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llama64 · 07-13-2009, 02:35 PM

Devry will teach you job skills. And it will take forever and cost you an arm and a leg.

I looked at their offerings a couple years ago and decided against it. If all you want are basic skills (how to code), go to SAIT and do the two year Computer Technology diploma. I did it (after a 4 year BA). They taught me the basics of software development including a fair dose of management and engineering practices. Was actually a decent deal in hindsight.

Now, if you want to know how to design software and systems (vastly different then merely coding), there are really only two options in Calgary. Either a Computer Engineering degree or a Computer Science degree. Both are 4 year programs that delve deep in to theory, algorithm study and the mathematics behind how software works. The engineering program is probably the best program in the city for training actual developers. Had I the time, I would go back and get a major in Engineering just for this degree -- but some how I doubt I could convince my wife to support 4 years of school

Devry will NOT give you the equivalent of a UofC education - make no mistake about that. In my opinion, it's a sham and the people who end up graduating usually reflect back wishing they had gone a different path.

My advice apart from schools:

Learn the principals of software development - do not focus on any one specific language. Above all, read books about software development. PM for suggestions.
LEARN HOW TO THINK IN OBJECTS! Structured/Functional programming can be picked up after, but objects are what the world is built on.
Expect technologies to change. The first language you learn will not be the language you likely end up programming in. I learned in Java, haven't touched it since school.
Expect to continue learning for the rest of your life. This isn't a field where you get trained in one thing and can continue doing that one thing for 40 years. Become adaptable.
Once you have the skills, join an open source project you're interested in. Trust me, it's worth the pain.

07-13-2009, 02:35 PM	#34
llama64 First Line Centre Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: /dev/null Exp:	Devry will teach you job skills. And it will take forever and cost you an arm and a leg. I looked at their offerings a couple years ago and decided against it. If all you want are basic skills (how to code), go to SAIT and do the two year Computer Technology diploma. I did it (after a 4 year BA). They taught me the basics of software development including a fair dose of management and engineering practices. Was actually a decent deal in hindsight. Now, if you want to know how to design software and systems (vastly different then merely coding), there are really only two options in Calgary. Either a Computer Engineering degree or a Computer Science degree. Both are 4 year programs that delve deep in to theory, algorithm study and the mathematics behind how software works. The engineering program is probably the best program in the city for training actual developers. Had I the time, I would go back and get a major in Engineering just for this degree -- but some how I doubt I could convince my wife to support 4 years of school Devry will NOT give you the equivalent of a UofC education - make no mistake about that. In my opinion, it's a sham and the people who end up graduating usually reflect back wishing they had gone a different path. My advice apart from schools: Learn the principals of software development - do not focus on any one specific language. Above all, read books about software development. PM for suggestions. LEARN HOW TO THINK IN OBJECTS! Structured/Functional programming can be picked up after, but objects are what the world is built on. Expect technologies to change. The first language you learn will not be the language you likely end up programming in. I learned in Java, haven't touched it since school. Expect to continue learning for the rest of your life. This isn't a field where you get trained in one thing and can continue doing that one thing for 40 years. Become adaptable. Once you have the skills, join an open source project you're interested in. Trust me, it's worth the pain. Last edited by llama64; 07-13-2009 at 02:39 PM.