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IT: Bryant Univ associate IT degree worth it?

Posted: Thu Mar 30, 2017 3:02 pm
by Weetabix
A friend's son is considering Bryant University for an associate's degree in IT. The question is, is it worth it?

A bit of background - I haven't met the lad, but I understand that he has some spectrum of autism. From descriptions, he may just have been a lad, but there was at least a diagnosis. He's a Scout, and he made it through public HS. His dad says he does better in a structured environment relatively free from distractions. He also says Bryant does 5 week blocks, where the student goes all day Monday and Tuesday, presumably so the student can have a job.

He thinks the atmosphere and structure would suit his son, but he wonders about the expense and whether the degree has actual value in the real world. My alternate question would be, even if no one looks at the school or the degree approvingly, would what he learns there give him a base of knowledge sufficient to begin work with?

So. Anyone know anything about Bryant University, good or bad? Please disclose if you teach there. ;)

Fire away!

Re: IT: Bryant Univ associate IT degree worth it?

Posted: Thu Mar 30, 2017 3:13 pm
by MarkD
I don't know anything about Bryant University, so I can't comment on that.

I'm not sure an AS degree is much more than a springboard into a BS program (I've known some people who've gotten an AS degree at a community college, then transferred those credits to a four-year school to complete the BS, mostly for financial reasons, i.e. the CC is cheaper). I can imagine a company sticking him on a help desk, how would he do with that?

Does Bryant offer any certificate programs in IT, Comp Sci, etc? That might be more useful than the AS degree, more specialized knowledge.

Re: IT: Bryant Univ associate IT degree worth it?

Posted: Thu Mar 30, 2017 3:33 pm
by Weetabix
I don't know. A quick look at their site turns up BS degrees in Information Technology, CIS, and International Business: Computer Information Systems.

I didn't find anything about associates' degrees, so that may be a local offering?

Re: IT: Bryant Univ associate IT degree worth it?

Posted: Sun Apr 02, 2017 12:58 am
by MiddleAgedKen
What Mark D said about certificate programs. Bachelor's degree might be useful later for promotability, but the certificate shows relevant skills.

Re: IT: Bryant Univ associate IT degree worth it?

Posted: Sun Apr 02, 2017 2:29 am
by Weetabix
Turns out he spelled it wrong when he asked about it. It's Bryan. And he found out it has a strong FAFSA program and no accreditation. :?

Re: IT: Bryant Univ associate IT degree worth it?

Posted: Sat Apr 08, 2017 9:39 am
by Jericho941
Weetabix wrote:Turns out he spelled it wrong when he asked about it. It's Bryan. And he found out it has a strong FAFSA program and no accreditation. :?
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeah, this sounds fishy as hell. If you haven't already, I'd steer him towards his nearest community college for his AS. Community college can get you the relevant certificates and set you up to transfer into a more managerial path while you're at it.