Ask HN: CS courses in NYC
I'm in my early 30s with a masters in EE. I work in the network/security space in NYC where I write some code - basic Python scripts to automate, monitor infra., etc. The most complicated thing I've written is a multi-threaded script that interacts with a REST API. I didn't take CS courses at school.
I've been thinking about learning some CS fundamentals. It sounds challenging, some of it may be fun and going forward, it's going to be tough to survive in the networks/security space without programming skills since everything is moving in the direction of software. I'm not interested in frontend web dev/JS. I'd like to concentrate on backend stuff, preferably using Python but am open to other options.
Based on my research, there seem to be at least 3 paths:
1. MOOCs/Online degrees: The most recommended option. However, I'm not motivated enough to effectively complete these. This goes against the HN ethos but I prefer a classroom setting (took a certificate course in Python at NYU and it was useful).
2. Boot Camps: The only part-time, non Ruby centric, bootcamp I found is Byte Academy. From their information session, they seemed disorganized with the message "you'll build a web application, here are some examples". This doesn't seem useful for someone looking to learn CS fundamentals. Does anyone here have experience with Byte Academy?
3. Courses at Columbia/NYU/etc.: I don't need a degree but I'm unsure if taking individual courses is an option. * Couldn't find information on Columbia's website that suggested that it is. * Found http://ptgrad.poly.edu/ at NYU which seems to allow attending some courses but I'm not certain.
I was hoping to get some advice on the options mentioned above and in case there are other avenues that I should explore. For people familiar with the NYC area, any in-person classes/courses that you would recommend?
Thank you very much!