<p>Okay, so I read the thread Non-Abet: Is that okay? I still have a few questions that I hope someone can help me with. I am looking into pursuing an online degree. I have spoken with and done some research on programs offered at University of Phoenix Online and DeVry University Online. I want to get a degree in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or Computer Science.</p>
<p>Is it necessary for me to have an ABET accredited degree? I have also found many claims online that DeVry and University of Phoenix are scams and that their degrees are worthless. Does anyone know if this has merit?</p>
<p>Although I cannot really speak to the quality of the schools (although I have heard nothing good), I do not see a problem with a non-ABET degree in these fields. For a couple of reasons, Computer Science does not yet have an expectation of ABET accreditation.</p>
<p>If you’re looking for an online school, you can get an ABET accredited Computer Science degree at Florida State University: [FSU</a> Online - Prospective Online Students - Graduate Programs - Computer Science](<a href=“http://learningforlife.fsu.edu/online/prospective/undergradprograms/CIS.cfm]FSU”>http://learningforlife.fsu.edu/online/prospective/undergradprograms/CIS.cfm)</p>
<p>One thing to note is that, while nice, ABET does not hold too much weight in Computer Science or Software Engineering. </p>
<p>There are so many options for Computer Science online that are better than the schools you mentioned, you should really look into those rather than DeVry & UOP.</p>
<p>Also, to answer your question, DeVry and UOP aren’t scams (they are actually regionally accredited), but nobody respects degrees from those institutions. You will have a difficult time finding employment or getting accepted into a Masters program with a degree from UOP or DeVry.</p>
<p>Here are some to get you started:</p>
<p>[FSU</a> Online - Prospective Online Students - Graduate Programs - Computer Science](<a href=“http://learningforlife.fsu.edu/online/prospective/undergradprograms/CIS.cfm]FSU”>http://learningforlife.fsu.edu/online/prospective/undergradprograms/CIS.cfm)</p>
<p>[The</a> general education requirement at UIS consists of 39 semester hours, distributed as shown below](<a href=“http://csc.uis.edu/academics/onlinetransferinfo.htm]The”>http://csc.uis.edu/academics/onlinetransferinfo.htm)</p>
<p>[BS</a> in Computer Science Degree - Regis University CPS](<a href=“http://cps.regis.edu/degrees-bachelors-computer-science.php]BS”>http://cps.regis.edu/degrees-bachelors-computer-science.php)</p>
<p>[College</a> of Arts and Sciences](<a href=“404”>404)</p>
<p>[Computer</a> Science - Old Dominion University](<a href=“http://dl.odu.edu/programs/computer-science]Computer”>Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Online | ODU Global)</p>
<p>[Computer</a> Science Bachelor’s Degree Requirements](<a href=“http://www.franklin.edu/degree-programs/undergraduate-majors/computer-science/computer-science-bachelor-s-degree-requirements.html]Computer”>http://www.franklin.edu/degree-programs/undergraduate-majors/computer-science/computer-science-bachelor-s-degree-requirements.html)</p>
<p>[National</a> University • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science](<a href=“http://www.nu.edu/OurPrograms/SchoolOfEngineeringAndTechnology/ComputerScienceAndInformationSystems/Programs/BSComputerScience.html]National”>http://www.nu.edu/OurPrograms/SchoolOfEngineeringAndTechnology/ComputerScienceAndInformationSystems/Programs/BSComputerScience.html)</p>
<p>Those are all non-profit, regionally accredited institutions. The FSU program is probably the best, followed by University of Illinois - Springfield and Regis University. All are better options than UOP and DeVry.</p>
<p>One a side note: DeVry’s “technology” programs ARE actually ABET accredited (through the “technology” accreditation), but there are still better options.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>“_____ Engineering Technology” is not the same as “_____ Engineering” (at any school).</p>
<p>Degrees from University of Phoenix and Devry aren’t worth the paper they’re printed on. I seriously have absolutely no idea how those schools manage to attract students, or why anyone would want to attend a school like that. Tip: if it’s a for-profit school, steer clear. </p>
<p>Is going to a real (not online) school an option for you? Do it.</p>
<p>If not, check out programs offered by actual respected schools, like the ones represented in markladen’s links (there may be more as well).</p>
<p>One of my friends went to a similar school to DeVry/Phoenix and completely regretted it. He felt the courses weren’t difficult enough and after paying a ton in tuition and time wound up going to another (four year) school in the area. Unfortunately, hardly any of his credits transferred, though last I talked with him he was still happy about his decision to go to a “normal” school for his degree in CS.</p>
<p>I would look at U-Illinois Springfield. Only the very picky of employers are going to frown on “branches of major universities”. Going to the “University of Well-Known at Somewhere” is always better than going somewhere that people do not know.</p>
<p>Hell, Penn State advertises a online graduate degree in Systems Engineering. The degree is ACTUALLY given from the Penn State-Great Valley campus which is in suburban Philly.</p>
<p>I recruit senior executives for companies.</p>
<p>If you’re going to get a degree online, you should try to get one from a school that also has a bricks and mortar campus. Numerous traditional colleges offer these now, and an online degree from Florida State, or wherever, is indistinguishable on your transcript and your resume from one earned on campus.</p>
<p>Many employers are leary of degrees from primarily online schools like the University of Phoenix, and many won’t consider people with degrees from these schools. </p>
<p>If the school has a weak reputation overall, then your online degree will share that reputation. If the school has a good reputation, then your online degree will benefit from that.</p>