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Thoughts on this university? PLEASE HELP

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  • Business Computing
Last response: in Business Computing
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February 14, 2014 9:14:22 PM

First of all, i should say what area of IT i specifically want to work in: Networking and Information Systems. I want to become a Network Engineer, but i know it will take years of experience, gotta climb the ladder like everyone else. Okay, so the place im thinking of attending now is Neumont University in Salt Lake City, Utah. At first i was really not thinking of seriously going there, since i live in Southern California, and moving to Utah... i dont know, i still dont actually. But the more i look into it, the better it sounds, more perfect it seems, and the more i seriously want to go! UGH, why cant there be one in SoCal!?

Not sure about accreditation, but does that really matter? Not like im going to be transferring to a State College or anything anyways. But does it matter to employers?

So the reviews here seem pretty much as glowing as the sun, take a look. Here is the BSIS catalog, i plan on getting that degree if i do attend. And here is the most recent catalog, go to page 70 of the catalog or page 70 of your Adobe PDF reader for the tuition and fees. I did the quick math and its going to be about $90k for my Bachelors, BSIS, but thats before any financial aid, i still have to do my FAFSA, and my parents are pretty low income on paper, but we are actually living quite comfortably, nevertheless, they claim their annual income to be under $20k, not sure if thats true, but if it is, I should get a hefty chunk of change from free financial aid, right? Im also going to work for a year after i graduate (HS Senior right now) to save for a car, and college obviously, and that year will give me time to do a sh*t load of scholarship opportunities. FYI, my parents will be unable to financially support me, so it'll be all on me, but i believe if i actually get my sh*t done, i can afford it, and entry level IT jobs can pay not too badly... hopefully i get one of those good paying jobs though lol. I also love how there is a hands on, team, and project focus on their programs, because i learn the best through hands on experience, especially in technology and computer stuff.

Sorry for so much text, but what do you guys think about it? Should i really go? My biggest fear(s) is that it will be a waste- as in i will learn nothing, not learn enough to be industry competent, employers will not like the school on my resume, or i will get ripped off. Do you guys think this will happen? Will this be a good school to attend to get a serious IT/Networking job and to be able to get into high position IT jobs? I know i will need to get certifications, but set that aside for now while thinking if the school will be taken seriously by employers.

Please leave any help and feedback at all. I really need some guidance and help right now, especially industry pro's. Thank you so much.

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February 14, 2014 9:36:47 PM

If you're interested in becoming an actual network engineer rather than a network technician then you should pursue a degree in an accredited Computer Engineering program. There are tons of these in California.

Engineering accreditation is hugely important as in many educational districts the school and faculty must be accredited by the state engineering board in order to label their programs as engineering and to award B.Eng degrees.

If you're interested in designing computer hardware, this is what you should do.

If on the other hand you're interested in building and maintaining networks, an information systems program won't hurt. It won't be as impressive as a full engineering degree, but it won't hurt either.

Keep in mind though that as a California resident your tuition will be much, much cheaper in-state than it would be if you relocated to Utah. California schools are also very well known in the Engineering field.
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February 14, 2014 10:04:57 PM

Thanks, but do you mean California schools as actual state schools like UC's and CSU's? Because I don't want to go to one of those at all, all they have is computer science and that's not what I want to learn at all. I want to build and upkeep networks like LAN's and WAN's and learn all the ins and outs of advanced networking. Isn't a network engineer basically just a a person building networks? I don't want to learn computer engineering because I don't want to engineer or develop hardware, I want to work in Networking. I want an Information Systems Bachelors degree, not an actual hardware/software engineering or development degree, sorry for the miscommunication.
You say there are alot in California, but I just can't find much. All I have really found and consider are ITT Tech, Southern California Institute of Technology, and a couple other small trade schools.
Any recommendations? Again, I don't want to go to a plain State college like UC's and CSU's. Thanks though!
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