I'm a 40-year-old woman living in Latin America, and I'm interested in pursuing an online degree in Computer Science from a reputable institution in the US. Can anyone recommend a good and affordable program? Also, I'd appreciate guidance on the type of math I should familiarize myself with before applying, especially if I want to improve my chances of landing a job in the US after graduation.
5 Answers
You have some great options if you're considering a Master's! Georgia Tech offers a well-respected online MS in Computer Science that is reasonably priced. For a Bachelor's, Oregon State's online program accepts international students, but I’m not sure about the costs. Be sure to brush up on your math skills, including trigonometry, before starting a BS program!
Getting into a CS program usually requires some math background. Most schools expect at least Pre-Calculus as a prerequisite, and you can expect to cover calculus, probability, and discrete math in your coursework. However, the key skills are logical problem-solving and breaking down tasks—those are crucial in computer science!
It’s great that you want to shift into CS later in life! For affordable online degrees, consider University of the People, which has super low costs, or WGU, which offers flat-rate tuition and is very adult-friendly. Oregon State has a good post-bacc program for those with other degrees. As for math, basic algebra and some discrete math are essential to get you started, so you don’t need to stress about mastering calculus right away.
Most online degrees from US schools aren't open to international students. For example, WGU is great but only for US residents. To pursue a Computer Science degree, you typically need to know calculus, discrete math, and statistics. Some schools may require a recent precalculus class or a US placement exam. However, be cautious with job prospects in the US; many entry-level roles are swamped with applicants, and sponsorships are rare for online degrees. If you're looking to work in Latin America, check local requirements instead.
Honestly, it's a bit of a trade-off. You can find good online programs, but they tend to be pricey. Cheaper options aren't always as beneficial for learning. You might want to consider local community colleges for inexpensive in-person classes, though they won't be online. For a quicker route, you could also look into online boot camps that may have job placement support, although that's still not a guaranteed path. Good luck with your search!
Coursera also hosts some affordable degree programs from respected universities, although not all are US-based. It's worth checking out!