Degree questions 1

[littleblu87]

Sorry if this isn't the correct forum for this question. This is the closest forum I could find that relates to my question.

I'm thinking about taking an IT/Networking & Security Management Program at either a local community college or a local technology college.

I see that there are three different ways to go with the degrees. The easiest is the A.A.S. (Associate in Applied Science), then there's the A.S. (Associate in Science) and the hardest which is the B.S. (Bachelor of Science).

Would getting a B.S. degree really make that much difference in getting a job and high salary than the A.A.S. degree?

I can't stand the thought of all those math classes such as Physics to get the B.S. degree. I had a hard enough time with high school algebra (I took it twice and got D's both times despite getting tutoring).

With the A.A.S. degree I might have to take one math class and it shouldn't be too hard. I could also get my degree in a year.

Any advice or suggestions?

 

[CiscoGuy33]

littleblu87,

All I can tell you is that from my experience you are better off to get the BS or BA. Many jobs now have a requirement of at least a BS or BA to get past HR and get in the pool of people being considered.

And even if you get hired - you might find you have a limit on how far you can go - many will not consider you for management unless you have the BS. You might not want to be a manager now - but 20-25 years from now you will! When some 25 year old kid out of college becomes your BOSS

I have an AS degree, an AAS degree and an AA and I am working on my BS right now (and then my MBA or MS) wish I would have done it all 25 years ago when I was in my 20's


Do it now! You will never regret it!

Just my thoughts!


E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +

 

[glister]

hey littleblu,
If it was easy, everybody would be doing it. A BS will set you head and shoulders above the rest of the crowd. You need to get into school and make the decision that you WILL develop good study habits and start your educational career. Education will make the single greatest contribution to to your quality of life.
trust me on this one.

A+,N+,S+,L+,I+,HTI+,e-Biz+,Security+,CETma,CSS,CFOS/T,CCNT,CCTT,ACSP,ISA CCST3

 

[littleblu87]

What is the difference between Information Technology and Information Systems Technology? These colleges don't explain this stuff in their catalogs. I've got an appointment next week to talk to a counselor but I'm impatient, I can't wait that long.

Also, what do you all think about a technology college? Are they better, same, or worse than a traditional college in terms of IT programs?

I'm thinking of going to ECPI but I don't think I can afford it. I think I'm gonna be stuck going to the local community college. I really don't mind that except ECPI offers more support from the faculty. They also offer more free services that I think would be very helpful to me.

Does anyone know anything about ECPI?

 

[CiscoGuy33]

littleblu87,

As far as IT and IST I am sure that it is just a name - the more important thing is the credits in the programs ..... do the credits transfer and DO NOT ask the school - ask at the large colleges and universities!

As far as ECPI - they are in VA, NC and SC - whichever state you live in - check with that university and see if they accept credit from ECPI! If you are in South Carolina - check with University of South Carolina and see what they have to say! DO NOT GET BURNED BY AN EXPENSIVE TECH SCHOOL !!! DO YOUR HOMEWORK and DO NOT ASK THEM !!

Nothing wrong with starting at a community college, I have been working at one for more then 10 years now and our Cisco, Microsoft and other technical classes are better then most.

We are also regionally acredited so classes at our school will transfer to just about any college or university in the nation. We have students now going to UF, FSU, USF and just about every other major college in the nation - even Harvard!

As far as technical schools - as long as they are regionally acredited - check with the major colleges or universities in your area and make sure the credits would transfer there! Some are acredited by their own group which means nothing to the rest of the world - CHECK WITH THE LARGE STATE COLLEGES - SEE WHAT THEY SAY!

I have seen several students get an AS/AA or a BS/BA and then try to go on for a BS/BA or a masters or MBA from a "real" school and find the credits are not worth anything!!

Big lawsuit going on in Florida now where students are suing one of these "tech" colleges because the credits will not transfer to "real" colleges!

Hope this helps!

E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +

 

[tfg13]

CiscoGuy,
I'm sure your college is pretty good in the technical portion if you are instructing some of the courses....

Any way, that is by far the best advise someone has given when asked about the "tech school vs colleges".

Of course, the tech school is going to tell you anything to get you to spend your money there. I've had my share of tech school's tell me this, but never actually enrolled (I've never enrolled in a "real" college either, I guess I'm just lazy).

 

[CiscoGuy33]

tfg13,

Thanks!

Good luck - check out your local state community colleges - most have lots of tech classes and programs that will allow you to move on to a 4 year college or university.

They also are cheaper in most cases!

Nothing wrong with some tech schools like MIT or Cal Poly

Just make sure you COMPLETLY understand what you are getting into - have seen some students pay $30,000 for an AS degree from a tech school when they could have gotten an AS at a Community College for about $5,000!

Just some thoughts!


E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +

 

[littleblu87]

The decision was easy and quick - I'm going to the community college. The tech school costs $30,000 and I can't afford that, I couldn't afford it if it cost $10,000.

But I'm still confused about the IT programs. The community college offers an Information Technology program where you get your Associate of Science degree, the total credits is 63.

Then they have an Information Systems Technology program where you get your Associate of Applied Science degree. But to get that degree you must choose one of four specialization classes such as the Network Administration Specialization. The total combined credits is 66.

The difference between the classes is that the Information Technology program has more math and science classes which are harder. Information Systems Technology program has more businesses type classes.

So there must be some difference between the two programs as it relates to a career. I just don't understand what it is.

 

[CiscoGuy33]

littleblu87,

Sounds like the AAS is more of a pure tech degree - to get the student ready for a more specific tech position/ carreer after the 2 year degree.

The AS would do the same but is also more rounded and might also (with the more math and science classes) be part of a program that transfers to a 4 year college.

This is what I did - I got an AS in Network Services from my community college and have transfered to a 4 year program for a BS in Management Technology.

Nothing wrong with just an AS or AAS but think hard about going on for the BS now while you are young - you will not regret it 20 years from now when you want to get your MBA or that promotion hinges on having a BS or BA........ BEEN THERE - DONE THAT !!!!!

But the best thing you can do now is see an advisor at the college or even the department chairman or academic program manager and ask them what the difference is at THAT college and what it will mean to YOU!!!

Just my thoughts!

E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +

 

[spizotfl]

It sounds like the AS with the emphasis on Math and Science as part of the curriculum might be designed to prepare you for a Bachelors program. I know the public universities in Florida require a fair amount of math and science background for computer science programs, but significantly less math and science for IT programs. At least from the looking I have done, I would guess that if you were interested in coding and development, go the AS route and then transfer into a school and pursue a BS in computer science. If not, the AAS sounds more like an a general IT program. I agree with the recommendation that whichever way you decide to go, check into getting a Bachelors degree. I have a degree in Philosophy and I've been able to get hired into a couple of IT positions.

"Maturity is a bitter disappointment for which no remedy exists, unless laughter can be said to remedy anything."
-Vonnegut