Online Computer Science Degrees
Insider tips for choosing and succeeding in the right school and career
School Surprises
"More Easy Than I Thought...
I was surprised many people were doing the same course online." (Software Engineer; 2013)
"Convenient For Busy People...
My online schooling worked out well with the job I currently held, as I was able to complete my schooling while working my full time job. I was impressed with how well the program was laid out, user friendly, and overall convenient for the average person with a busy life." (Software Engineer; 2013)
"Very Responsive Teachers...
I was surprised at how responsive the teachers were. Most of them would respond within an hour of a question I asked. The students were also very vocal within the message boards. The discussions were just like ones you would have in a regular class, if not more so." (Software Engineer; 2014)
"The Quality Of The Coursework Was Outstanding At UCSD...
The quality of the coursework was really good at UCSD. The materials that were put together for lectures and lab exercises, really helped to make the dense reading and material a little easier to learn. I was surprised that the professors at UCSD's online program are really pretty good. Previous online programs that I have attended had very lame professors, who didn't exactly teach, as much as "profess".." (Apple Developer; 2014)
"The Application Process To ITT Tech Was Quite Easy...
I was surprised at how easy it was to apply to the program and understand what I needed in order to get my certification. I was also pleasantly surprised at the course selection and the ease at which I was able to complete the courses by fitting them into my schedule." (Software Developer; 2014)
"Quality Online Curriculum...
I was surprised by the quality of the information in the program. I had expected it to be a step down when I transferred to an online program, but I found the level of instruction to be equivalent to that found in the classroom." (Software Engineer; 2014)
"Plenty Of Student To Student Interaction...
I was surprised with the amount of interaction involved between other students and I. Being that it is an online program, I expected to plod along by myself, getting help from an instructor when I needed it. But, they had many ways for us to interact, which helped me learn better, and just added to the overall college experience." (Software Programmer; 2014)
"More Than I Expected...
I was surprised by how much work was needed to complete my degree. Even though, I wasn't going to classes, I learned a ton and studied even harder than when I did my undergrad." (Software Engineer; 2013)
"More Interactive Than Was Expected"...
I was surprised how interactive an online class could be with skype and virtual classrooms. I was surprised group projects were such a big part of the curriculum." (Development engineer; 2014)
"I Was Surprised Just How Accessible The Professors Were...
I was surprised by how much the University and professors were accessible. I didn't feel like I was at a giant institution and felt that I had the help I needed when I needed it. The different programs were easy to apply to and the counselors were fantastic at providing you with help and pointing you towards graduation." (Data Processor; 2014)
"Great Quality Course...
What surprises me most is Udacity online program provide a variety of courses which are very useful for career in IT industry. In addition, it provides a bunch of great quality homework to help you get practical experience. But I have to say most courses require a great amount of effort and time." (Software Engineer; 2014)
"Flexibility Of Schedules...
I was surprised of the online program by the flexibility the school provided. I could work and go to school by doing classes on my time. This helped me advance in work and still live an exciting life" (Database Analyst; 2014)
"Faculty Was There To Help Me Out...
What surprised me of how hard it was. I was expecting I guess it would be easier. But I was also surprised that the teachers teaching the classes actually were up at the same time I was answering my questions." (Database Administrator; 2013)
"Extremely Helpful And Courteous...
I was really surprised at how well of a online college this was back in 2000. They were always extremely helpful and a tutor always called me when I had an issue or problem with my work. The course was fairly easy and set me up for the future working with computers!" (computer data analyst; 2013)
"Exceedingly Advanced Instructions...
I was surprised about the intuitive solutions they provided while online. The easiness and understanding without a mentor was great." (software developer; 2013)
"Engaging Professors = Engaged Students...
There were several surprises when I began my online education. The first was how engaged the professors were. They were, clearly, passionate and knowledgeable about their subjects and eager to help me learn. Also, I was incredibly surprised about how engaged I became in the classes. I had always worried that I wouldn't be able to focus in an online learning environment, but I was completely wrong. I couldn't get enough of it!" (Client Services Project Manager; 2014)
"Diverse Background Of Peers...
While completing the online digital forensics minor at the University of Rhode Island, I was surprised at how diverse the backgrounds were of the other students in my course that were completing the program. The course combined students completing the minor and the Graduate Certificate. We had a group discussion board where we could ask questions about the field in general, course topics or the weekly assignments and it was amazing to hear about experiences that students encountered. We had one student who was an FBI agent. It was eye-opening to see how many people were doing a career change or trying to advance there education after being in the workforce for so long." (Digital Collections Specialist; 2013)
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Best School Tips
"Learning To Be Sociable...
You should learn how your teachers operate and their attitudes. You should get to know your staff and be sociable." (software developer; 2013)
"Great Success...
Make all the way open to learn the course. On time and practical project submission is must." (Software Engineer; 2013)
"Utilize The Instructors To The Max...
Make sure to interact with the instructors as much as possible. They will give you all the help you need, but if you don't express to them exactly what you need, they wont read your mind. Make sure to utilize them as much as you need." (Software Programmer; 2014)
"Upper Level Professors Are Incredible...
Some of the lower level professors leave a little to lack, however, the upper level folks are top notch and really put in the time to make sure you are learning their material." (Apple Developer; 2014)
"Staying Focused And Sticking To A Plan Is Important...
It's hard to keep up on everything, so I suggest online schooling should be done around the same time every day to prevent procrastination." (Software Engineer; 2013)
"Stay Focused It Takes Dedication To Succeed...
If you take online classes you have to stay focused, it is easy to get distracted by many things. You need to be disciplined enough to get your work done and then watch TV or play that game. It does take dedication to succeed!" (Database Analyst; 2014)
"Start The Work Early...
Make sure to start the weekly material as soon as it is released. This provides ample time to use the discussion board to have questions answered and since it is a tech field that is always changing, there are always bumps that need to be resolved." (Digital Collections Specialist; 2013)
"Self Motivation Is A Must...
Make sure that you are very motivated, and able to keep up on your own. While most online programs offer a lot of help, in the end it comes down to how dedicated you are. If you are the type of student that needs their hand held in order to learn, an online curriculum may not be the right fit." (Software Engineer; 2014)
"Personalizes Education Yields High Honors...
Take time to schedule tutoring sessions and one on one time with your professors. It was the special direction that helped me to graduate in the top of my class. Also, it personalizes the experience which creates an innate desire to succeed." (Client Services Project Manager; 2014)
"Penn Foster College Is Very Helpful And Offers Great Online Programs...
Always contact your school or tutor when in doubt or if you have any problems at all!" (computer data analyst; 2013)
"Manage Your Time Well...
Create a schedule and stick to it. Make sure you have allotted time every night to work on your school work and schedule ahead of time." (Software Engineer; 2013)
"Get To Know Your Professors...
Make sure your professor knows who you are. It is always helpful for them to put a face on the grading process." (Data Processor; 2014)
"Establish A Solid Internet Connection...
Ensure that you have a reliable internet connection during webcast and virtual interactions. Invest in a decent webcam." (Development engineer; 2014)
"Do Your Work And You Will Succeed...
Make time for homework and don't put it off. If you start putting it off, you will start not doing your homework and then you will get bad grades and probably flunk out." (Database Administrator; 2013)
"Define You Career Path Before Applying...
Understand exactly what career path you want to follow. This will not only guide the program you choose, but the other elective you take within the program." (Software Developer; 2014)
"Check The School's Benefits...
Make sure you check to see what programs your school offers. For IT majors, ask them about MSDNAA to get free software for classes. Dedicate a few hours a day to your work and reading. Discipline is key when it comes to online courses." (Software Engineer; 2014)
"Be Serious About Homework...
Since most courses need a lot of effort and time. I suggest to spend as much time as you can to the course. Please complete every homework/lab/project with you greatest effort. This will bring you a lot of practical experience." (Software Engineer; 2014)