Idea for Career Advancement

[carlshark]

I know this may sound a little off-forum, and definitely UP is not paying me money to endorse their program, but I have an idea for those in call centers thinking about career advancement.

Aside from the usual second language training, why not study for another degree? The UP Open University (http://www.upou.org) offers a Diploma in Computer Science (http://www.upou.org/academic/programs/dcs.html) you could take for 2 years on Distance Education mode.

DE means that you'll go to a UP Campus or nearby Learning Center for 5 Saturdays a semester. The Course is only 27 units, 6 units for the first three semesters and 9 units for the last one.

A DipCS after your name, coming from the State University, may spice up your credentials for advancement. I heard they extended their application period to July 31 for the Second Semester uptake.

Just an idea, friends. Apply na kayo! ;) *okay*

[carlshark]

I forgot to ask about your opinions and any other ideas. Anyone? :D

[weepingangel25]

pwede ba undergrad dito?

[carlshark]

pwede ba undergrad dito?

I'm sorry but I think the DipCS program is for those who finished a Bachelor's degree already. It is roughly equivalent to a second degree course, comparing it to the regular CompSci curriculum; but with the high-level math requirements minimized.

UPOU does allow for people to take the courses as a non-degree student, but the coursework you will do may not be credited towards a degree. You could still get a certification that you did the coursework, though.

I think the DipCS program is a winner for those thinking of broadening their horizons in the call center industry. There are other programs though that may strike your fancy, like the Diploma in Research and Development Management and the Master of Development Communication.

[InBkgd]

hi.

how much is the tuition fee and are u enrolled in any diploma course?

[carlshark]

hi.

how much is the tuition fee and are u enrolled in any diploma course?

I have just applied to DCS and was barely able to make the deadline for the second semester. They have Early Application deadlines kasi eh. They extended the submission to July 31, 2007. I have emailed them to follow-up on my application.

My friend who has enrolled in another program said that he paid a little over P6,000 every semester. The UPOU website has links on fees (http://www.upou.org/admission/fees.html), and DCS in its highest load (last semester of study: 9 units, 3 subjects, considering P800 lab fee per subject) will charge P7,800 exclusive of miscellaneous fee.

A comparable DLSU program, Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science, with its residential mode and evening time slot, would be charging P12,222 for 6 units exclusive of laboratory (P4,457/subject) and miscellaneous fees.

Many of my former schoolmates and professors have gotten their Master of Public Health and Master of Hospital Administration through UPOU. Considering that they have either busy clinic and hospital responsibilities, the DE mode has been convenient for them to earn another degree at their own pace.

[DarthScully]

this is a great suggestion. thanks for posting it *okay*

i have a question though

looking through the site you posted, in the Academic Programs list it seems like the only tech related diploma they offer is Computer Science? is there anything else other than that, like Computer Engineering?

also, i'm looking at certificate programs, there doesnt seem to be anything listed for Cisco certifications or A+ certifications? doesnt UP offer something like that?

[carlshark]

this is a great suggestion. thanks for posting it *okay*

i have a question though

looking through the site you posted, in the Academic Programs list it seems like the only tech related diploma they offer is Computer Science? is there anything else other than that, like Computer Engineering?

also, i'm looking at certificate programs, there doesnt seem to be anything listed for Cisco certifications or A+ certifications? doesnt UP offer something like that?

DCS is administered by UP Los Baños' Institute of Computer Science (http://www.ics.uplb.edu.ph/). The program is roughly equivalent to its classroom version, and as an academic program, is not tied to learning the nuances of specific languages or certifications. From a dormmate's experience, CompSci curricula across UP units are stronger in theory and it enables them to apply these concepts in any programming environment that they encounter. Also, UP does not offer CompEng.

Note that UPOU Certificate courses, as they are called, are designed to be taken with those already finished with a Baccalaureate program. So you could classify these as post-Baccalaureate courses, just a rung lower than Masters' courses. In fact, if you have finished the Diploma in Computer Science with an aggregate average of 2.0, you could apply to the Master of Information Systems program even without a BS CompSci under your belt.

UPLB has courses specific to some applications found here (http://www.ics.uplb.edu.ph/training). UP Diliman has similar offerings (http://www.engg.upd.edu.ph/cs/information_technology.html) but are more limited.

For those aiming to have a middle manager position, a more popular Diploma program is the Diploma in Research and Development Management (http://www.upou.org/academic/programs/drdm.html).

With the Open University, UP has democratized access to further learning in the State University. Now, everyone can say that they studied in UP! Reminds me of a certain topic in this forum a few months back regarding the bias of some call centers favoring graduates of selected schools. :lol:

Apply na kayo! Extended application deadline for Second Semester enrollment - July 31, 2007.

[carlshark]

Is distance learning for you? (http://ph.jobstreet.com/career/career/advancement13.htm)
by Romelda C. Ascutia

If they could, many careerists would like to go back to school for various reasons. Some dream of finally earning that long-delayed college diploma and getting a higher-paying job. Others hope the additional certificate or the extra letters after their name would give them the respect and promotion they seek. And still others might eye another degree under their belt as a means to shift fields or careers.

But for different reasons too, many employees hesitate to tread the academic route again. No time. Can’t leave office. Hate the commute. Too tired. Too old. Before junking what you consider a pipe dream, have you given distance learning a thought?

Distance education comes in different forms, but all involve the use of computers, video and various other technologies to link instructors and students outside the traditional campus setting. In e-learning or web-based education, for instance, you can attend credit and non-credit courses, workshops, seminars, and higher learning programs without ever seeing your teachers or classmates in the flesh. Some methods, however, such as the open university system, may require campus time.

Upside, downside
Learning from afar has many perks, including:

* Convenience, flexibility and accessibility: Learn at your own time and at your own pace just about anywhere you can gain computer access.
* Lower fees: It is often less expensive than traditional college or higher education. Too, there’s practically none of the housing, meal or travel expenses you incur going to a regular school.
* Job/career continuity: Since you attend a virtual classroom, there is no need to resign your job or take a sabbatical.

However, there is a downside too:

* No campus spirit or socials: While distance education continues to grow more interactive (through online discussion groups, live chats, videoconferencing, online learning games), don’t expect to find personalized attention from the teachers, or for your peers to hang around for after-school get-togethers.
* Requires tech skills: if you’re a technophobe or your computer skills need serious updating, online education may pose a difficult challenge.
* Minimal support and supervision: Distance learning may not suit those who feel at a loss when given a free hand to do research and complete school requirements on their own.

[zaki]

hi, I submitted my application last June 28 thinking that the deadline is June 30. Anyway, when and where can I expect to see if I pass or not? thanks..

[carlshark]

hi, I submitted my application last June 28 thinking that the deadline is June 30. Anyway, when and where can I expect to see if I pass or not? thanks..

Hey zaki, we're in the same boat. I submitted mine on June 28. I emailed admissions@upou.edu.ph yesterday and have yet to receive a reply.

But surely they will inform you through snail mail. They will also post a list of admitted students on their website. Expect it before September 15, when they will be distributing the assessment forms at the Learning Center where you are assigned.

In the event that they accepted you but the program is only open during the first semester, they will also inform you and give you the option of enrolling for the next term.

[DarthScully]

i'm afraid UPLB is too far for me :o

however UPDiliman is about 20 minutes away from home ;)

so wait, UP doesnt offer Computer Engineering as a course? :eek: or do you mean its Comp Eng is only offered as a regular undergraduate degree?

just to clarify, the UP Open University is a distance learning program? not something that you attent classes on a once a week basis?

[carlshark]

so wait, UP doesnt offer Computer Engineering as a course? :eek: or do you mean its Comp Eng is only offered as a regular undergraduate degree?

just to clarify, the UP Open University is a distance learning program? not something that you attent classes on a once a week basis?

Yes, I don't think UP offers CompEng as a course either in regular or distance education mode.

Yes, UPOU conducts its courses through DE, but you have to attend 4 study sessions for the whole semester - all Saturdays. Some subjects may not even require attendance, as long as the required coursework (i.e. assignments, papers) are submitted. They also have interactive chat rooms and faculty could be contacted alternatively through email.

Hope this helps. Apply na kayo!

[nortonantivirus]

Hi, I would like to ask...

What would be the benefits if i'll take DIPCS?
Is it a difficult course, since I'm not really good in Math and I'm not that well-versed when it comes to computers nor in programming languages?
What would be the oppurtunities or jobs after taking DIPCS?


*However, I am very interested in that course, especially in computers. Hope you'll answer my questions. Thanks!!! :)

[carlshark]

Hi, I would like to ask...

What would be the benefits if i'll take DIPCS?
Is it a difficult course, since I'm not really good in Math and I'm not that well-versed when it comes to computers nor in programming languages?
What would be the oppurtunities or jobs after taking DIPCS?


*However, I am very interested in that course, especially in computers. Hope you'll answer my questions. Thanks!!! :)

Thanks to yakult4ever and totallyposh for their PMs. I am grateful to have been instrumental in informing people about UP Open University and the benefits of distance education.

nortonantivirus, I could not answer directly the benefits, opportunities or jobs after taking DipCS. It would be fair to say that it depends on personal circumstances. But as there is waning interest for Americans in taking up Computer Science, and the job market demand will continue to be sustained for a good number of years, the general opportunity is good. Combined with the framework of DE, meaning the chance to study at your own pace, there really is a lot of benefit.

DipCS, as you can see in the course outline at the UPOU website, involves a lot of theory applied to practice. Meaning, no focus on any one programming language. The downside is that some college-level Math is used to explain the nuances of programming - from experience of my dormmate who was a UP CompSci major. The Admissions Committee will look at your relevant training and college courses to see if you are a good fit for DipCS.

Hope this helps!

[ocnarf23]

Yes, I don't think UP offers CompEng as a course either in regular or distance education mode.

Yes, UPOU conducts its courses through DE, but you have to attend 4 study sessions for the whole semester - all Saturdays. Some subjects may not even require attendance, as long as the required coursework (i.e. assignments, papers) are submitted. They also have interactive chat rooms and faculty could be contacted alternatively through email.

Hope this helps. Apply na kayo!

Clarification, UP Diliman does offer Comp Engg as a regular undergraduate course under the Dept. of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE)...

http://eee.upd.edu.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=34&Itemid=47#coe

[carlshark]

Clarification, UP Diliman does offer Comp Engg as a regular undergraduate course under the Dept. of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE)...

http://eee.upd.edu.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=34&Itemid=47#coe

Whoops! :D My bad. Taga UP Manila kasi ako eh kaya di ko alam. Thanks for pointing that one out, ocnarf!