>Northface University is somewhat unique. You go 8 hours per day for 26 months, so it is like a job. The first year is spent getting certified in Microsoft and IBM. The classes are taught using projects and teams, as compared to the typical college method of individual assignments that are unrelated.
>
>The faculty is world class. For example, Joe Celko is on the faculty.
>
>However, it isn't cheap. The figure I heard quoted was $50,000/year, but I have not confirmed that.

The website stays this:

"....Northface University is dedicated to preparing you for what the U.S. Department of Labor says will be the fastest growing field through 2010: Software development. A field with an average starting salary of $52,000 (U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics 2002-03)..."

I'm not sure where they got those stats - but last time I check the U.S. Dept. of Labor said the fastest growing job segment was the service industry (food service and junk like that). Plus I'm not so sure the 'average starting salary' for someone with no experice and a degree is 52k.

Not that I really give a whooot...but I find it annoying when these colleges mislead people like this.


>
>>I somehow stumbled across a University which will guarantee you the MCSD certification from Microsoft covering all of the .NET classes, including APS.NET, C#, etc. Their web site is:
>>
>>http://www.Northface.edu
>>
>>I asked Julie Blake, the PR person at Northface if they offered online classes yet and this was her response:
>>
>>Hi Cecil:
>>
>>While we have plans to eventually offer online courses, today our Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is an on-campus program. Our next class starts on October 4, 2004. Would you like to receive a catalog?
>>
>>Best,
>>
>>Julie Blake"
>>
>>If you are interested in this school, you may email Julie at:
>>
>>julie.blake@northface.edu
>>
>>Additionally, I copied the below from their web site:
>>
>>*****
>>Earn Your Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Just 28 Months
>>
>>Northface University is the only University to offer an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree that includes the two most-respected certifications in the industry. When you attend Northface University, you'll graduate in 28 months while your friends at traditional universities are still in English 101. What's more, you'll earn your BSCS degree and have Java and .NET certifications that will put you ahead of other college graduates.
>>
>>The hallmark of a Northface University Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree is a project-based curriculum that focuses on the skills most valued by today's employers. Graduates of this innovative program will be motivated, entry-level software developers who are equipped for success in the corporate world. All Computer Science projects and coursework are designed to provide Northface University graduates with a strong foundation in technical skills and standards, an understanding of the business environment, and the ability to communicate and function well as members of teams.
>>
>>Upon completion of 3,920 instructional and project hours, the Northface University graduate has a baccalaureate degree in Computer Science, a portfolio of project work, and the two most respected certifications in the industry - WebSphere for IBM and Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD).
>>*****
>>
>>I know that this is a VFP forum, but I as well as many of you are looking to learn some .NET tools, here you go, a school that you can check out.