Hey DegreeForum Community,

I'm navigating a career pivot after 20 years in software engineering, spurred by my company's recent closure. With a passion for the beauty of algorithms and an interest in Data/Financial Analysis and machine learning, combined with a dislike for web/application development, I'm plotting my next moves and could use your advice.

Here's where I stand:

Immediate Skill Enhancement: I'm eyeing courses in Data Analytics and Machine Learning on platforms like edX and Coursera to gear up for immediate job opportunities in these areas. I'd like to pursue something that I can transfer as credits to a degree. Any suggestions? I'm looking for something that is self-paced so that I can complete it quickly.

Accelerated Bachelor's: My aim is a bachelor's degree in IT or CS, obtained as swiftly as possible, with a budget of about $7k. This is mainly to meet job market requirements - it opens doors to help me find another job in 3 months from now.  I have a year of community college from Seneca College (now transferred to TESU), and an Enterprise Application Developer diploma from TriOS College in Kitchener, ON. TESU or WGU seems like fitting choices for this venture, given their flexibility and my past experience with fast-paced learning. Timeline is about 3 months

Long-Term Academic Pursuit: I'm considering a more deliberate approach for a Data Analyst bachelor's, with a side of Math associate degree, setting aside a budget of around $10k. This path is aimed at preparing me for advanced studies and a deep dive into the math behind machine learning and neural networks. I'll take my time on the math to truly comprehend the material and concepts. Timeline is about 12-18 months.

I'd appreciate insights on:

- Fast-tracking the bachelor's. Where should I get this and what degree do I pursue? As long as its CS/IT related, that's all I care.
- Balancing short-term upskilling with long-term academic goals within my budget constraints. Perhaps I fast-track one Data Analysts degree but then take my time to get a math associates degree and then work on my masters.
- Experiences with TESU, WGU, or similar institutions for someone in my shoes.

Quick Snapshot:

Location: Ontario, Canada
Age: 40
Desired Degree: Data Analyst
Education Background: 1 year of community college at Seneca College (transferred to TESU), Enterprise Application Developer diploma from TriOS College.
Budget: $7k for path #2, $10k for path #3.
Credit Details:

Sencea College Total Credits: 8 (all transferred to TESU 2 years ago)

Introduction to Computers, COS-101, 3 Credits
Operating Sys Windows, SES-177, 3 Credits
Intro to Database Design and S, CIS-210, 3 Credits
Internet I Fundamentals, CAP-140, 3 Credits
Applied Professional Comm, COM-293, 3 Credits
Intro to Programming Using C, COS-213, 3 Credits
Operating Sys Unix, COS-283, 3 Credits
Lyrics and Songwriting, MUS-171, 3 Credits

Current ACE, CLEP, or NCCRS Credits: 9 (not transferred yet)

Ancient Greek Philosophy, 3 Credits
Introduction to Ethics, 3 Credits
Introduction to Sociology, 3 Credits

Note, I was able to complete the Sophia courses in 4 days. I don't say that to boast, but to encourage others to start off with Sophia.

Eager to hear your thoughts and recommendations. Thanks in advance for your support!

Thanks in advance,

Mike

My name is Tural Hasanov, this's my first thread and I'd like to share a brief overview of my background:

- Location: Baku, Azerbaijan
- Age: 22
- Education: 
  - Bachelor's Degree in Arabic Translation from Baku State University (BSU)
  - Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Business Innovation and Sustainability (UBIS) in Geneva (Haven't finished)
  - Academic Achievements: Consistently achieved grades of A+ or higher (96% and above)
- Languages: Fluent in Arabic (C1), Russian (C2), English (C2), Turkish (C2), and intermediate proficiency in Farsi (B1)
- Certifications: I possess a range of certificates that bolster my expertise in languages and business experience.
- Military Experience: None to date.

Career Aspirations:

As I contemplate the next steps in my academic and professional journey, I find myself at a crossroads. My current qualifications in translation and business administration have provided me with a solid foundation, yet I'm exploring the possibility of further diversifying my skill set.

Considering a Second Degree:

I'm debating between pursuing a second bachelor's or master's degree in either finance or law. Finance appeals to me because of my existing knowledge base and I'm particularly intrigued by the prospect of preparing for the F5 exam. However, I question whether this path might overlap significantly with my MBA studies.

Alternatively, law presents an exciting avenue, especially in the realm of international law. This field could offer me the flexibility to work across different countries, despite the variations in legal systems. My proficiency in multiple languages and willingness to learn new legal frameworks positions me well for this challenge.

Seeking Guidance:

At this juncture, I'm seeking advice on which direction to pursue. The decision between finance and international law is quiet difficult, compounded by my desire to relocate from Azerbaijan. I'm keen on understanding which path could best leverage my existing skills and offer opportunities for growth and global mobility.

Interesting enough, her younger sister has the same IQ, they've got a younger brother as well who is pretty smart as it seems he's excelling in the same fashion... I wonder how they 'got' there and if there are educational institutions that would accept them into early university or something like that...

Link: Teen with Einstein's IQ taking 28 A-levels wants more support for gifted pupils (msn.com)

Link: Student, 17, with a higher IQ than Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking who is taking 28 A-Levels calls for more support for gifted pupils as she admits teachers struggle to keep up with her (msn.com)

Atlantic Technological University from Ireland offers some interesting online Master degree. I am pretty impress with the Master of Engineering in Connected and Autonomous Vehicles.

https://www.atu.ie/courses?programme_typ...ramme_full=

Prices are from Euro9000+. Some courses appear to require on-site attendance.

Some online degree listed are in:
Biopharmaceutical Processing
Biopharmaceutical Science
Computing (Data Science)
Connected and Autonomous Vehicles
Environmental Health and Safety Management
Environmental Protection
Geotechnical / Structural Engineering
Health Promotion Practice
Industrial Pharmaceutical Science
Professional Leadership
Public Health Nutrition
Quality
Road and Transport Engineering
Sports and Exercise Nutrition
Strategy, Enterprise & Innovation
UX Design & Applied Innovation
Water Services Management

Atlantic Technological University from Ireland offers a pretty long list of online bachelor's degrees, ranging from Business to Bio pharmaceutical Science to Engineering.

Prices range from Euro 3800 to 9000. Some courses appear to require on-site attendance.

Some online degree listed are in:
Hospitality Management
Business
Biopharmaceutical Science
Computer Networks and Cloud Infrastructure
Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Construction Management
Bachelor of Science
Data Centre Facilities Engineering
Electronic & Computer Engineering
Management Applications
Manufacturing Management
Mechatronics
Polymer Processing
Pharmaceutical Science
Quality Management and Technology
Quantity Surveying
Software Development


https://www.atu.ie/courses?programme_typ...ramme_full=

Hey everyone,

I'm getting more and more interested in (Purdue Global) PUG bachelor then PUG master perhaps, but other than the posted degree plans, is there another way to find X to PUG transfer credits such as Sophia to PUG or study.com to PUG? Or are these found by asking one at a time or something?


Thank you for reading my post!

Housecat 

Hello everyone,

I've been reading through this forum for a while and have been following the wiki on the classes i need to take at Sophia in order to transfer to Pierpont. I'm just a little confused at the moment, I think I can apply now; but I feel like I'm missing something. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Your Location: NY, USA
Your Age: 20
What kind of degree do you want?: Associates I'm also thinking about UMPI or a state college after the Pierpont degree
Any certifications or military experience? No
Total number of credits: 87

Current Regional Accredited Credits: ASU Arizona State University Universal Learner  
CIS-194 Technical Support Fundamentals 1

Current ACE, CLEP, or NCCRS Credits: Sophia 43 credits

Visual communication 3
Statistics 3
Environmental science 3
Intro to sociology 3
Intro to info tech 3
Introduction to Web Development 3
Ancient Greek Philosophers  3
Introduction to Ethics -  3
Art History I -  3
Art History II- 3
Macroeconomics -  3
Microeconomics -  3
US History II -  3
The Essentials of Managing Conflict 1
College Readiness 3

Current ACE, CLEP, or NCCRS Credits: Coursera 43 credits

Google IT Professional Certificate 12
Google Data Analyst Certificate 12
Google Cybersecurity Analyst Certificate 0
Google UX Design Professional Certificate 10
Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Professional Certificate 9

Budget: Tight budget, the least amount spent the better
Commitments: None really, I help out with my little sister sometimes
Dedicated time to study: My schedule is pretty much open right now
Timeline: I would like to finish this as quickly as possible 
Tuition assistance/reimbursement: None

Hello Everyone, this is a very helpful forum with some great people providing invaluable advice. I plan to share my journey as well to help others. Looking for the most efficient way to complete the degree listed below. Feel free to email or PM if you like. Thank you!


Your Location: Nova Scotia, Canada

Your Age: 38

What kind of degree do you want?: UMPI BABA Management & Leadership Degree (open to other suggestions), then MAOL Degree

Current Regional Accredited Credits: 

Sheridan College, Brampton, Ontario, Canada

ECON 15269G Micro Economics, 3.00, B
HRMT 16127 Human Resource Mgmt. 1, 3.00, A+
MKTG 19439 Marketing 1, 3.00, B+ 
FINA 11079 Finance, 3.00, B 
LAWS 70001 Law for Business Managers, 3.00, B+ 
MATH 16269 Business Mathematics 1, 3.00, C 
ECOM 15616 Introduction to E-commerce, 3.00, B 
MKTG 31445 Supply Chain Management, 3.00, A+ 
COMM 12423 Business Communication, 3.00, A 
COMM 28883 Reports and Presentations, 3.00, B+ 
OMDP 70024 Dealing with Difficult People, 2.00, A

Seneca College, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

BES 700 Building Systems: Overview, 3.00, A+ (https://apps.senecapolytechnic.ca/ssos/f...current/ce)
BES 710 Energy Efficiency - Large Buildings, 3.00, A (https://apps.senecapolytechnic.ca/ssos/f...current/ce)

York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

SOSC 1910 Third World Countries and Underdevelopment, 6.00, C+


Current ACE, CLEP, or NCCRS Credits:

Sophia

Introduction to Ethics, 3.00
Project Management, 3.00
Visual Communications, 3.00

Any certifications or military experience?

Canadian Certified Psychological Health and Safety Advisor, Canadian Mental Health Association
Aquaculture Fundamentals Certificate, Fleming College (I have been asking the institution if I gained any credit for this, it was a work related professional Development course, but they are not responding). 

Other Information

Budget: I have $8K CAD saved up for this. I'd like to go the cheapest route possible, but will consider spending more for easy and fast.  

Commitments: I have an extremely demanding job with 2 hour commute per day, and a high maintenance home. Other than that, kids, spouse, pets, chores, errands, exercising etc. 

Personal Limitations: I have major anxiety/depression and trouble concentrating and retaining information, trying to keep a regular exercise, diet and sleep routine. I am typically back home by 6:30pm on average, and go to bed by 10pm. 

Dedicated time to study: I only really have about 1 to 2 hours in the evenings, and can do 6 to 8 hours on weekends, but would like time to do some hobbies, socialize etc for my mental health. 

Timeline: Finishing the courses required for the degree as fast as possible would be ideal.  I would like to finish within 1 year, then start the MAOL program. I would like to find a job with regular hours. I work in Operations Management currently in Facility Management with experience in Logistics. 

Tuition assistance/reimbursement: N/A

Hi, I will be taking this course soon. Can anyone tell me what programming language(s) are used in this course or what languages we are required to learn?