Interested in software engineering

Ok, so software engineering is the way I want to go, but I don't really have the time to devote to attending school for 4 years without being able to enter the job market until I complete it all. In my research it seems that an associate's degree for software engineering isn't really an option. So I guess what I'm looking for is a path to follow where I could begin working in the field (or related field)-- making good money-- sooner with the option of continuing on and earning the 4 year degree. So what is on the 'career ladder'? What jobs might I be able to get on my way to software engineering to make the 4 years do-able?

Also, I was hoping to obtain my education online. Online education doesn't seem to carry the same stigma that it used to, but now there are *so* many online schools that it seems nearly impossible to weed through them. It seems that every school calls their IT courses/degrees something different and the employment they say it prepares you for always has different titles too. How do I find a school that will get me where I want to be?

Thanks so much (ahead of time) everyone for your advice!

Jess wants to know in Asheville, North Carolina said: Ok, so software engineering is the way I want to go, but I don't really have the time to devote to attending school for 4 years without being able to enter the job market until I complete it all. In my research it seems that an associate's degree for software engineering isn't really an option. So I guess what I'm looking for is a path to follow where I could begin working in the field (or related field)-- making good money-- sooner with the option of continuing on and earning the 4 year degree. So what is on the 'career ladder'? What jobs might I be able to get on my way to software engineering to make the 4 years do-able?

Also, I was hoping to obtain my education online. Online education doesn't seem to carry the same stigma that it used to, but now there are *so* many online schools that it seems nearly impossible to weed through them. It seems that every school calls their IT courses/degrees something different and the employment they say it prepares you for always has different titles too. How do I find a school that will get me where I want to be?

Thanks so much (ahead of time) everyone for your advice!

Hi Jess,

I know what you are going through! It took me a good couple of months to find a school that offers software engineering online..... A lot of schools like to tell you it's all the same but it's not! Herzing Univeristy offers this program online! Computer Science/Software Engineering! Best of luck to you! And so far the classes have not been to hard.

Jessica M.

The successful career ladder does not include software engineering. Those who make the money and prestige are NOT software engineers. Use software engineering to get in, but then leverage your skills to NON-software engineering responsibilities and positions. Otherwise you will find yourself at a dead end.

Another option is to do something new entirely such as health care and forget completely about software. Everyone I know who did that ended up more successful.

eagle1970 in Norristown, Pennsylvania said: The successful career ladder does not include software engineering. Those who make the money and prestige are NOT software engineers. Use software engineering to get in, but then leverage your skills to NON-software engineering responsibilities and positions. Otherwise you will find yourself at a dead end.

Another option is to do something new entirely such as health care and forget completely about software. Everyone I know who did that ended up more successful.

Just don't try nursing, unless you want to wait at least a year taking pre-requisites, then another year on the waiting list to get into school, then 2 to 3 years taking courses, only to find out you can't get a job at the end of it all unless you can magically gain 1 year's experience.

I would like to take classes online to finish my bachelor's degree in C.S., but I can't find a reputable school that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. I'm worried about a lot of the online schools that are strictly online. I worry about their accreditation.