Web Development

Ask something
Discussion Locked

Help a newbie, get good karma!

0 helpful
2 replies

by threeman_99

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.

Hello all...
I apologize in advance if this is not the correct place to post this, but as far as I could tell it was as close as I could find. I recently decided to pursue a degree in IT, and have been considering some of the accelerated online programs available. Problem is, I don't want to end up with a degree that employers do not respect or take seriously. Is this the case with online programs? I was considering ACIT in particular. (American College of Information Technology)
Another quick thing... some of the different programs I looked at seem to focus on different programming languages, etc... as I am unaccustomed to much of this, I was wondering if there is a higher demand for a specific type of training. Some seem to focuson visual basic 6.0, some talk about SQL training, some focus on C++. Sorry for the simplistic question, but I can't seem to find much info on comparing online degrees and study courses. Thanks so much for any help, it would be appreciated.

2 replies

by jay eckles

I personally discourage people from getting a degree or certificate from an institution that emphasizes language X or new-shiny-widget Y as the basis of the program. If you're serious about making software development a career, I would strongly encourage you to first get a foundation in computer science. Then, if you need specific skills for a particular job, start looking at these specialized degrees or training programs.

With an education in computer science, you will have the basic skills to learn any programming language or technology. Is there more demand for Visual Basic or SQL or C++ or ____ right now? Even if there is, don't you think that will probably change in five years? The technological landscape rapidly changes. Youwill be left behind if your education is based upon a single technology or language.

Good luck.

Jay

by threeman_99

I appreciate the advice very much. It seems that I can't find any information online about the validity of online degrees, and to someone like me, who is just becoming interested in the IT field, things can get confusing. (Do I choose the programthat focuses on C++ or the on that focuses on visual basic?) Oh, well. I am taking your advice and getting the BS in comp sci, then I'll just post my resume and hope for the best, heh heh... thanks again for the help.

threeman_99@hotmail.com

This discussion is closed to new replies.