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Best online colleges for computer science?

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Which online colleges are highly ranked for their computer science program?
If you attended an online college, was there a computer science program? What do you know about it?
Do you recommend taking classes online for computer science?

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Joanne’s Answer

I just finished my masters in information science / library information science from Drexel University.


Most online programs appear the same - they use software called 'blackboard' and the professor posts assignments/syllabus for class.


The quality of the class really depends on the professor teaching it. I had one professor using notes from 5 years ago (was easy to see because he didn't change the dates on the papers), whereas, other professors were easily accessible after hours (which is REALLY important in choosing an online program.)


Online programs require self-discipline. You have to commit to meeting the class' requirements by a certain date/time. Also, group projects via an online class is borderline horrific. The memories still make me cringe. You are challenged with folks with different priorities and time schedules - group classes, online = horrific.


Overall, the Drexel University experience was good. Technically, the software worked fine and most of the professors were accessible.


I hope this helps.
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David’s Answer

After a quick look around, it's clear that U.S. News & World Report ranks Stanford, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and University of California, Berkeley as top-notch colleges for computer science. Georgia Tech also shines brightly on the list, and I've heard nothing but good things about it. In fact, I've been so impressed that I've started my online masters in computer science there. I'm only a few semesters in, but so far, the instruction has been outstanding. I've been able to learn a great deal through collaboration with fellow students who are IT professionals from all corners of the globe. It's important to remember, though, that online courses can be a bit tough and they do call for a good deal of self-motivation.
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Ken’s Answer


It does not really matter where you go to school. The important things are getting to know yourself to know which area of computer science, which is very broad and has many applications, to choose (based on your personality traits), work hard to get the best grades, and do well at developing and maintaining interpersonal (vs computer based) networking contacts and support, which will benefit you throughout your education/career journey.


Getting to know yourself and how your personality traits relate to people involved in various career opportunities is very important in your decision making process. During my many years in Human Resources and College Recruiting, I ran across too many students who had skipped this very important step and ended up in a job situation which for which they were not well suited. Selecting a career area is like buying a pair of shoes. First you have to be properly fitted for the correct size, and then you need to try on and walk in the various shoe options to determine which is fits the best and is most comfortable for you to wear. Following are some important steps which I developed during my career which have been helpful to many .

Ken recommends the following next steps:

The first step is to take an interest and aptitude test and have it interpreted by your school counselor to see if you share the personality traits necessary to enter the field. You might want to do this again upon entry into college, as the interpretation might differ slightly due to the course offering of the school. However, do not wait until entering college, as the information from the test will help to determine the courses that you take in high school. Too many students, due to poor planning, end up paying for courses in college which they could have taken for free in high school.
Next, when you have the results of the testing, talk to the person at your high school and college who tracks and works with graduates to arrange to talk to, visit, and possibly shadow people doing what you think that you might want to do, so that you can get know what they are doing and how they got there. Here are some tips: ## http://www.wikihow.com/Network ## ## https://www.themuse.com/advice/nonawkward-ways-to-start-and-end-networking-conversations ## ## https://www.themuse.com/advice/4-questions-to-ask-your-network-besides-can-you-get-me-a-job?ref=carousel-slide-1 ##
Locate and attend meetings of professional associations to which people who are doing what you think that you want to do belong, so that you can get their advice. These associations may offer or know of intern, coop, shadowing, and scholarship opportunities. These associations are the means whereby the professionals keep abreast of their career area following college and advance in their career. You can locate them by asking your school academic advisor, favorite teachers, and the reference librarian at your local library. Here are some tips: ## https://www.careeronestop.org/BusinessCenter/Toolkit/find-professional-associations.aspx?&frd=true ## ## https://www.themuse.com/advice/9-tips-for-navigating-your-first-networking-event ##
It is very important to express your appreciation to those who help you along the way to be able to continue to receive helpful information and to create important networking contacts along the way. Here are some good tips: ## https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-informational-interview-thank-you-note-smart-people-know-to-send?ref=recently-published-2 ## ## https://www.themuse.com/advice/3-tips-for-writing-a-thank-you-note-thatll-make-you-look-like-the-best-candidate-alive?bsft_eid=7e230cba-a92f-4ec7-8ca3-2f50c8fc9c3c&bsft_pid=d08b95c2-bc8f-4eae-8618-d0826841a284&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily_20171020&utm_source=blueshift&utm_content=daily_20171020&bsft_clkid=edfe52ae-9e40-4d90-8e6a-e0bb76116570&bsft_uid=54658fa1-0090-41fd-b88c-20a86c513a6c&bsft_mid=214115cb-cca2-4aec-aa86-92a31d371185&bsft_pp=2 ##
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Daniel’s Answer

Georgia Tech, hands down, assuming we're talking online masters here. There's a lot of other good online master's programs though.


For undergrad I have no idea. Maybe Oregon or Florida?


Will echo what Joanne said above. It'll be challenging, and hinge a lot on (a) your own personal stake of time committed, and (b) luck of the draw on quality of individual professors. Of course you can eliminate some of (b) by doing research ahead of time, but sometimes there won't be as much choice.


Group online work in a professional environment is already challenging, even among highly paid and motivated professionals. In a class setting, it's a nightmare.
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