Online Computer Science Degree in 12 Months

WGU or TESU computer science degree? Is it worth it to get a cs degree as an experienced self-taught software engineer? I have a plan. Let’s talk about it…
Western Governors University computer science degree vs Thomas Edison State University cs degree. Why I picked TESU.
UPDATE on Ace Courses:
• The TRUTH about SOPHIA...
0:00 Getting Online Computer Science Degree In 12 Months
0:54 Picking Online Schools
1:50 Western Governors University Online Computer Science Degree Program
3:55 Thomas Edison State University Online Computer Science Degree Program
5:20 The Online Comp Sci Degree I Chose & Why I Chose It
9:22 How to Graduate Fast With An Online CS Degree
13:26 Study.com vs Sophia.org courses for Ace Transfer Credits
16:07 What Are Study.com Courses Like? SDC
21:07 Are Study.com Courses Hard? Worth It? SDC
24:35 How Hard Are Sophia.org Courses?
28:32 My Plan For Getting An Online Computer Science Degree
31:58 Why Get A CS Degree As a Successful Self-taught Software Engineer?
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[@jamescross]

How I actually feel about study dot com and sophia after completed several courses: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYPWY4Oif6eseNE

[@GAGEA12]

I went to a tech high school from 2008-2012 and was in computer tech classes all the way through, 3d printing, coding and even building websites. Spent my life being a plumber from 18 to now ( 29 ) and I’m wanting a change and decided to go back into my computer training. Thank you! you explain things very well, give what feels like real honest advice and I can relate to you and feel like I ain’t wasting my time because you were once a blue collar guy like me! I’ve been binging your channel and can’t wait for more. Take care man!

[@henrythomas7112]

Thanks for the new video! I’m looking forward to seeing what other content you post! Always good to learn as much as you can!

[@gomez4665]

Awesome video. I’m in a similar position and this is reassuring!

[@UprisingFX_]

I will be graduating from WGU in about 2 months. I transferred in my associate's degree (General Studies), and that alone eliminated half the classes I had to complete. In the computer science degree that I am in, there are only 2 certifications I need to take, Linux Essentials, and ITILv4. Other than that I did have to take a Java fundamentals class, but for the most part none of the classes were intro classes or classes that I could easily test out. I already knew how to code in Java, so the classes I looked forward to where Operating Systems, Computer Architecture, Data Structures and Algorithms 1 and 2, and even Discrete Math 1 and 2.

[@traezeeofor]

Well come back man

[@jamescross]

thanks

[@TazExprez]

Since you already have a college degree, you may want to consider pursuing a CS MS. Many colleges have online CS MS programs that will accept students without a CS BS. Georgia Tech has the OMSCS program.

[@oinkpiggin]

It takes longer, much more expensive, have a lot more requirements for the admission and more competitive. As far as I know, MS in CS is not really valuable. Don't get me wrong. Yes, it does give you an extra point in getting into the management level or higher grade if you are planning to work for the government. But ultimately, you want an MBA from top biz school if your goal is to climb up in corp.

[@Kamikraze]

I just started a CS degree online at SNHU (Southern New Hampshire University). It's 2 courses per term (8 weeks) with weekly goals and alot of resources such as tutors and forums with your fellow classmates.

[@7oeseven793]

guys, dont use these degrees thinking its a goldentticket to SWE jobs. He used it because he already has industry experience, so he just needed the paper. Rushing WGU and all those online degrees will do nothing but make you another one of those who apply to 10000 jobs getting ignored. You need industry experience through internships (hopefully a return offer) and to get those you must be in a real university doing real projects. People should stop disrespecting this profession thinking its just monkey coding and something you can quickly get into just for the money.

[@jamescross]

I agree that it's important to not short change your education and it would be very unwise to cut corners. Per the video, I too want to take my time learning any of the areas I am less familiar with. But I can see how people could be tempted to rush things in a way that would result in a degree without enough understanding to be successful getting a job. You are right that projects and practical application of skills in a demonstrable way is super important and you bring up a good point that online programs will not have the same amount of personal interaction that creates connections in the industry which often leads to internships and job opportunities. I am where I am because I have been actively engaged in learning and applying throughout my career.

[@oinkpiggin]

I think most people know your working or internship exp or your project hold more weight and CS degree is a piece of paper unless u graduate from top CS programs like Stanford. However, having a CS degree will help you to bypass HR Automated system. And that's what most people are focusing on.

[@JT-xg7mh]

I disagree with this statement. Due to the fact you can go to a boot camp and develop the skills to get a job, there are also self-taught developers who are able to land jobs. So to say an online degree won’t be worth it and you should only attend a brick-and-mortar university is very short-sighted thinking. Just because it doesn’t work for you doesn’t mean it won’t work for someone else. This is a great opportunity to develop the skills you need to self-teach as well as build projects on your own time, all while getting your degree. Yes, a piece of paper on its own is useless, but it would be just as useless at a four-year university if you don’t apply it correctly. Yes, you need internships, but you don’t need a traditional college to achieve that. The effort just needs to be put in. That being said, you shouldn’t rush it, but I believe two years is plenty of time to graduate, learn the material, and build meaningful projects if you are dedicated. I also believe the man you are referring to in the video, attended a bootcamp and was able to land a job without a degree.

[@7oeseven793]

@@JT-xg7mh I like your enthusiasm. Unfortunately you've been sold a fairy tale by KZbinrs farming views if you think that's possible in 2024. First of all, 99.99% of internships in 2024 require you to be currently enrolled in University within a specific graduation period. Those self-taught devs landing jobs is a thing of the past before all those layoffs. There are tens of thousands of cs newgrads every semester with multiple internships and projects that cant get an interview in this market. It's insanely saturated at the entry level. I really recommend yall to go to regular University and do projects to get internships to land a return offer.

[@yawa3233]

@@7oeseven793no one said it would be easy being self taught you can just as easily go to a brick and mortar school and walk away with nothing or you could walk away with something who’s to tell but you can’t realistically say there’s only one means to an end. not everyone has the privilege to attend university but anyone can end up in the career they want if they work for it hard enough

[@christophersoutherlin2631]

I used American Intercontinental University. I achieved a BS in IT and a MS in IT Project Management, both under a year's time.

[@dave_di]

WGU is now ABET accredited. Not sure how much that matters in the industry but I thought that was cool.

[@dapperdynamicdavid]

I like your thinking process about your getting a computer science degree journey when working full time. Quincy of FreeCodeCamp did a podcast/video with Beau. Beau introduces a lot of their KZbin videos. In that video they mention that Beau obtained his computer science degree via the WGU route. He obtained credits and obtained his degree within 6 months. He explained that he gave himself a demanding schedule to do this. Both they and you mentioned, WGU charge on a 6 monthly basis. Quincy also mentioned that FCC are developing a computer science degree course and they already have the lectures from one of the first mathematics courses up on KZbin. To me, it looks like it will still be some time before the FCC computer science degree will be fully operational. And before it's fully accredited. If you were starting your computer science degree in a few years, that may have been an option for you.

[@jamescross]

interesting

[@victormendoza3295]

I got the gi bill but haven't used it in over 3 years. Tbh a computer science degree should be hard and have a lot of math. I don't go to school cause you don't need a degree for IT jobs.

[@AshtonDeVaughn]

Appreciate the content! I’m considering CS at WGU. Do you think it’s better to take all the computer science classes at the university or “pre-game” the degree with Sophia and Study IF I DONT HAVE EXPERIENCE IN THIS FIELD. I have an AAS which transferred about 10 classes. What are your thoughts? Is the quality worth it doing ACE or the University you pick?

[@jamescross]

I will probably make a video on this soon with more thoughts. So far, a couple of ace classes have been pretty good. Others not so much. I would personally take them as WGU if I had the time, but you gotta figure out what is right for you.

[@AshtonDeVaughn]

@@jamescross I would believe I have the time. I for sure want to knock out Calculus and discrete maths. I just turned 33 and would like to be finished by 35. So I think the timing is there to absorb and learn new skills.

[@MayTheBestComentWIN]

Do you know what electives there are for the CS degree at Thomas Edison? it's not listed online. Thanks!

[@jamescross]

That is annoying. I don't know yet. To find out you have to apply, get accepted, do the transfer evaluation and then schedule an appointment with an academic advisor. I am almost to that last step.

[@MayTheBestComentWIN]

@@jamescross No prob. I'd love an update if you hear anything. I wouldn't want to get a CS degree from a place where you don't learn some variant of C. That's why it's an easy pass on WGU.

[@pearlzeng276]

Does software engineer will need to use remote desktop software in daily works?

[@jamescross]

Depends on what you are doing

[@pearlzeng276]

@@jamescross which remote desktop software you are using now? do you have interest to test a new brand remote desktop software?

[@vaidenn2191]

Thomas Edison Computer Science program is a Bachelor of Arts (BA).

[@jamescross]

Each school labels it how they want it. Even looking at more prestigious schools... Harvard does a CS-BA whereas Stanford does a CS-BS. Is that your concern?

[@perezident14]

Bachelor of Arts vs Science is more about the general education in a degree than the major

[@SeanEustace-zk3mc]

Since you already have the history degree why not just brush up on your mouth and take a masters degree at Western Governors University? Just wondering.

[@KingManPlays]

WGU sounded really good for me but they don't accept international students so there's that

[@jamescross]

Interesting. I didn't know that. Thanks for sharing.

[@KingKongHitDaBong]

They do accept Canadians

[@oinkpiggin]

University of London has a similar accredited online BS CS program that accepts everyone.

[@m7mo0o]

are there similar options to non-Americans?

[@jamescross]

not sure

[@oinkpiggin]

Yes, University of London has a similar accredited online BS CS program that accepts everyone.

[@haloandfable]

Damn, 5 kids.

[@jamescross]

Can be tough some days.

[@nikos-giorgos]

Did you just say five kids?

[@jamescross]

yup

[@anasouardini]

And then wait for the next 12 months of no job for juniors to end 🤣

[@jamescross]

I am coming from a perspective of going back after having experience. My course of action would probably be much different if I were starting from scratch with no college and no experience. In that situation I would probably opt for a school with in person interaction to start building a network for getting internships and having future connections in the industry. Unfortunately it is usually hard getting that first job.

[@yawa3233]

@@jamescrosswhat do you think the probability of landing an internship without going to a standard college? im a sahm that doesnt drive so online school is the only feasible option for me without having to use up someone elses time to give me a ride. i’ve been getting inspired to really try out getting a job in tech from scratch but theres seems to be so many barriers to entry im not sure what to do anymore

[@loujon191]

Also, Thomas Edison is a regular college. They are not accelerated. I go there so I know a lot about this college. You can test out of courses but there are plenty you can’t and regularly semesters are 9 weeks. Honestly I’m not sure this guy even researched this college and just made a video

[@jamescross]

Per the video I discussed wgu's ability to accelerate by adding more classes to a term as you complete them and said I'm not sure that is possible with TESU. I also contrasted that with TESU where there would be the flexibility to slow down and spread things out if needed because there isn't the pressure to cram as many courses as possible that you would get with WGU. The acceleration aspect of TESU would be leveraging ace courses. You are right that the test out courses seem limited. I have since applied and done the transfer evaluation process and can now actually find out what courses can fill the upper division cs electives and there are not nearly as many options as I would have hoped. It's also difficult to get answers from TESU before applying and going through the process. I got a ton of runarounds when asking about electives and was finally told that I would in fact have to meet with an advisor, which would not be possible until I had gone through the admissions process. I was pretty open about sharing with my viewers my thoughts and plans starting into this and not as someone who is already going there. So maybe you came into it with mismatched expectations for the video. Anyways, since you attend TESU, what has your experience been like?

[@kungfoochicken08]

TESU is a regular college, but they have a relaxed policy around accepting transfer credits. Until a few years ago, it was possible to graduate from there by simply transfering in alternative credits for ACE, CLEP, Sophia, etc. They have a captstone requirement now, but its basically just a $3,000 money grab.

[@loujon191]

Just so everyone knows the CS degree at Thomas Edison is different from the at WGU. It’s not science based so it will land you a different type of job

[@kungfoochicken08]

Its functionally the same degree. It seems like every single university randomly decides whether their degrees are BAs or BSs. Nobody is going to care that you have a BACS instead of a BSCS. They're looking for: (1) do you have a degree in CS, and (2) do you have work experience or a portfolio that show you know what you're doing. Thats it.

[@DEBO5]

A bachelors in CompSci in a year is laughable

[@perezident14]

Not when you’re transferring in 75% of the degree. 🤔