Degree vs. MCDBA certification

[anchor]

Hi, i'm new to the forums and was wondering if I could get your opinions on my current situation.

I just finished High School, and I'm getting pressured into making a decision on what I want to do with the next four years of my life...

Anyway, I've narrowed down my choices to getting my degree from mtsierra college (see: mtsierra.com), or going through a certification school that offers an internship program and says they will train me to receive an MCDBA certification (read: newhorizons.com).

I have no "official" knowledge, but i'm very knowledgable as to the computing field ( I'm able to code in c++, java, and i have some webdesign experience).

So i was wondering, what do you guys think i should go with, Degree or Certifications?

Thank you in Advance .

[Telexen]

With the economy as it is now, employers are looking for people with degrees primarily to fill the few spots they have...those with certifications will take a lower priority to those with degrees.

[Scott Tiger]

Yep. Trust me on this one - go to college. You'll have a lot more fun (trust me on this one too) and you'll be worth more to employers when you get out. I really wish I was your age again - I know I what I would do..

[mpc]

Trust me too on this one. Go to college.

There is no comparison, as certifications are a narrow study only valuable in the IT field (and for a limited time), whereas a degree is valuable for life.

The college experience will be the best time you are ever going to have , no matter how long you live. (it's nothing like high school)

The problem with only getting certified at your age is that you may decide five years from now that you don't want to be in IT and you won't be able to do anything else. With a degree, a career change won't be a problem. Having a degree gives you a freedom like nothing else can. Additionally, without one you won't be eligible for certain promotions and positions in the IT field (i.e. management, etc); you'll end up being a "computer jockey" for the rest of your career.

Seeing that you live in California, you might also want to take a look at some of the public Universities such as Chico State, etc. They will cost less and I guarantee you won't regret it.

[Siliconjunkie]

Degree without a doubt. And, as mpc said, don't discount the public universities.

[tarpat1]

As a person who has both a college degree and certifications, go get your degree. You will enjoy the time and will come out a better person ready for the challenge of the workplace. Plus with the job market the way it is you will not be able to depend on certs to get a job.

[blubomber]

I am going to agree with all those who have posted. Since you can do some coding already, are you thinking of a computer science degree??

I have a degree and i am aslo working on some certifications, but it was my degree that got me in the door of the IT world.

Good luck in college.

[rastorize]

A college degree...wouldn't have gotten my position without it. Those with no college degree or just certifications are mainly contracted employees...

[PresterJohn]

no question about it...get the DEGREE.

back in the 50-70's, a HS diploma was the absolute minimum in the business world. nowadays, that minimum is a bachelor's degree.

w/o a degree you will find yourself getting passed over by others and probably locked out of any managerial positions, later on. the certs will still be here after college.

[CCiCA]

Spend the four years in college, first it will broaden your horizon, whatever you learn after this will seem easy, also a college education lasts a lifetime while a certification is a narrow objective.