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back to school 2

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jasek78

jasek78

Programmer
Nov 5, 2001
298
US
I am currently stuck in a dead-end job not even in IT, after obtaining a 2 year Associates of IT degree (a jack of all IT degree, I learned a little of everything). I've obtained 3 different IT positions the first 2 years after I graduated. Now, I've decided that, in order to further my career and life goals, I need to continue my education. I'm looking to telecommute the coursework if I cannot find a local (between Milwaukee, WI and Chicago, IL) college. I would like to either get into Business Administration or focus on Database and Software Development, possibly learning mel scripting for Maya. Does anyone have any suggestions as far as a particular school is concerned?

thanks!

Jason
 
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U of P is not accredited. I wouldn't sink my money into a non-accredited school.

Good Luck
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As a circle of light increases so does the circumference of darkness around it. - Albert Einstein
 
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yes, I've heard of U of P, but would as CC said prefer to stick with an accredited school. Does anyone have any experience with DeVry, out of Chicago?

Thanks =^)

Jason
 
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Before you enroll in a tech school like DeVry, make sure to investigate the school's student loan default rates and its job placement rates. If students can't pay back their loans, they're probably not getting good IT jobs.

Check the University of Illinois and the University of Wisconsin (UW) to see if they offer online academic programs. UW has offered (& may still offer) an extensive correspondence course program.

Also try checking out U.S. military sites to see which universities offer courses to service members. More likely than not universities that offer course to service members will be accredited.
 
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I'm originally from Chicago and I believe DePaul Univ. has on-line programs, DePaul is on the high side tuition wise but you may qualify for grants, scholarships etc. I have always heard good things about DePaul.
Tina
 
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jasek,

Actually what I am doing is similar to your situation. I received an Associate's degree. My university campus is about 3 hours from my home. The university allows certain associate's degrees to be transfered as a block unit for credit towards certain bachelor's degrees. I am about done with my junior year. It can pretty much all be done online. You don't need to live in the same state as the university. It is an accredited, well-known university.
 
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I'll second the DePaul voice and add Northwestern to it. I think both places are regarded really high. Not cheap, though.

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Goals are dreams with deadlines
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Thanks all of you for your opinions. I finished my FAFSA and submitted some schools after your suggestions and a bit of research.

Jason
 
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I can also vouch for both DePaul and Northwestern. I am currently enrolled in DePaul's Master's Program. I would give DePaul the edge on coming up with the latest and greatest in terms of courses. For instance, DePaul added a C#.Net class this pass quarter to complement the VB class it has been offering for years. Also, DePaul is constantly adding new courses to keep up with the current demand in IT. Most schools will not do that. On the other hand, a degree from Northwestern (NU) will always look good on your resume. So when all is said and done, I would consider NU for the prestige factor, but if you want the chance to learn the latest and greatest technologies try DePaul. Like it has been stated earlier, neither place is cheap, but NU is much more expensive.
 
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What about Carnegie Mellon? I know they're offering a distance format Masters of IT.

Thanks!!


Matt
 
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I know you've already submitted your Fafsa (good for you!), but let me just mention something...

I graduated from Devry (out of Phoenix). They are a great school! And acreditted. I receive a lot of respect from my peers (in the workplace) and recruiters for graduating from Devry. I received a lot of hands-on experience from some great instructors (one even worked for NASA on a Mars project previously). They definately well prepared me for the workplace (received a BS in CIS degree) Also, placement rates:

In 1999 I quoted 94% with an avg starting salary of $43k
In 2003, when I graduated and unemployment was skyhigh, I was quoted 85%. They only count people who are in a position related to their degree.
 
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Devry is in a unique situation. Some of their programs at some locations have been accredited, others are not. For your locations, I suggest that you review the following:
Devry Accredidations

Good Luck
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As a circle of light increases so does the circumference of darkness around it. - Albert Einstein
 
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Cajun, here, in Chicagoland, they now advertise as being elevated to the "university" status. I guess it is different for different locations.

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Goals are dreams with deadlines
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jwdcfdeveloper, I now that NU's Keller school of management is rated like #2 in the US, if I am not mistaken there, but I think that DePaul's education is CIS is not regarded lower then NU's. Just my opinion, of course. If I had to choose (which I might have to). it would be a tough one. For Bachelor's DePaul is cheaper. Dunno about Masters.

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Goals are dreams with deadlines
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I was just joking with my boss about this. I'm going for my MISM at Keller and I keep telling her, "how funny it is that no matter what class I'm taking, it directly pertains to what's going on here at work!" I also mentioned, I guess that means the people deciding on the courses are doing an excellent job!

Just got to watch out for that "Laying Off your workforce" class. LOL
 
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The comment re: UOP not being accredited is WRONG. Take a look at the national list of accredited schools -- it's there.

As for DeVry -- no offense, but it's an over grown high school. I work with a graduate of DeVry and he can't even spell "C" let alone program in it. He's worked here 3 months longer than I have, I only have a technical certificate, and I have exceeded him in position, responsibility, and respect.

UOP-Online is actually highly regarded among many of the top Fortune 100 companies. If I had my choice, I'd prefer to attend DePaul but the cost of commute and the time considerations made it not feasible.
 
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Please provide of source RileyCat to the national list of accredited schools.

Good Luck
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As a circle of light increases so does the circumference of darkness around it. - Albert Einstein
 
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Google is our friend, Cajun ...



. . . among many other links. I don't have all day to "discuss" this topic.

Have fun getting anywhere with a "degree" from DeVry, COD, or CLC for that matter.

DePaul certainly was my first choice but the time committment needed to attend a real classroom was not a choice for me.
 
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Yes, Google is our friend, but it doesn't do much good if you don't take the time to read the pages provided.

The Higher Learning Commission is NOT a national accredidation board. It is a regional one, nor does the HLC get involved in distance learning programs since they only accredit the entire institution. Further, the only UofP accredited by then in the University of Phoenix in Arizona. The UofP page you referenced also clearly states that are accredited by the HLC, which we know is only a regional accredidation.

I also suggest that you read the page referenced in my previous post about DeVry accredidations.

If you want to look at national accredidations of technology programs, then your best guide is ABET - Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

Good Luck
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As a circle of light increases so does the circumference of darkness around it. - Albert Einstein
 
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