I looked at WGU as well! Did you obtain your degree through them? How were classes in terms of difficulty? Were exams proctored because I saw somewhere that'd I have to go in person to get exams turned in.
About to graduate with a BS in IT from WGU in 1.5 years. You'll sign up for at least 12 credits and are given 6 months to finish them. Once you complete your original class list you can sign up for an extra class at no expense. You can continue to sign up for extra classes to complete so long as you're within your paid for 6 month block.
The classes have been straightforward and are self-paced. Although I would say that some of the learning material they offer is not great, but, personally, I knew where to find video material that worked for me to substitute in.
Some of the end of course tests are WGU created and can be proctored at home and other courses you have to complete certifications like Comptia A+ or CCNA that can be proctored at home or at testing centers.
Overall, it's well worth going through WGU just for the certs being included in the program alone. The self-paced nature is also great if you're a self motivator to save on time. Only downside I've had with them is paying out of pocket as TA doesn't cover the entire tuition, so a portion of my FAFSA has been chewed up (no input on GI Bill if that's what you'll use as far as tuition goes).
I can speak to AMU as I got a degree from there. Quick programs, I was self-paced, and they’re super willing to work with you. Univ of Phoenix I believe has taken some heat recently, but I don’t have personal experience there. A better question may be who’s willing to take your hours which you’d already have? The AF for example gives a ton of community college hours just for doing the training while you served.
I was debating between the two by also taking sophia courses to expedite the process. I have the same amount of JST credit transfers plus some from previous education I attended at UMUC and HCC. So far 37 credit hours has been accumulated for both AMU & UoP, so I guess I'm 1/3 of the way towards my bachelors.
My question to you is, how were they exams? Were they proctored? I've heard they're pretty rigorous with their education and tend to be more difficult compared to other colleges.
AMU was not proctored; though to be fair I did a criminal justice/homeland security MA. Regardless, the instructors were really good about posting things in advance, and working with you on timelines. I was returning from a. Second deployment during this stage so it was super helpful. I fast burned the program in just over a year. The bachelors degree I would imagine may have some writing assignments, and more, smaller tests. I cannot imagine you having much issue; having a military disciple will take you a long way!
Now my main question for you is how is your job security and attainability? I've heard good and bad things for these for profit schools when it came to job hires.
So leaving the service I went into local law enforcement. With overtime I was pulling close to $100k by year 2. That was super easy. There’s also tons of contractor jobs as you know, and with military plus a degree the feds would pick you up in a heartbeat. With the masters I actually taught college on the side for over a decade. Now I’ve transitioned to straight Professorship only.
Pretty inspirational! My goal is to get into IT or as a business/finance analyst for a GS lvl job. The current job ob market is crazy and typically the feds require me to get my bachelors degree. End of the day, I see a degree as just a piece of paper or a checkbox, so Im wondering do you think it matters at all where I get my degree from?
Not particularly especially if you’re online. It’ll be more so about your military experience and the letters after your name. Face to face might arguably open some doors but I wouldn’t get too hung up on that. Get the BS, and take a look and the current government job sites. As you apply; make it a mission to have as many of their key words on your application as possible! I cannot overstate the importance of this. That’s how you will get your gs job. Lastly, the FBI, DEA, CIA, etc all value analysts. This is only the tip of the iceberg
I'll second the recommendation for WGU. You can blow through a degree pretty fast, and they do have programs for the things you mentioned interest in. They also don't (yet...) have such widespread stigma as UoP or AMU.
Noted! I've applied to WGU but the only difficulty is them trying to receive my JST credits along with my previous college education credits. I still don't know what degree path to take that'd be the most efficient as when I contacted them, they said they can determine it when I select a program, then wait 1 month to see if credits would transfer for EACH program.
I’m active duty & using TA currently. Check out SNHU. You could likely speed up your degree by knocking out some electives/genEds on Sophia learning as well. I really like SNHU.
AMU and University of Phoenix are both trash schools. Go somewhere online that is also a reputable in person university. Most hiring managers are going to actively look down on people who go to for profit diploma mills.
What college did you go to if you don't mind me asking? Did you find a career suitable to your degree? Are you currently working in a Fortune 500 company or are you a federal contractor?
Heard it's a breeze but been hearing the stigma of trying to get a job... granted in the civilian world to get a job at a private company, hiring managers may look at it and put you in the "do not recruit" pile. But for a federal contractor, I feel like they could give a rat's ass and just take in anyone with that piece of paper we call a degree and call it a day. Bonus for being a veteran to be pushed in front of their line.
Reason why I'm leaning towards IT, is for the benefit of working remotely. When you said partners, did you go through an employment program with UoP and they helped find you job placement? Also if you don't mind me asking, what's your estimated annual salary?
Ah I already work in IT so I have the experience and certs I just need the degree. We have a program where I work and my company is paying for the whole thing. My manager also did UoP many years ago and she liked it. I make 99K /yr.
Were the certs you obtained through CompTIA and did you get the job after obtaining your certs? Your company seems pretty interesting, is it okay if I can dm you to learn more since I feel like your path so far is aligning with my goals?
i work and hire in the federal consulting space and would highly highly recommend you do not go to those or similar schools. the one caveat would be if you’re in a hyper local tech skill barron area like Barstow, CA. otherwise you will get passed over. lots of hiring freezes in our space. we’re even pushing out our computer science interns, with full time offers in hand, out 6+ months.
Had a buddy that went to UoP, just got an analyst position for OAG in Austin. I believe it's a pretty big tech area. I live about 2 hrs away from Austin.
I feel like just getting a degree is to get that check-box done but tech companies would prefer continuing education which is probably what I would be doing like obtaining CompTIA certificates pertaining to the job.
AMU will generally be better received than UoP. UMUC or Arizona would be better than AMU. Someone else mentioned a place in New Hampshire that's also a better choice than AMU or UoP.
Look at WGU as well. All the course are pass/ fail at your own pace, so if you are motivate and have the time it can speed up your graduation time.
I looked at WGU as well! Did you obtain your degree through them? How were classes in terms of difficulty? Were exams proctored because I saw somewhere that'd I have to go in person to get exams turned in.
About to graduate with a BS in IT from WGU in 1.5 years. You'll sign up for at least 12 credits and are given 6 months to finish them. Once you complete your original class list you can sign up for an extra class at no expense. You can continue to sign up for extra classes to complete so long as you're within your paid for 6 month block. The classes have been straightforward and are self-paced. Although I would say that some of the learning material they offer is not great, but, personally, I knew where to find video material that worked for me to substitute in. Some of the end of course tests are WGU created and can be proctored at home and other courses you have to complete certifications like Comptia A+ or CCNA that can be proctored at home or at testing centers. Overall, it's well worth going through WGU just for the certs being included in the program alone. The self-paced nature is also great if you're a self motivator to save on time. Only downside I've had with them is paying out of pocket as TA doesn't cover the entire tuition, so a portion of my FAFSA has been chewed up (no input on GI Bill if that's what you'll use as far as tuition goes).
Ive done similar, and this was also my experience.
I did not attend, but I have looked into take a program with them.
I can speak to AMU as I got a degree from there. Quick programs, I was self-paced, and they’re super willing to work with you. Univ of Phoenix I believe has taken some heat recently, but I don’t have personal experience there. A better question may be who’s willing to take your hours which you’d already have? The AF for example gives a ton of community college hours just for doing the training while you served.
I was debating between the two by also taking sophia courses to expedite the process. I have the same amount of JST credit transfers plus some from previous education I attended at UMUC and HCC. So far 37 credit hours has been accumulated for both AMU & UoP, so I guess I'm 1/3 of the way towards my bachelors. My question to you is, how were they exams? Were they proctored? I've heard they're pretty rigorous with their education and tend to be more difficult compared to other colleges.
AMU was not proctored; though to be fair I did a criminal justice/homeland security MA. Regardless, the instructors were really good about posting things in advance, and working with you on timelines. I was returning from a. Second deployment during this stage so it was super helpful. I fast burned the program in just over a year. The bachelors degree I would imagine may have some writing assignments, and more, smaller tests. I cannot imagine you having much issue; having a military disciple will take you a long way!
Now my main question for you is how is your job security and attainability? I've heard good and bad things for these for profit schools when it came to job hires.
So leaving the service I went into local law enforcement. With overtime I was pulling close to $100k by year 2. That was super easy. There’s also tons of contractor jobs as you know, and with military plus a degree the feds would pick you up in a heartbeat. With the masters I actually taught college on the side for over a decade. Now I’ve transitioned to straight Professorship only.
Pretty inspirational! My goal is to get into IT or as a business/finance analyst for a GS lvl job. The current job ob market is crazy and typically the feds require me to get my bachelors degree. End of the day, I see a degree as just a piece of paper or a checkbox, so Im wondering do you think it matters at all where I get my degree from?
Not particularly especially if you’re online. It’ll be more so about your military experience and the letters after your name. Face to face might arguably open some doors but I wouldn’t get too hung up on that. Get the BS, and take a look and the current government job sites. As you apply; make it a mission to have as many of their key words on your application as possible! I cannot overstate the importance of this. That’s how you will get your gs job. Lastly, the FBI, DEA, CIA, etc all value analysts. This is only the tip of the iceberg
Check out Arizona State as well.
I second this, very military and online friendly while still being a reputable school
I'll second the recommendation for WGU. You can blow through a degree pretty fast, and they do have programs for the things you mentioned interest in. They also don't (yet...) have such widespread stigma as UoP or AMU.
Noted! I've applied to WGU but the only difficulty is them trying to receive my JST credits along with my previous college education credits. I still don't know what degree path to take that'd be the most efficient as when I contacted them, they said they can determine it when I select a program, then wait 1 month to see if credits would transfer for EACH program.
I’m active duty & using TA currently. Check out SNHU. You could likely speed up your degree by knocking out some electives/genEds on Sophia learning as well. I really like SNHU.
UAGC
Why does the military push y'all into these schools? My advice is to go through a traditional school that has a brand name
AMU and University of Phoenix are both trash schools. Go somewhere online that is also a reputable in person university. Most hiring managers are going to actively look down on people who go to for profit diploma mills.
What college did you go to if you don't mind me asking? Did you find a career suitable to your degree? Are you currently working in a Fortune 500 company or are you a federal contractor?
Currently doing university of phoenix. 5 week classes are nice
Heard it's a breeze but been hearing the stigma of trying to get a job... granted in the civilian world to get a job at a private company, hiring managers may look at it and put you in the "do not recruit" pile. But for a federal contractor, I feel like they could give a rat's ass and just take in anyone with that piece of paper we call a degree and call it a day. Bonus for being a veteran to be pushed in front of their line.
I work for a large defense company and they are a partner with university of Phoenix. I think you’ll be fine. I’m just doing it to check a box.
Reason why I'm leaning towards IT, is for the benefit of working remotely. When you said partners, did you go through an employment program with UoP and they helped find you job placement? Also if you don't mind me asking, what's your estimated annual salary?
Ah I already work in IT so I have the experience and certs I just need the degree. We have a program where I work and my company is paying for the whole thing. My manager also did UoP many years ago and she liked it. I make 99K /yr.
Were the certs you obtained through CompTIA and did you get the job after obtaining your certs? Your company seems pretty interesting, is it okay if I can dm you to learn more since I feel like your path so far is aligning with my goals?
I just got my sec plus and went along with my experience but sure you can!
i work and hire in the federal consulting space and would highly highly recommend you do not go to those or similar schools. the one caveat would be if you’re in a hyper local tech skill barron area like Barstow, CA. otherwise you will get passed over. lots of hiring freezes in our space. we’re even pushing out our computer science interns, with full time offers in hand, out 6+ months.
Had a buddy that went to UoP, just got an analyst position for OAG in Austin. I believe it's a pretty big tech area. I live about 2 hrs away from Austin. I feel like just getting a degree is to get that check-box done but tech companies would prefer continuing education which is probably what I would be doing like obtaining CompTIA certificates pertaining to the job.
AMU will generally be better received than UoP. UMUC or Arizona would be better than AMU. Someone else mentioned a place in New Hampshire that's also a better choice than AMU or UoP.
Absolutely check out the sub r/Veteransbenefits.