Well, I am officially a student once again. It came down to the very last last minute. After spending several this morning filling out paperwork, I’m all signed up to begin class on Monday. Yes, this coming Monday.
The program at Fountainhead College of Technology (formerly Tennessee Institute of Electronics) is 4 semesters, or 16 months. By August 18, 2011 I’ll have an Associate of Occupational Science in Computer Programming. 16 months after that (somewhere near the end August 2012), I’ll have a Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Technology: Application Development.
They’ve given me credit for my CompTIA A+ certification and some credits that transferred from my time at ITT. I really wish they had given me “work experience” credits considering the first 2 semesters cover everything I do for a living (PHP, HTML, Javascript, SQL, CSS, etc.). Heck, my job title is “Application Systems Engineer, Level 3″. Oh well, those classes will at least be an easy “A”, which should help me pad my GPA.
I did find it odd that the programming degree, in an online program nonetheless, does the CompTIA A+ stuff – 7 credit hours. Thankfully, I don’t have to take it thanks to my 1999 certification. I’m reminded of a quote that I think applies to the program, “beware of programmers that carry screwdrivers.”
So now I’m further in debt with student loans and will be shelling out several hundred bucks a month to cover the rest of the cost. I really hope that piece of paper at the end is worth all the trouble. Guess I need to hold off on canceling that 2nd job just a bit longer. *grumble*