I've been playing around with code ever since I was a kid, but it really clicked for me about 7-8 years ago when I started using Python for automation and scraping projects. I learned things mostly from Stack Overflow, but I got stuck a couple of years back when life got complicated. I finished CS50X and CS50P, but I haven't learned much since then. Now I'm ready to get back on track and improve my understanding of computer science theory. Since a formal computer science degree isn't an option for me, I'm looking for structured online resources. OSSU and TeachYourselfCS caught my attention, but I'm unsure which one to choose given that OSSU is beginner-friendly and has a community, while TeachYourselfCS requires some prior knowledge and is more focused. What do you think I should pursue? Or is there another option I should consider?
4 Answers
I tried TeachYourselfCS, and while it has a solid curriculum, it’s pretty dry and requires a lot of self-discipline since it’s just textbook-based learning. You might want to balance that with a practical approach. Consider diving into projects that interest you—that way, you'll learn concepts along the way! Eventually, maybe look into WGU for a degree once you've solidified your understanding.
You might want to check out some affordable accredited online degrees too. There's University of the People, which costs around $6k for the whole degree, and Western Governors University (WGU) which is about $7k a year, but you can finish it fast if you work at your own pace. Personally, I went from SNHU to OMSCS for my master's, and it’s been a solid path for me. If the financials work out for you, those could be great options!
I’m halfway through my degree at SNHU and really enjoying it! Switching from WGU was the best choice for me too.
Getting a job without a degree is tough, so you'll definitely need to have a strong portfolio or learning path planned out. I recommend OSSU for a comprehensive foundation. It's structured and can help fill in the gaps in your knowledge.
You can check out university course pages too for detailed curriculum info. Most universities provide loads of material online, and you can see what topics are covered in depth. If you go this route, it would be beneficial to get a mix of general learning before you specialize. It’s a lot of work, though, but totally doable if you're committed!
Thanks for the tip! Those options sound interesting. Right now, I'm thinking of starting free first, but I'll keep these in mind if things change.