Can a online college IT degree coupled with appropriate IT certifications negate the negative stigma against "for-profit" schools?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 13:13:38 -0500

SU for 3 years or AMU for 6 months?

Response by LTC John Shaw made Feb 15 at 2016 1:51 PM

LTC John Shaw — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 13:51:41 -0500

I look at the accreditation of the school, industry certification and military school
All that is great but the most important is work history and you knowing someone who I trust have knowledge of your work. That is how most hiring happens.

Response by SSG Eddye Royal made Feb 15 at 2016 2:26 PM

SSG Eddye Royal — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 14:26:28 -0500

SGT Spratley, I've been do IT for over 20 yrs, we in Industry is looking for an School that has not lost its accreditation. If you are going or looking at a Profit school better check if to see if it's an the Army Approved List if not the VA will not pay for it. Congress is looking at Devry because it took in a Billion Dollars worth of Soldiers monies and it will not Transfer to another school.

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Feb 15 at 2016 4:28 PM

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 16:28:38 -0500

As long as you to an accredited school, it doesn't matter much. Getting the appropriate certs will help get in the industry.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 4:37 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 16:37:18 -0500

It depends on the school. AMU is not considered a predatory school and there are several for-profits that are considered to be just as good. I think an AMU degree plus certifications will leave you in a good spot.

Response by SGT Aaron Dumbrow made Feb 15 at 2016 11:20 PM

SGT Aaron Dumbrow — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 23:20:49 -0500

It is really up to you to sell it. I have a Bachelors in IT and an MBA with a minor in Tech Mgmt from the University of Phoenix. It has never caused me any issues, and I am quite successful in my career. If you hustle, and work hard, most companies don't care where you went to school, just that you went and have a good attitude and work ethic.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 5:07 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 05:07:08 -0500

I have an a regional AS, and a BS and MBA from an online for profit. Along with the 40 IT certifications... no this will not affect you. The key is when you get interviewed. Do you understand IT, are you creative, can you merge different fields and create different solutions? Those are things they will look for. I have met several people who an IT Degree from a top notch school, but can't figure out how to put a computer together or how to flash a router... basically doing simple things.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 12:18 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 12:18:53 -0500

I believe that the appropriate degree from an online college along with the appropriate certifications is far better than the appropriate degree and no certification's from a brick and mortar institution.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 3:12 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 15:12:59 -0500

Your certifications if current are worth more than your degree. That degree is just icing on the cake. Companies typically value certifications of degrees.

Response by PO2 Chris Steinheiser made Feb 16 at 2016 4:21 PM

PO2 Chris Steinheiser — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 16:21:34 -0500

In general the marquee / named schools hold more weight in the Business world / private sector. Inevitably your linkedin, facebook, resume or your verbal introductions will include which school you went to. AND it goes right to the old secret hand-shake of graduates from Harvard, Yale, Columbia to name a few recognize.
Practical experience coupled with certifications can get you in to some doors but as a worker and not an executive. I have been in the IT industry for 20+ years at such big software companies: Oracle, HP, and now IBM.

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Feb 29 at 2016 9:17 AM

SSG Ed Mikus — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 09:17:56 -0500

Depends on where your looking to work, how you interview, what your experience is.