Please upgrade your web browser

These pages are built with modern web browsers in mind, and are not optimized for Internet Explorer 8 or below. Please try using another web browser, such as Internet Explorer 9, Internet Explorer 10, Internet Explorer 11, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Apple Safari.

Does anyone know of military-friendly schools specifically for an IT education?

Veteran

Michael Zink Valley Grove, WV

I would like to go to school or online ed for IT Degree

6 February 2016 10 replies Education & Training

Answers

Advisor

Neil Serafin Easthampton, MA

I have not been in a college course since 1974. However, I have been an adjunct professor in Telecom. From my experience, say NO to for profit private colleges. Stay away from new start-ups that mine recent prior service people offering college credit for what you learned in the military. Take courses that allow you to communicate. English Composition 101 is important!

7 February 2016 Helpful answer

Veteran

Nicholas Kennelly Smyrna, GA

One thing to consider is exactly what sort of IT degree you wish to get. I will agree with the multitudes here that told you to stay away from a "for profit college" as most are either overpriced or they simple do not have a curriculum worth the money you are going to pay. If you ever left and went to an actual state/regional/national accredited college you could see several courses you took not even accepted. This happened to me a couple years back. I ended up going to one of the colleges in my state's university system. For one thing, its accredited and if I went to another state the classes would transfer (or should), the cost is lower, and I did find one that had a computer science/ information technology department that had the type of degree I was looking for in a bachelors program. Another perk is many state university systems have on campus classes, hybrid (half in class/half online) and online classes available so that you can work them around you work and family life.

Advisor

Kristin Garcia Norman, OK

Michael, I would look into wgu.edu Western Governors University. A non-profit university with a great IT program that focuses on what certifications companies want. I was a faculty member there for 4 years and a trainer for faculty. I'm happy to answer any questions you have about the competency-based school.

Advisor

Tom Cal, CFA San Francisco, CA

Here's a useful resource.http://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/bachelors/rankings

Advisor

Tom Cal, CFA San Francisco, CA

Here's a useful resource.http://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/bachelors/rankings

Advisor

Tom Cal, CFA San Francisco, CA

Be careful, and skeptical bordering on cynical, of rhe "military friendly" label. Iften, it means rheybare targeting ypubforvyour benefits and dollars.

Slowly, intentionally, and thoughtfully assess schools, to help distinguish crappy and scumbag colleges from quality colleges.

Consider colleges that offer: in person and online courses, a strong, thriving, helpful alumni network, local alumni clubs that host numerous events throughout the year, faculty mentors, alumni mentors, etc.

Where are you located, and why does a career in IT interest you?

Advisor

Tom Cal, CFA San Francisco, CA

Be careful, and skeptical bordering on cynical, of rhe "military friendly" label. Iften, it means rheybare targeting ypubforvyour benefits and dollars.

Slowly, intentionally, and thoughtfully assess schools, to help distinguish crappy and scumbag colleges from quality colleges.

Consider colleges that offer: in person and online courses, a strong, thriving, helpful alumni network, local alumni clubs that host numerous events throughout the year, faculty mentors, alumni mentors, etc.

Where are you located, and why does a career in IT interest you?

Advisor

Stefan Beyer Kirkland, WA

Regardless of what school you go to, make sure the curriculum has you in front of the computer programming a lot. There was another Veteran on here who asked about a degree at a specific college, and looking through the curriculum the "Introduction to Computer Science" class didn't happen until semester 4 (i.e. after 1.5 years of school), and the entire degree only had that, one C++ course, and one Java course; this was for a 4-year degree. Make sure your "Intro to CS" class is in the first year (preferably the first semester), and that you have a lot (at least one per semester, I'd say) of computer science classes in the curriculum.

Your best option for seeing what degrees and courses employers are interested in is by asking them. They should have someone in the HR department who can let you know what education has been helpful, or at least put you in contact with someone who knows (like a hiring manager).

Advisor

Ken Bullard Denver, CO

As Neil said stay away from private for-profit "colleges". I actually taught at one for a short time. One time they brought in this homeless vet (favorite targets since they can get loans). Problem was he didn't know the basics of using a computer. So they expected us to slow down everyone else's education to get this guy up to speed (that would have taken us a decade). So it's all about the money.

For a good education at a reasonable price attend a community college and get a certificate in something like network administration. Teachers are often people with experience in the field. Also, you'll meet people in the field like you. And you can discuss their certifications with them since you'll need one or more starting with A+.

Hopefully you're the type that can study and acquire these on your own like I did. Stay away from the high dollar boot camps that teach you how pass a test. For example, a cert in Network+ is no good if you can't sit down at the interviewer's laptop and tell them in 30 seconds 1) the computer name; 2) the ip address 3) how many ports are established. Hope this helps. BTW: At the last vet unemployment gathering almost all 50 were in IT and couldn't "get hired".

Advisor

Joshuah Chrisman New York, NY

Hi Michael,

Please check out the website: College Factual for the best comparison. It lets you compare colleges based on many factors included G.I Bills and majors. You will have to set up a free account but it only takes a second. To access the site, please use the web address: http://pages.collegefactual.com/home/

I hope this helps,
Josh

Your Answer

Please log in to answer this question.

Sign Up

You can join as either a Veteran or an Advisor.

An Advisor already has a career, with or without military experience, and is willing to engage with and help veterans.
Sign Up as an Advisor.

A Veteran has military experience and is seeking a new career, or assistance with life after service.
Sign Up as a Veteran.