So its that time of the year again. The get back to school bug has awakened. Been trying hard to get back to school and finish what i started (somewhat) eight years ago
So i’m trying to get atleast a bachelors in Management Information Sciences / Systems or any kind of Information Sciences Systems. Now things do get a bit complicated when you’re working full time. I am looking for places that offer such a degree but is flexible enough to accomodate someone working full time, i.e. offer evening classes, distance studies etc.
There are the usual universities and then all the local colleges. While i research them all, it would be nice to hear from any experienced voices too.
Cheegum!
I am in the same shoes, want to have at least a Bachelor in Computer Science, I have been working in this field for so long, that I wanted to study further! Things just got dry without any improvements in work or mind!
So here is what I did or am doing as u are asking for personal experiences.
I need something thats flexible, I work part time, have a kid, a complete household and other duties, plus my social life, u got the picture.. right!
So sending my daugther to some babysitter or grandparents while I go to study during evening at a local college was out of the question. Someone told me of *online *course in the UK! I have started it u need to do 6 assignments and a test in a year its for 2 years with summer school twice for one week each, that mean u have to travel to UK once a year, which is reasonable.
I am able to do my work/assignment anytime I want, especially when the kiddo is asleep, as she doesnt leave a single/pen in my hands!
Let me know if you need more info about the course, its computer science related. The knowledge I am getting is great, plus they guide u very nicely and answer ur every questions. So its not only a money maker course for the institute. Plus its a very known and recongized university, too bad the very reasonable rates are only for EU citizens.
ps. You can even do your assignment/study during your 12 o' clock snack time. :)
hey Cheegs...
almost all Universities offer part-time undergrad programs with many evening classes. However, there may still be some courses that are only offered during the day time. In addition to trying to find a flexible program that suits you, you also need to get your employer's support in helping you pursue your studies. Lest be said, of course you'd have to create a business case for it and assert that your studies will not impinge upon your work. Who knows... if you're lucky, the employer may even pitch in with the tuition.
Coming to specific programs in the GTA, the best model I've seen for part-time undergraduate program is at York's Atkinson Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies. From what I read last year while I was doing some research on schools, their part time student contingent is almost 75% and hence most of the courses they offer are either in the evenings or late afternoons. They do offer a Bachelors in IT with concentrations in E-Commerce, Systems Analysis, and IT Auditing.
Lastly, you need to narrow down your scope and decide between Info Sci or Info Tech. They are vastly different areas of study with some areas of overlap...
Info Sci is primarily concerned with topics around data modelling, information architecture, information retrieval, content management, and user centered design of information technologies. So all in all, while technologies are going to be at the core of the program, you're going to be looking at the development of these technologies in line with various information science theories.
On the other hand, Info Tech is mainly about the application and use of IT by individuals and organizations. So you end up learning more about implementation and use rather than the development of techs. Topics would include Sys Analysis, ERP Systems, Networks Mgmt., DB Design, BPM, UI Design etc.
From what I know of your background, you're perhaps better suited to a program in Info Tech or Business Informatics (application of IT to business contexts).
