Computer Science BS Online/Oregon State Post-Baccalaureate

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hello, everyone. I'm curious whether anyone has any thoughts/advice about this program:
Computer</a> Science -- Undergraduate Degrees Online -- Online & Distance Degrees -- Oregon State University -- Extended Campus -- Ecampus</p>

<p>They just started the program, so there's not much out there in the way of feedback, unfortunately. Oregon State University seems to be fairly well regarded overall. A couple of things about the program raise red flags with me, but perhaps I'm being overly critical:</p>

<p>1) Every legitimate CS program I've ever seen (including Oregon State's on-campus BS) has at least 2 semesters of calculus and usually statistics and linear algebra. Oregon State's advisor said that they omitted these because they feel someone with a BS or BA has shown sufficient problem-solving skills and doesn't need higher-level math. Also, some of the math is rolled into the CS courses. Maybe this is a good answer; however, my primary concern is getting the best foundation I can in CS, and not just the piece of paper. My first BA is in English, which required only one semester of finite math.</p>

<p>2) The program would cost around $40k to complete. Does this seem high to anyone else or does it seem reasonable? Their marketing material from a few months ago actually said that the degree would cost $15k, but they've since increased the price per credit hour dramatically. I'm guessing they figured out that the program would cost them a lot more than they realized, but the increase also seems rather arbitrary, given the earlier estimate.</p>

<p>Some personal background: As I said, my first undergrad was in English. I decided in my final semester of college that I didn't want to pursue a PhD track, as I had originally planned. Instead, I took office jobs in administrative support (glorified secretarial work), which sometimes allowed me to play around with web sites and graphic design. I realized that I had a passion for technology. When I moved across the country, I landed a tech support job, which led to hardware repair and then server administration. For the past 5 years, I've been a network administrator (for a small Windows network) and I manage, design, and develop several corporate web sites. I'm a good problem-solver and I have some very rudimentary programming experience (.NET/C#), but I'm feeling the lack of a formal education in my field. I've also become so efficient at my job that I now do it from home, while caring for my young daughter. It's a good gig now, but I'd like to make sure I'm marketable when my child is in school and I'm ready to do something more challenging. I'd like to move into software engineering or systems analysis, and from what I've been able to determine, it seems like a CS degree will provide the best foundation.</p>

<p>If you have suggestions for online BS in computer science programs (other than the OSU program), that would be wonderful. Right now, with my work and family schedule, online is the best option for me. Thanks for reading!</p>

2

<p>I agree with you that something smells a bit. I can tell you that my daughter got a BS (not online) from a good program and is in grad school at Wisconsin-Madison and they both require at least calc and multivariable calc. She personally had linear alg and other classes like probability and probability theory. But without the calc I don’t see how it could be up to snuff, ESPECIALLY if they require it for the brick n mortar degree. I’d steer clear since I bet they have kinks to work out.</p>

<p>Reputable online programs are slim to none, so unfortunately I have nothing to suggest.</p>

3

<p>Calculus I & II and Statistics is needed for two reasons:</p>

<p>1) You will need them as prerequisites for Discrete Structures, Algorithm Analysis and Computer Networks. How is THEE HELL will you do queuing theory (in your operating systems or networks course) without some basics of statistics?</p>

<p>2) Mathematical and abstractness practice.</p>

<p>If that program is not going to have AT LEAST Calculus I & II and Stats, it might as well be called Information Systems or Information Technology…not Computer Science.</p>

<p>Wait, it just occurred to me…NO LINEAR ALGEBRA???</p>

<p>Awww, hell no.</p>

4

<p>Thanks, both of you, for the sanity check. The advisors at OSU were giving me the runaround and I thought maybe I was just being paranoid. At first, I was excited to find a program that I wouldn’t need a bunch of prerequisites for. . . but then I really thought about what that meant. Those prereqs are there for a reason. Why go to all the trouble and expense for a degree that gives me the computer science credential but dumbs down the science? I guess I will continue my search. If I find any good alternative programs, I’ll post them. Thanks again!</p>

5

<p>What about taking lower division courses (calculus, linear algebra, discrete math, statistics, introductory CS courses) at a local community college and then completing your second bachelor’s degree in CS at a local university that accepts second bachelor’s degree students?</p>

6

<p>I agree with ucbsalum guy, but I asked my daughter who is on PhD track program, 4th year, and she said:</p>

<p>calculus is more of a requirement for mathematical maturity than for using calculus</p>

<p>linear algebra is helpful</p>

<p>discrete math is helpful and may be taught within the department</p>

<p>I would particularly look for a discrete math and algorithms within the coursework.</p>

7

<p>

</p>

<p>While this is largely true, CS degree programs may require a course in electronics or electric circuits that requires calculus (and basic differential equations).</p>

8

<p>Take a look at major universities around you. Some may have special programs for “non-traditional” students and working professionals. For example, Boston University has the Metropolitan College [About</a> MET | Boston University | Boston University Metropolitan College](<a href=“http://www.bu.edu/met/about-met/]About”>About Metropolitan College | BU MET) Some of the degree programs there feature a blend of online and in-person courses.</p>

9

<p>Thanks for the further information and suggestions! It’s good to know that the math applies to future coursework and is, in fact, necessary.</p>

<p>As for going to a local college, I would love to do that. However, programs in my area (and Seattle has some really top-notch universities) are geared toward more traditional students, and I would likely have to quit my job and find childcare for my daughter to make it work. Currently, I’m not willing to do either of those things. There’s a professional post-grad certificate in software engineering (on campus) that I looked into, but I’m not sure it would provide the foundation I’m seeking.</p>

<p>Here are two other online programs that look legit (they’re online versions of brick-and-mortar programs at state schools) and more traditional than the OSU program, in terms of math coursework:</p>

<p>[Computer</a> Science - Guide to Programs - University of Illinois Springfield - UIS](<a href=“http://www.uis.edu/uiscatalog/2009-2010-UIScatalog/computerScience.html]Computer”>http://www.uis.edu/uiscatalog/2009-2010-UIScatalog/computerScience.html)</p>

<p>[FSU</a> Online - Prospective Online Students - Undergraduate Programs - Computer Science](<a href=“Distance@FSU”>Distance@FSU)</p>

<p>If anyone has feedback about either of these two programs or, better yet, personal experience with one of them, let me know. I know they’re not top-five programs (or even close), but they might provide a good education nonetheless.</p>

10

<p>Three legitimate distance ed programs that may work for you: </p>

<p>Western Governor’s Universty
[Online</a> University | Online Degree Programs, Accredited Bachelor’s and Master’s](<a href=“http://www.wgu.edu/]Online”>http://www.wgu.edu/)</p>

<p>University of Maryland University College
[UMUC</a> - Homepage](<a href=“http://www.umuc.edu%5DUMUC”>http://www.umuc.edu)</p>

<p>Penn State World Campus
[Penn</a> State | Online Degrees, Online Courses, and Online Certificates offered by Penn State](<a href=“http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/]Penn”>http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/)</p>

<p>Some of these also offer live classes (especially near/on military bases) that could possibly fit your schedule.</p>

<p>Wishing you all the best!</p>

11

<p>Neither WGU nor PSU-WC has a CS bachelor’s degree program, and UMD-UC’s CS bachelor’s degree program appears to be very limited in course selection.</p>

<p>UIS has an extensive selection of CS courses in computer security topics, though some common courses like theory of computation and compiler design do not appear in the catalog.</p>

<p>It is still likely a good idea to do the lower division math and CS courses at a local community college.</p>

12

<p>BeanTownGirl, I didn’t see your suggestion before I posted. I will still look around at local colleges to see if I missed a program for non-traditional students. Thank you!</p>

<p>happymomof1 - I appreciate you posting those programs. I wish Western Governor’s had a CS program because they have a Washington State division and it would be CHEAP! Alas. . .</p>

<p>Thanks for the feedback, ucbalumnus. We do have a pretty decent community college near us, so I will look into their lower-division math to see if they can provide the necessary courses. I think for FSU program, I’d need to do the math and basic programming prereqs on my own anyway.</p>

13

<p>Even if UMD’s program is limited in terms of choices, the regular university is extremely strong in CS, so I’d hope they’d have a solid online program.</p>

14

<p>Hello illyrianmoon. I’m in the same boat as you. I’d really like to return to school for CS and OSU seems like a good option. IUS also seemed like a great option too and after an hour discussion with a member of their CS department, I found out they’re not accredited. Some will say this doesn’t mean much, but it’s a deal breaker for me. I also couldn’t find where they are ranked among other CS programs. Apparently not among the top 120 that USN&WR lists on their website [Best</a> Computer Science Programs | Top Computer Science Schools | US News Best Graduate Schools](<a href=“http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-science-schools/computer-science-rankings]Best”>http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-science-schools/computer-science-rankings)</p>

<p>I’m sure some will say rankings don’t mean anything either. Oregon State comes in at 63. Not exactly a top ranking, but at least they rank.</p>

<p>Also, from what I’ve gathered from friends who have their CS degrees, if you want to truly study this field, you’re going to learn the most from self study and doing you’re own projects. Additionally, I believe this program intends to prepare folks for careers in programming than greater computer science challenges. (I fully admit I’m still in the process of learning the distinction). Everyone has told me that I could learn programming languages on my own, but I think guided courses will assist me greatly in actually doing it, plus the degree should help me land a job more than just telling an employer I taught myself.</p>

<p>Should I end up doing this program I think I will supplement it with extra courses (such as linear algebra). I took a lot of calculus and statistics when getting my BS in chem so I don’t know exactly how that will help me or how much you’ll be hindered in seeking the degree with OSU, but no one is stopping you from taking more courses.</p>

<p>Anyway, that’s my 2 cents, any insight from more experienced folks would be appreciated.</p>

15

<p>I can understand one’s reasoning for ABET acceditation in CS programs but it really means nothing in the software world. One reason is that software engineering employs so many folks who were not “solo CS majors” (me being one of them…math major). Another reason is that CS is not in the engineering college of every school. It is a part of math departments at many schools also.</p>

<p>I have always recommended the UIS online CS program. I personally work with graduates of the U-Maryland-Univ-College CS program everyday and all of them seemed to be well versed in the important CS concepts.</p>

16

<p>If you are worried about ABET, there is exactly one <em>online</em> CS program that has ABET accreditation, not mentioned by anybody so far. See [ABET</a> - Online Programs](<a href=“http://www.abet.org/online-programs/]ABET”>http://www.abet.org/online-programs/)</p>

<p>Anyway, ABET accreditation is useful, but optional in CS. To take one example, the top 4 CS programs in the US are MIT, Stanford, CMU, and Berkeley, and only 2 of them have ABET. You are going to have to look in more detail at the program and see whether it at least meets ABET’s minimal requirements, [ABET</a> - Criteria for Accrediting Computing Programs, 2012 - 2013](<a href=“http://www.abet.org/DisplayTemplates/DocsHandbook.aspx?id=1805]ABET”>http://www.abet.org/DisplayTemplates/DocsHandbook.aspx?id=1805), which doesn’t seem to require much math, BTW.</p>

<p>So why don’t more programs become ABET accredited. It’s more paperwork and record-keeping with not much benefit.</p>

17

<p>Did you decide what to do?</p>

<p>Have you tried Harvard extension school. They provide a lot of undergrad CS courses.
Here’s the link
<a href=“http://www.extension.harvard.edu/courses/subject/computer-science[/url]”>http://www.extension.harvard.edu/courses/subject/computer-science&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Let me know what do you think about HES program. Even I’m looking for online courses so that I can pursue for masters program.</p>

18

<p>These programs all look very interesting and tempting. As a 27 year old with 14k in debt left from my BA in German, I would like to use a great school to merely do the specialized courses. My humanities courses are all well covered. I thought the Harvard program might do well, but these courses do not seem to result in a degree, according to their website. Has anyone found out anything about it?</p>

<p>Additionally, is anyone aware of any programs meant for those completing a second degree online?</p>

<p>Many thanks to all your helpful information on the forum.</p>

19

<p>Harvard Extension does award some degrees. Check the website carefully to see if it awards one that would be meaningful for you.</p>

20

<p>fyi the rankings Carroll10000 refers to are for graduate programs. A school which offers only undergraduate degrees will not appear.</p>

<p>Agree that calculus is not necessary for CS/SE, but absolutely should have linear algebra and discrete math.</p>