<p>I'm looking to decide amongst a few software engineering programs. I already have a BA w/ Finance concentration and looking to get into software. Having said that, no CS experience or exposure in my background. I work and would like to take a program online and have come across ASU "software engineering" at the Polytechnic division of Ira Fulton Schools of engineering. </p>
<p>I know there has been a thread mentioning that ASU online program is not accredited. I'm more concerned with finding a good job starting strong (the reason I'm going back to school).</p>
<p>I'm debating between the program online from ASU and local schools w/ Computer Science (live in Los Angeles, like CSUN). The only other two schools that I've seen offer actual SE is UCI and CalPoly (Poly would be too far, also not sure I'd get accepted). My gpa is over 3.0 from my undergrad at CSUNorthridge. Are the online programs or SE programs respectable even if not accredited? Are they looked at as inferior compared to a CS degree by employers? I like the "whole picture" and systems aspect of SE compared to CS? Also I've heard SE degrees work a lot on application development, does this limit me? Am I waisting time and money from doing it online w/ ASU or doing SE at somewhere like UCI? Please keep in mind I'm working and would have to do it concurrently. Or would it be better to take out more loans do a local program full time? Would the pay off be worth it? </p>
<p>Anyone know level of difficulty any of these programs? Also, I've been admitted to the ASU program but would have to wait a year to apply and hear from UCI. Would I be able to transfer? Would it be worth it transfer to Uci after starting with ASU?</p>
<p>Lastly, I've heard UCI has great resources for internships and post degree employment, has anyone heard anything about ASU specifically out of this program? I would like to stay within So Cal to work. </p>
<p>Would GREATLY appreciate any and all inputs here. Thanks in advance! Please help!!!!</p>
<p>SE majors are often very similar to CS majors, except for having more software engineering methods courses in place of some CS topics courses. CS majors typically have a required or optional overview course of software engineering methods anyway.</p>
<p>SE majors and CS majors probably end up seeking similar jobs anyway. Many here consider the extra CS topics in the CS major to be more valuable than the extra SE methods courses in the SE major. SE majors are rare, but the rarity may not translate to much extra demand (even in the subset of jobs where the extra SE methods courses may help) due to the more numerous CS majors often being good substitutes. So you may want to expand your options to CS major degree programs as well as SE major degree programs.</p>
<p>Also consider taking the introductory level courses at a community college, if they are accepted for subject credit by your target schools.</p>
<p>Thanks for the input and deciphering the gray area between the fields. Any thoughts about the schools mentioned above or the online program relative to what employers or recruiters are seeking? Or does it all become the same if it’s not top tier (Harvey Mudd, UCB, UCLA, Etc.) Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>All you’d really need would be to take four or five programming classes. UCLA Extension has an Applications Programming Certificate you might want to take a look at. Most programmers I know don’t even have CS or SE degrees, although they do generally have some kind of STEM degree. They just happened to take some programming classes in college, and that was enough to get them programming jobs.</p>
<p>But if you do want to go the full degree route, the SE programs I’ve seen better reflect what you’d actually be doing in most programming jobs. CS programs tend to be more theoretical and hardware-oriented than employers need.</p>
<p>I like the suggestion to take an introductory programming class at a local CC first. Simply getting a software development system set up correctly and compiling your first program can be a bewildering experience, so it helps a lot to have someone available to stand over your shoulder and show you what to do.</p>
<p>Don’t worry about accreditation. My only concern with a fully online degree program would be the immense discipline needed to complete it.</p>
<p>What kind of accreditation are you talking about? If a college isn’t regionally accredited then it is iffy. National accreditation is weak and used by a lot of the for profit schools. No accreditation is a diploma mill. If you are talking about ABET accreditation, then it is good for a no name school, but many many CS depts don’t follow ABET guidelines to the letter and are not accredited by them and it is fine.</p>
<p>Are you talking about a 2nd Bachelor’s degree? No one needs to have a 2nd one. So get a MS, there are programs for non majors and you may just need some prerequisites incorporated into the program, or get a certificate. All you need is one undergrad degree and some skills. It is strange you want to do this with not previous exposure. You might want to do some free online stuff so you know if you want to invest your time and money into it. </p>
<p>Thanks for the great feedback. I didn’t know MS in SE was possible without a BS in CS or SE. I’ve found that IVC (Irvine Valley College) would offer a number of these pre-requisites. Any MS programs you recommend for non-majors? Either online or local to Los Angeles? </p>
<p>Most of my career, I have been a software engineer and I STILL SAY that the “software engineering” major is an utter waste of time. There is NO NEED to take a bunch of software engineering methods courses, especially when universities generate revenue by offering a “course per software engineering phase”. A semester is what…15 weeks? You will not be on a real project where the requirements phase is 15 weeks.</p>
<p>Take practical CS courses and ONE…just one “software engineering” course. Each employer has their own flavor of software engineering anyway and will teach you their flavor. Employers need new grads who bring new technology. Us “oldheads” will teach you the SoftE methods.</p>
<p>IIRC, software engineering usually do related stuff to software metrics, DR, etc… most likely defense-ish type of company, not much real value. I know someone who graduated from USC with a Phd in Software Engineering from USC and he was the butt of a lot of jokes.</p>