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Benjamin Gooch
20,367 PointsWhat school should I be looking into?
I am a US Army soldier in the Intel community. I like doing IT stuff on the side and am very interested in programming and design. I want to become an officer and one of the requirements is to have a degree, which I don't. I want to get a degree in computer programming or something similar but I don't really know what is out there. Can anyone suggest a good online school or maybe some night classes in Maryland? Also, what kind of classes should I be looking into taking?
Thanks, Ben Gooch
3 Answers
Marcus Tisäter
4,886 PointsI would say webdesign is much more easier then programming. Remember that programming can be very tricky so if you're not that much into study, I would say pick a course with webdesign. Take a look at some of the courses here at treehouse about HTML/CSS and see if its fun or not. But I mean its different for everyone, some love programming more then website development and some the opposite. Post some of you're favourite content here on Treehouse and we can get a more specify of what you would love to do. I would defently go with an online school/course If I were you.
That's just my opinion. I'm sure a lot of smart answers will be shown below here :)
Good luck with getting that degree and best of luck to become an officer!
Aimee Knight
9,701 PointsCheck out the University of Massachusetts at Lowell's online BSIT degree. I'm currently in the program and would highly recommend it as far as online programs go. It's important to note though, that school alone won't likely provide you with a job in development. Couple school with your own personal projects and internships and you should be in good shape.
Benjamin Gooch
20,367 PointsThank you, Aimee!
I'm actually less concerned with the job opportunities available to me from the degree. My main goal from getting it is to be able to commission as an Officer in the Army, which is a requirement to become one. I am, however, looking to do IT in my spare time for fun. I'd like to do little projects for my own needs and in spare time so I would like to learn programming.
Jason D'Angelo
6,592 PointsBenjamin, a little off topic but wanted to Thank you for your services. It because of service men and women that we have the freedom to enjoy learning and improving our lives.
Benjamin Gooch
20,367 PointsThanks, Jason, I really enjoy the Army and serving.
Benjamin Gooch
20,367 PointsBenjamin Gooch
20,367 PointsThanks, Marcus! I'm looking into UMUC and they offer a Computer Science course and Digital Media and Web Technology course. I am not sure which I would prefer, I am an artistically minded person. I play and write music, I used to do sketches and drawings when I was a kid, and I now enjoy photography here and there. But I took the HTML course here on Treehouse and I really liked seeing how the changes I made to the code affected the way the site looked and acted. I would love to get into android development eventually also. Trying to take baby steps right now though.
Marcus Tisäter
4,886 PointsMarcus Tisäter
4,886 PointsRight, I think web design is you're path to go man! It looks like that can suit you well. Regarding the android programming it can be very hard. Remember that it can take years of experince to even build a solid application on you're own with android dev. You even might have to take Java courses to understand the language itself. I would just go with the web design if I were you man!
Benjamin Gooch
20,367 PointsBenjamin Gooch
20,367 PointsI'm definately not afraid of learning things so if the main reason you are suggesting design over dev is the time it will take to learn, It doesn't help that much haha.
Thanks again though, I didn't realize there was that much involved in android development.
Marcus Tisäter
4,886 PointsMarcus Tisäter
4,886 PointsNo no, don't get me wrong. I'm just saying it will take a lot of effort of learning android dev. I mean so does everything if you want to become good at something, right? But I just think if you a very new incomer into programming etc. I dont think android dev is the best choice :)
No problem, happy to help out!