http://www.udacity.com/

I'm exploring options for school this fall. I was not thrilled with my local Community College. Universities, even those that are fully online are rather pricey.

Udacity is free online CIS classes taught by University Professors.

Bottom line, how valuable is a Bachelors in CIS, or is it only the MS Certs that people look at, along with your experience?

Yeah, I've looked at it. It looks very interesting. But AFAIK, you can't get any official credits from Udacity. Although they do offer some kind of certificate that says you completed the course.

Yeah, this is FREE so you are the product. They are selling student records to employment recruiters. Udacity is a for profit business.

If they have an opt-out option I'd be interested in that.

I also found this one https://www.coursera.org/ 116 courses from 16 different universities.

I was looking at DeVry as well, that's totally online, and you can get your bachelors in just over 2 years, but it carries a hefty price tag. $72k And their degree is CIS - Computer Information Systems.

Isn't the degree we're after Computer Information Sciences?

And what carries more weight, a piece of paper from a University or MS Certifications? Or do you need both?

I'd say it would depend on your intent.... If you are interested in the Hands-on work, like a System Administrator or entry level programmer, then the Certs with some experience should be adequate. Now if you are leaning towards a System Architect, programming, or manager, then the BA will be what you want.

Thank you. I'm looking for a retirement hobby/career, not working in someone else's cubical farm. You know, create that little something and sell a couple of Million of them for .99 cents each.

Actually I do have a couple of ideas, and 20+ years in small business management gives me a unique perspective. My advise is solid, my clients are very successful. I have a few franchisee's and they are consistently the top of their markets, I have one who's won best overall in her Franchise twice, and they only started 10 years ago.

So, I'm back at my community college, my second year this time around, but technically still in my first year classes. Taking .Net Application Programming and JavaScript this term. When I start to create something fun to look at, I'll put up a web site to showcase my accomplishments.

Thanks again for the advise!