Looking at getting my BS Degree

[d4mo]

I currently have an AAS in Computer Networking. I have a decent job now, but in the future I would like to get into management or just higher level positions and I feel like I should get my BS now while I am young.

The "sister" university to where I got my AAS offers a course where all of my credits transfer and I can get a bachelors in "Operations Managment" in 2 years or less with summer school.

The only thing is I'm not sure how good the degree will be. It almost sounds as if it's more catered to manufacturing/industrial jobs. It's not just computer people that can go into this, engineering, electric even automotive can go into it.

Here is the course listing:

TECH 380 Methods Improvement 3cr
TECH 485 Production and Inventory 3cr
TECH 394 Computer Applications 4cr
TECH 493 OS & H 3cr
*ACCT 230 Financial Accounting 3cr
MATH 234 Probability and Statistics 3cr
MATH 127 College Algebra 3cr
CHEM 150/L or CHEM 105w/L ONE ONLY 3cr
MNTC/Gen Ed 3cr MNTC/Gen Ed 3cr

Senior Year

TECH 383 Cost Analysis 3cr
TECH 385 Process Leadership 3cr
TECH 482 Quality Plan/Impl 3cr
TECH 428 Project Management 3cr
ECON 202 Principles of ECON 3cr
MGMT 360 Principles of Mgmt 3cr
*PHYS 160/L or CHEM 304 3cr
MNTC/Gen Ed 3cr
ENGL 387 Tech Rpt Wtg (WI) 3cr
MNTC/Gen Ed 3cr

How does that sound? Do companies care what your BS is in? Or are they going to pass up someone with a Operations Management degree? I more trying to plan for the future, and I don't want to hit a ceiling.

 

[unokitty]

Everyone has a different reason for wanting to further their education. And everyone is at a unique point in their career where a specific degree from a specific school may, or may not, make a difference. Consequently, my suggestion is that you carefully filter any advice that you receive.

Specifically, ask yourself the question "Will this degree, from this school, increase my chances of accomplishing my career goals?"

Since it seems that you already have a good 2 yr degree and you have already started on your career let me throw out a few thoughts for your consideration.

One
At some point in your career, you will probably be expected to have a 4 yr degree especially if you want to get into management. So, it is probably prudent to plan now on how you are going to get one.

Two
The gold standard in College and University accreditation is Regional Accreditation. It sounds like you are looking at Minnesota State University Moorhead. And while I am not personally familiar with that school, the Minnesota State System has a solid reputation.

Three
There is a difference between being 17 or 18 and heading off to school for the first time and being 30 and working full time. Programs that are ideal for the former group are probably not ideal for the latter...

Four
To complete you degree, likely it will require some flexibility from your current job. At a minimum, you should discuss your educational goals with your supervisor. Ideally, your employer would have an educational program to help you with your tuition costs. (Though, those programs are less common now than they used to be...)

Five
If the school you are looking at has a 2 + 2 program that dovetails with your current degree that is a major plus. If possible, you should locate and talk to other alums of your 2 yr school that have gone through that program.

Six
Don't wait to long. Life happens. A good education will require a substantial commitment on your part. For most people, it is easier to make that commitment when they are young.

Seven
In terms of career impact, most baccalaureate level education only counts if you complete the degree. Two years of upper level college will not have the same career impact as earning your bachelors degree. That is, it only counts if you graduate!

Its a lot to consider. But if your lifestyle would permit you to make the commitment, I would recommend that you do it.

Is the OM degree the ideal program for you? I can't say. But I can say that most likely it will matter a great deal whether you have a degree or not. Whether your degree is in OM, MIS, or whatever will likely matter less. (Unless, of course, you have a specific career path in mind that requires a specific degree.)

Best of luck,
Uno

 

[SandEagle]

why not a BS in Business Administration instead?

 

[thecrecarc]

why not a BS in Business Administration instead?

Transfer agreements in Minnesota makes choosing any degree a slightly different choice than what the OP wants. The OP is looking to transfer to a university with an articulation agreement with his prior college that facilitates a 2+2 degree, so he can actually graduate in 2 years. Moorhead State has those agreements with many colleges for its Operations Management degree.

Otherwise, simply transferring credits may extend his time in school a year or more beyond 2 years. If he is willing to go that route, I suggest looking into a computer or business degree from the UofM.

I am not sure where the OP graduated from, but I know that SMSU (Southwest Minnesota State University) has a 2+2 agreements with one or 2 community colleges for its CS degree.

 

[Puppies04]

I was under the impression you needed a degree in BS to post in AT:OT

 

[d4mo]

UnoKitty, thanks for the great post. I have thought of many of the things you posted, and it's great you posted them as it reaffirms why I want to do this. To answer a few of your questions:

The OM Degree is 2+2, and I can do do it online, which makes it WAY easier to fit into my current fulltime job.

The School has a good rep.
----


I looked at SMSU and they don't have an agreement with my school. I doesn't even look like it had CS in there 2+2.

Like I said, OM doesn't seem to be the best choice, but I don't have a ton of choices if I want me credits to transfer over and be able to take my classes online. I would like to avoid University of Phoenix and schools like that.

I just don't want to go and get this OM degree and apply for computer jobs or IT related jobs and have them look at that as think it is irrelevant and be no better of than just with my AAS. How does that course listing look to you guys?

 

[Paul98]

I would go in and talk to a counselor tell them what you want to do, what you have done. I would also talk to someone in your company to see what they look for in the sort of job you would like.

Since you are asking if you should do this while you are still young. I would say yes you should get a degree no matter what. Then you will have many more options for both employment and other schooling.

 

[unokitty]

Like I said, OM doesn't seem to be the best choice, but I don't have a ton of choices if I want me credits to transfer over and be able to take my classes online. I would like to avoid University of Phoenix and schools like that.

I just don't want to go and get this OM degree and apply for computer jobs or IT related jobs and have them look at that as think it is irrelevant and be no better of than just with my AAS. How does that course listing look to you guys?

A couple more thoughts.

One
There probably isn't one best degree for you. In general, my experience is that the best degree for any particular job is the one that your potential supervisor has earned. And, of course, that will vary with each job.

Two
I concur with avoiding the U of Phoenix or any other for profit online program. While, they can be useful in certain situations, it doesn't seem like you are in one of those situations.

Three
Its not clear to me what you mean by "computer jobs or IT related jobs." If you haven't already, it would probably be good for you to research what future jobs that you think that you would like. Then, go to a place like Monster.com or Dice.com and do a search on those job titles and see what they require...

Another alternative, if your 2 yr. school has a job placement service, you might talk with them.

Four
Probably a good idea to talk with the people in the OM program and see if you can find out what companies hire their graduates and what job titles they start with... (Note, not all schools will have that info. But it doesn't hurt to ask.)

Five
The fact that the school you're looking at has a 2+2 program is a huge advantage.

Six
If you can identify some companies that you might want to work for, it would be helpful if you could find a way to talk with them to find out what they are looking for...

Again, there likely isn't an ideal degree for you. But remember, degrees don't get jobs, people do.

Best of luck,
Uno

 

[Vdubchaos]

Working your way up OR getting company to pay for education is the best way to go.

Can you even afford to go to college or are you getting yourself into debt?

 

[d4mo]

I'm sorry I should have clarified better when I was talking about future jobs. I currently have a full time "tech support" position, at a decently large company. The prospects of moving up here aren't as good as I would like and I would likely have to work here along time to get anywhere lucrative.

Also I'm not sure how long I want to stay living in the area. So when I say future jobs or IT related, I just meant more like systems admin type positions, maybe managerial type positions.

I did talk to some managers here, and most said they don't care what the BS is in as long as you have a BS. I kind of found the same thing looking on monster. It just said BS or BA in related discipline. Which I would think would include a me as a double major Networking AAS and OM BS.


Also, yes I can afford it.

 

[Vdubchaos]

Also, yes I can afford it.

Great, go for it then.

PS. Don't expect moving up in ANY company fast. It takes time regardless if you have BS or Masters.....EVERYONE has to pay their dues, and many NEVER move up.

 

[unokitty]

I did talk to some managers here, and most said they don't care what the BS is in as long as you have a BS. I kind of found the same thing looking on monster. It just said BS or BA in related discipline. Which I would think would include a me as a double major Networking AAS and OM BS.

Looks like you've done your research and gotten your answer.

When I was a director, documented experience would have counted much, much more for a net admin job than most degrees.

On the other hand, most management jobs just require a bachelors degree, any degree.

From my perspective, tech support is something that is better to have done than to be doing. While I think that the experience will serve you well in the future, I wouldn't recommend that you attempt to make it a career.

I would recommend that you continue to research future jobs as you work through your bachelor's degree. Probably best to have it narrowed to a handful of companies and job titles a year before you graduate. And then spend your final year working on getting in with those companies.

Best of luck,
Uno

 

[jeffyb]

Are you still on here? I have the same AAS(at HTC) and plan on the same thing, wondering if you started at Minnesota state yet or not, kinda wanna know what it's like and all. Hit me up with a private message!

I currently have an AAS in Computer Networking. I have a decent job now, but in the future I would like to get into management or just higher level positions and I feel like I should get my BS now while I am young.

The "sister" university to where I got my AAS offers a course where all of my credits transfer and I can get a bachelors in "Operations Managment" in 2 years or less with summer school.

The only thing is I'm not sure how good the degree will be. It almost sounds as if it's more catered to manufacturing/industrial jobs. It's not just computer people that can go into this, engineering, electric even automotive can go into it.

Here is the course listing:

TECH 380 Methods Improvement 3cr
TECH 485 Production and Inventory 3cr
TECH 394 Computer Applications 4cr
TECH 493 OS & H 3cr
*ACCT 230 Financial Accounting 3cr
MATH 234 Probability and Statistics 3cr
MATH 127 College Algebra 3cr
CHEM 150/L or CHEM 105w/L ONE ONLY 3cr
MNTC/Gen Ed 3cr MNTC/Gen Ed 3cr

Senior Year

TECH 383 Cost Analysis 3cr
TECH 385 Process Leadership 3cr
TECH 482 Quality Plan/Impl 3cr
TECH 428 Project Management 3cr
ECON 202 Principles of ECON 3cr
MGMT 360 Principles of Mgmt 3cr
*PHYS 160/L or CHEM 304 3cr
MNTC/Gen Ed 3cr
ENGL 387 Tech Rpt Wtg (WI) 3cr
MNTC/Gen Ed 3cr

How does that sound? Do companies care what your BS is in? Or are they going to pass up someone with a Operations Management degree? I more trying to plan for the future, and I don't want to hit a ceiling.