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Re:Announcing Online MS in Computer Science in Collaboration... by ryguytilidie on Tuesday May 14, 2013 @10:32PM (#5709840)
As a non-CS grad, could I really get an MS in CS from doing an online class? Seems pretty insane, but something I might consider for 7k.
Re:Announcing Online MS in Computer Science in Collaboration... by readme on Tuesday May 14, 2013 @10:58PM (#5709910)
Yes. Maybe you'd have to take some remedial courses first though. SNHU offers B.S. in CS online. http://www.snhu.edu/

There is nothing in CS that requires your physical presence in a lecture hall to learn.

Re:Announcing Online MS in Computer Science in Collaboration... by chris11 on Wednesday May 15, 2013 @04:08AM (#5710753)
All I find is a BS in IT, with a concentration in software development. And the IT department is under the School of Business. It doesn't look like they actually offer any computer science courses.
Re:Announcing Online MS in Computer Science in Collaboration... by karpodiem on Wednesday May 15, 2013 @08:40AM (#5711540)
Yep, I looked and discovered the same thing; it isn't a 'pure' CS program. I've discovered lots of these IT programs masquerading as CS programs - it's disappointing, to say the least. I'm really interested in pursuing an undergraduate level degree in CS (I have a liberal arts degree from a Top 15 US school, working full time, but if I could have done everything over, I would have done CS).

In my search thus far, I've found zero schools that offer a traditional undergrad CS program online. And please, before we get into the 'you can learn most of undergrad level CS topics online' - I would like the structure and support from an online, instructor led course that offers student assistance/office-hours. This is something I'd pay for, but because I'm working full time, I can't take classes during the workday.

Re:Announcing Online MS in Computer Science in Collaboration... by bblough on Thursday May 16, 2013 @12:46PM (#5719575)
Florida State University offers an online BS in CS - http://distance.fsu.edu/students/online-programs?prog_id=177 and it's actually a CS program rather than a glorified IT program.

Generally, 2-way interaction is done via message board, but most (maybe all?) of the instructors I've had so far keep specific office hours and available are for web chat or telephone calls during those hours.

Any of the prereqs that you're missing could potentially be taken as a transient at another institution (be it locally, or online). This is how I've handled the few classes I was missing.

Based on the rates listed on the page linked above, it should be around $25k for the whole thing (based on needing 60 credits of upper-division classes, since you already have a Bachelor's), even as a non-resident.

Re:Announcing Online MS in Computer Science in Collaboration... by chris11 on Wednesday May 15, 2013 @08:09PM (#5715977)
Regis University offers an online BS in CS. I don't think it is a top 15 school, but it is ABET accredited. The only problem is tuition is $410 a credit hour, so they estimate a total cost of anywhere from 10k to 50k. http://regis.edu/CPS/Academics/Degrees-and-Programs/Undergra...
Re:Announcing Online MS in Computer Science in Collaboration... by karpodiem on Wednesday May 15, 2013 @11:49PM (#5716799)
awesome find, thank you! Yes, it's a bit pricey but...I expected that. I think $15-20K is reasonable, provided students receive instructor support.
Re:Announcing Online MS in Computer Science in Collaboration... by voidlogic on Tuesday May 14, 2013 @11:09PM (#5709939)
I would worry about the legitimacy of any MS in CS program that did not make someone without a CS undergrad degree take significant remedial coursework.
Re:Announcing Online MS in Computer Science in Collaboration... by michaelrbock on Wednesday May 15, 2013 @02:06AM (#5710450)
"Formal admission into the OMS CS program will require a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from an accredited institution, or a related Bachelor of Science degree with a possible need to take and pass remedial courses." -- http://www.omscs.gatech.edu/faq/
Re:Announcing Online MS in Computer Science in Collaboration... by laughfactory on Tuesday May 14, 2013 @11:23PM (#5709983)
In my experience, at least with average state schools, their MS in CS curriculum is--to a degree--a rehash of their undergraduate curriculum. Often times they'll just assign more work, or slightly harder work. I'm sure it depends on the program, but many programs seem to assume that even if a candidate comes into the program with a BS in CS, they'll have to have their memory "refreshed" to a significant degree.

Also, there is an element of selection bias. Those who are likely to apply to an MS in Computer Science self-select according to their perception of the requirements of those programs. This enables programs to capture those without a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science but who still have the level of motivation, acumen, and interest necessary to succeed in an MS program in Computer Science.

Re:Announcing Online MS in Computer Science in Collaboration... by voidlogic on Wednesday May 15, 2013 @12:17AM (#5710139)
That is interesting- My masters program in Software Engineering was not like this. I remember a guy with an electrical engineering BS complaining he had like 16-18 remedial C-S credits to take before he could enter the MSE program.
Re:Announcing Online MS in Computer Science in Collaboration... by pflats on Wednesday May 15, 2013 @06:55PM (#5715641)
Having never done an MS in CS...

So long as they know the fundamentals of programming (through, say, the equivalent a Data Structures class) I think a mathematician could take a go at it without much issue. An EE probably wouldn't have too much trouble either.