Maximum PC

I have read many of the forums and I know it isn't looked upon highly to get an online IT degree without already having experience and hands on time. I am currently in the military and have been since I got out of high school. I love working with computers however I have been stationed at locations with no local colleges that offer any computer related courses. This leaves me with online college as the only choice I have. I am hoping some of you have some recommendations for online colleges. I was getting ready to start ITT Tech this March with a Bachelor degree in Information Security and an Associate's degree in Computer Forensics. I have seen a lot of people slamming ITT so if anyone has any suggestions please share them with me. Thanks for any help!

The Military should be of great assistance. They should be able to give you training in something like computers. I'd talk to your superiors about it.

As for online degrees, I can't imagine it giving an equal or better learning experience than in a real classroom with real equipment, and a real professor.

ITT gets slammed on because it's not really a college. Their credits don't transfer to any other school, and their campus' are very hit and miss when it comes to quality professors. Most IT managers frown upon those types of schools that say things like "Get your Masters Degree in only 18 months). A Masters degree, full-time, year-round would take you at least 4.5 years to obtain. ITT is one of those schools that's a glorified adult school. They're intended to give you enough training to remotely start the job. They just train you in fancier jobs. Adult schools will train for nursing, basic construction, secretarial positions, etc, etc. ITT gives you the same caliber training, except in "cooler" jobs like Informational Systems Analyst of Crime Scene Invesigator. The entire curriculum is designed to teach you slightly more than the basics as fast as they can. This sounds good at first. Like they want to get you out into the work. The truth is, that's just how they work. They don't want to get you out into the job. They just don't teach you all you need to know.

The other con against a school like ITT is that they only teach you classes towards your career choice. Wanna be a Network Analayst? Here's the classes, and that's the only thing you'll be taking. Again, sounds good right? Wrong. You might wonder how that 3rd year of Composition is gonna help you troubleshoot networks, right? It won't exactly. But when you have to keep up on documentation, it makes the difference. A traditional degree from a real school more than likely will show that you're more well rounded, and more mature. It also shows that you didn't just take the easy route, and that you know more than your field of study. This will impress employers, both current, and potential.

First, thank you for the response. The military offers online knowledge centers regarding various IT areas, however as far as hands-on training or even certifications, if you are not in that career field (I unfortunately am not) you are not going to get that training.

I understand/agree with what you are saying about ITT and other degree mills like ITT, however I feel at this point I really do not have much choice. At 26 I feel like it is time to sh** or get off the pot. ITT may not be the right school, maybe University of Massachusetts is more respectable. Again I do understand there is no substitute from hands-on training - just not feasible to get that hands-on training until I am separated from the military (other than my own personal computers and equipment).

Do any of you that have been around a while and know what the market is looking for have any opinion on which online schools have a decent rep? UMass? Champlain? Both are regionally accredited schools. I read UMass is a great school on site, I am unsure about their online program. Do employers take into account that while I will not have that hands-on training, I still sacrificed virtually all of my time to go to college full time while in the military? As always any responses are appreciated.

Lastly, does anyone have thoughts on computer forensics certs/degrees. My current thought is to get an Information Security Systems degree with a Computer Forensics certificate. This seems like things you can learn online a lot more-so than building a computer/assembling a network. Would programming be a viable online degree (I understand two completely different worlds)? I have a ton more questions but I think I have made this long enough. Thank you in advance to any who respond.

You just need appointment orders for most of the training after AIT. I know Information Technology Specialist (25B) that are worthless & Human Resources Specialist (42A) that seem to know too much for their own good. Commanders know it and they're the ones that sign appointment orders. You might not be in a situation that allows you the chance but don't think it doesn't happen. I"ve seen good 25Bs end up being commanders drivers and shitty/lazy ones doing paperwork and/or forced to work on the night shift.

Online isn't your only option right now & neither is college. Experience/hands on, certifications and degrees are all important. Either one could make or break your chances of getting a job... depending on the employer, type of job and your competition. Books and certs like A+, N+ & Security+ will do a lot of good. The market is looking for everything. Those basic certs will help you find out what you enjoy doing too. Its true that Server admins, Web page designers, Network admins and Database admins all need different & specific training but basic certifications help all of them... especially when they have no prior experience or training.

Don't forget the power of networking while you're in the military either. Knowing the right people/person can guarantee you a federal job or even a nice contractor position. They can send you to the schools you need and couldn't attend before.

http://www.umuc.edu/index.shtml

University of Maryland University College

an example of a real college with online classes. Caters to working adults. You can earn your entire degree online.

Queen makes a great point. We tend to dismiss online education and, in 90% of cases, we do so for good reason.

However, there are accredited colleges and universities that offer online courses in addition to their regular courses. The key is to do research and ensure that you're going to get your money's worth.

Many accredited institutions offer distance learning/correspondence courses. I've always found online courses more difficult than traditional classroom courses. I'm taking Web Design I online now. I have learned more from w3schools.com than CTC can offer.

The military tries to make things easy for service members & they spend a ton of money on education. I know the Active Army gives away $4500 in TA every year. Its nice of them to let young soldiers save their GI Bill for after they separate. The new GI bill is great if you plan on separating. Education centers and consolers are great resources for people in the service too. I like how the Army has 1 websitefor all my education needs. I bet other services have similar sites.

UMUC & CTC have a huge presence on all of the military installations that I have been too. They offer a ton of online courses and a lot of traditional courses too... even in the Middle East. However, I always approach companies that have a large presence/influence on military installations with caution. I'm not a big fan of the education consolers or college reps either. Notice the difference between http://www.umuc.edu/ & http://www.umd.edu/. A lot of people don't know there's a difference.

I forgot to mention CLEP test before. I bet you can take all 34 exams for free. Ensure your college accepts them & that they will count towards whatever degree you choose. You should start with some basic certs like A+ and Security+ so you will know more about what your getting yourself into. I'm not sure how much time in service you have left but you could always try to change jobs too. The GWOT has put a nice strain on all branches of the Military & career fields so you shouldn't have much trouble making the switch.

Thanks a lot for the replies and suggestions. I just took a course on Computer Forensics which was awesome. I'm going to use the advice and get as many certs as I can. I've applied to UMUC and UMASS online so hopefully I can get in and get started with those classes. They seemed to be two reputable schools. Thanks for the advice!