it doesn't hurt to look over the free courses so that you know what you are getting into.
Click to expand...

Might want to look again. I took a ton of my courses online when I got my degree and that was from a midsize state school ten years ago. I know my state school has many masters programs 100% online.
 
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