Back to school.

[Matt-N-Ga.]

So after 10 years, I've decided it's time to head back to school. When I first started college, it was a party, and ended in my dismissal from classes, gaining basically no credits. Obviously, time has played it's normal games, and has mellowed me, taught me patience, and I finally feel it's time to return. the catch though, since there always is one, is that i have to continue working.

Now, i know all about the Online schools, and frankly, they sound gimmicky, not to mention expensive as hell, considering it's all done without actually being in a class. So, my request to you all is your advice. If you have any experience with this, I'd love some advice. I'm thinking of either a Business Degree, or Computer IT engineering. Any adivce or thoughts, or warnings you guys may have will really help. I'm lost, and have been trying to figure this out for a while, and have decided the collective wisdom of SC may come to the rescue.

[SenorSmoke]

Matt you and I talked about this a few weeks ago. At the time you said you were considering Kennesaw State since it was very close to home. I have heard very good things about that school and strongly suggest you at least look into it. I have two friends about your age that just started back to Mercer in Macon. One works full time and the other one just got laid off. They are both glad they went back and are really getting into being students again. I have two degrees from Georgia State and can't say enough about the quality of education there. If you really want to do computers hardcore and are up for the rigors of one of the finest educations in the world I would strongly suggest Georgia Tech. If you want to talk more let me know.

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Good Luck Sir!

[Teck1337]

I've been working in IT for many years now... And am also going to school for my degree now (I have been for ~3 years now). I reached a point at which I couldn't progress with the things I wanted without getting a degree (mainly, I dont want to be on-call and i don't want a paycut).

Anyway, I'm working on a degree in Computer Science and Engineering with a minor in Math. It's a degree that normally takes at least 6 years for guys to finish, so I'm about half way. Heh... It's a long time.

Anyway, On to your questions/give you some direction:
1) There are 3 basic IT degrees you can earn at a 4-year college/University:

• Computer Science (AKA: CS) -- This degree focus' more on the software engineering side of things and only a little on the hardware side of stuff. It's a good fit for someone that wants to go into programming or anything dealing with mostly software. EX: of some jobs, system administrators, programmers, algorithm design, etc..
  
• Computer Engineering (AKA: CE) -- You will learn mostly about Hardware engineering, and a little about software engineering (programming). People who go for their CE degree generally go into hardware related jobs and rarely do programming day to day.... EX of some jobs, network engineers, hardware engineers, systems engineers, etc...
  
• Computer Science & Engineering (AKA: CSE) -- This, is a combination of CS & CE. Your going to learn a good deal about both the software and hardware side of stuff. Your going to be able to build the hardware, and then go write the software to use with that hardware. This degree generally takes people 6 years to complete because of how many classes need to be taken, but in my experience it's the most sought after (ala highest paid too) because CSE graduates can handle anything that comes their way. EX of some jobs, basically anything listed under CS or CE.
  
• Now, as far as Business major's go, I cant speak to that. so...
  

2) Going back to school and getting a degree in computer's (especially CS, CE, or CSE) will not be easy... Your going to have to work your ass off, and then work it off some more. It's so hard that many people majoring in CS, CE, and CSE have a reputation for changing majors to either Math or Business (because honestly, they are easier degrees to get). If you really want it badly enough, you'll do fine.

3) Online schools... EEH -- From time to time I am forced to take a class online... I love the internet, but frankly you learn a lot less when doing things online, assignments generally take much longer, help and understanding already difficult concepts becomes even worse. I would avoid a school that is completely online.

Good Luck! And if you have any questions let me know.

[EvilAsh]

Sincerely best of luck Matt! I don't have any experience with returning to school after some time off, but I wish you all the best!

[Jimmie the Mum]

Matt, I'm sure you can do it but you must weigh all the options both pros and cons. A 4 year degree would probably take you about 7 to 8 years to complete while working full time, going to school and allocating time to study. That's a lot of time away from the family so you will need their full support.
You should also list the reasons for this. Is it to start your own business, move to a different line of work, better paying job etc.
If it's a different field, perhaps you can start with a company and have them pay for it. Most large companies offer a tuition pay back program based on grades etc.

What ever you decide, I know you will be dedicated with it..