Can you recommend a distance bachelor's degree in software engineering or somesuch?
I’ve been teaching for years and have just finished an MSc in language teaching. In terms of career development and money, I’m not sure I want to remain a classroom teacher. I’ve done education admin and leadership, and they’re not for me.
I don’t want to move away from education – I love teaching, it’s the only job I’ve been able to do for more than six months without wanting to murder the people I work with (although the thought has crossed my mind when dealing with a few particularly snotty teenagers). However, in financial terms and considering my life goals, I can’t stay in the classroom forever.
I want to learn how to program with a particular focus on education software. There are a few notable masterstrokes – MOODLE, eFront, Anki and the like, but I find that the vast majority of language learning applications and environments are just not very good. I would like to contribute to this field and also expand my skillset into something that will keep me employed as demand for my other services wanes – I’m moving to Japan soon, where the private language sector has gone down the toilet and the public sector is riddled with, well, kids. Combined with the economic downturn and a recognition that many, many people there simply don’t need English, the declining birth-rate and economic stagnation make Japan a poor choice as a place for a career teaching English.
I love computers, and have taught myself enough to make IT support part of my job description at work, yet have no formal qualifications in it. I like qualifications, and I want the BSc not only for the learning value but also for the flexibility it will give me in the future.
So, help me out – BSc in software engineering (or related field that will give me the skills I want) by distance (I’ll be studying in Japan).
If you have any other recommendations or advice, please feel free!
Thank you.
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7 Answers
Drexel University in Philadelphia (I live near Philly so this is my “regional” opinion) has a very good reputation, at least “bricks and mortar Drexel” does, having a good computer and technology programs. The following information is from the Wikipedia article on Drexel:
“Drexel frequently ranks among the top 25 schools in the nation for technology use according to The Princeton Review[25] and The Intel Corporation,[26]...”
… so, I’m thinking that it’s online degree programs are going to have reasonably high standards too. You can check the online degrees they offer on their website and see any of them suit your needs.
Also from the Wikipedia article:
“The Princeton Review ranked Drexel 3rd for “Least Beautiful Campus,” 8th for “Long Lines and Red Tape…”
So it sounds like “online Drexel” might actually be a better experience than “IRL Drexel.”
:-)
No, I wouldn’t recommend any training program that isn’t accredited. You need to do some more research to find a program that will lead you to your goals. Talk to your counselor.
@YARNLADY The online programs that Drexel University offers are absolutely, fully accredited! I wouldn’t recommend anything that wasn’t. When you’re looking into online degree programs the very first thing you need to find out is whether or not the programs are accredited!!! Of course, without question!
@lillycoyote Good Point, I wasn’t referring to your answer, but simply answering the question. Your answer is a great answer.
@YARNLADY O.K. I’m back in my corner now. It appears that I took your comment a little too personally for some reason and overreacted a bit. If you find any bruises in the morning, from my jumping all over you, I’m very sorry! Just go ahead and use a taser on me next time, don’t be shy; it usually makes me to back off pretty quickly:-)
And here’s a list of 211 Accredited Online Colleges and Schools though it’s still best for @the100thmonkey to make absolutely certain that these institutions have maintained their accreditation status since the list was published and check the current status of any program being considered. Accreditation status can change. Programs can both become accredited and lose their accreditation from one year to the next
It should be assumed that I’m only interested in degrees from accredited universities. I’m so not into those “turn your life experience into a (worthless) PhD!” scams.
I’ve heard good things about the University of Phoenix. They’re totally online (no physical campus) as far as I know and are accredited. Check ‘em out!
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