I Earned Two Computer Science Degrees and Built My Career in IT: My UoPeople Journey

I am 48 years old, Japanese, and currently based in Japan. For much of my early life, I followed an academic path in the humanities. But as I grew older and gained professional experience, I discovered a growing interest in science, technology, and computers. I wanted to understand the field more deeply, not just through practical experience but through formal academic study.

Returning to university as an adult gave me the opportunity to pursue that interest. Through University of the People, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Information Technology. For me, these achievements demonstrated that it is possible to change academic direction, develop new expertise, and access a high-quality American education while living and working in Japan.

Exploring My Passion for Technology

My early exposure to English also played an important role in shaping my educational journey. When I was a child, a neighbor’s mother taught me English, and the language eventually became one of my greatest strengths. That foundation later helped me explore international academic opportunities and pursue degrees at English-language universities.

I was particularly interested in learning about emerging technologies and understanding the principles behind them. As my curiosity grew, I realized that I wanted to return to school and build a stronger academic foundation in computer science and information technology.

I am also proud to be the first person in my extended family to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from foreign universities. This achievement has personal significance, but it also represents something broader to me: that people living in Japan can access high-quality education from American-accredited universities through accessible and affordable learning pathways.

Finding My Direction in the IT Industry

Before joining UoPeople, I had already gained professional experience working for logistics and information technology companies in Japan. These roles helped me understand how technology could address practical business needs.

One of my early professional challenges was shaped by Japan’s so-called Lost Generation, a period marked by limited employment opportunities and severe job shortages. Finding stable work was difficult, even for people who were eager to build their careers. The IT sector was among the few areas where employment opportunities were available.

I eventually secured a regular position at a logistics company, where I worked on proposing a mail-order system. This experience helped me see how technology could support business operations and solve real-world problems.

However, as my career progressed, I increasingly felt the need to develop a deeper academic understanding of IT. Practical experience had given me valuable insights, but I wanted to strengthen my theoretical knowledge and learn about the technologies shaping the industry.

That realization became an important turning point. I decided to return to higher education and pursue the academic qualifications that would help me grow professionally.

Why I Chose University of the People

I discovered University of the People while searching online for a university that met several important criteria. I wanted an accredited institution offering flexible online learning, accessible education, and rigorous programs in computer science and information technology.

UoPeople stood out because it offered an opportunity to pursue an American university education without having to relocate from Japan or put my professional life on hold.

Its approach to accessible, affordable higher education also resonated with me. I could continue working while studying subjects that directly aligned with my interests and career goals.

I chose to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and later a Master of Information Technology. Together, these programs allowed me to build a foundation in computing before deepening my technical knowledge at the graduate level.

I also transferred some general education credits from my previous university studies in Japan. A UoPeople program advisor kindly explained the process and guided me on how to submit the necessary information through the university’s website. That support made it easier to understand how my previous academic experience could contribute to my studies.

Earning Two Degrees Through a Global Online Classroom

My experience at UoPeople was shaped by the flexibility of online learning and the opportunity to interact with students and instructors from around the world.

Almost every week, I looked forward to my instructors’ feedback on assignments and the insights my classmates shared in the discussion forums. These exchanges gave me opportunities to consider different perspectives and experience the value of learning in a global academic community.

I particularly appreciated how the curriculum connected theoretical concepts with practical applications. The coursework introduced me to technologies and tools that I could relate directly to my professional interests.

Some of the hands-on experiences were especially memorable. I worked with Git for development, completed security exercises using Kali Linux and Burp Suite, wrote shell scripts in Bash, and set up virtual machines using Oracle VirtualBox.

These activities helped me move beyond simply learning about technology to experimenting with the tools and environments used in the field. I enjoyed the opportunity to explore different areas of computing and understand how the concepts I studied could be applied to practical challenges.

Completing both degrees required commitment alongside my everyday responsibilities and professional life. There were times when balancing work, personal commitments, and coursework was challenging. During an online event, UoPeople’s founder, Shai Reshef, shared a message that stayed with me: “Never Give Up.” Those words became an important source of motivation throughout my academic journey.

Successfully earning two degrees from UoPeople reinforced my belief that determination and access to the right educational opportunities can make a significant difference.

Applying My Education to an IT Career

Today, I work for an IT company in Japan. My education at UoPeople has helped me approach technical challenges with greater confidence and a stronger foundation in both theory and practice.

One of the most valuable changes has been the way I approach problem-solving. I have developed the ability to examine IT problems more theoretically and logically, understand the principles behind them, and consider different approaches before moving toward a solution.

The knowledge I gained also proved useful immediately after graduation. I was able to apply contemporary IT concepts directly to my projects, including mathematical perspectives on machine learning. Having the academic background to understand these concepts helped me approach professional challenges with greater confidence.

For me, this is one of the most important benefits of continuing my education: being able to connect academic learning with the work I do every day. My degrees have not only expanded my technical knowledge but also strengthened my confidence in contributing as an IT professional.

My Advice to Other Learners: Remember That You Are Not Alone

One message I would share with current and prospective UoPeople students is that you are not alone in your educational journey. You are part of a global learning community, with classmates who bring different experiences, perspectives, and ambitions to the classroom.

Take advantage of that opportunity. Participate in discussions, learn from your peers, seek feedback from instructors, and remain curious about the subjects you are studying.

Returning to university as an adult learner can sometimes feel challenging, particularly when you are balancing work and everyday responsibilities. But you do not have to navigate the experience in isolation. The global classroom gives you opportunities to connect with others who are working toward their own goals.

My experience at UoPeople showed me that a flexible online education can offer both academic rigor and a sense of connection. I would encourage anyone considering this path to take the first step and remain committed to their goals.

Looking Ahead: Continuing to Learn and Explore

My immediate goal is to establish stability in my current career while continuing to keep up with developments in information technology. The field evolves constantly, and I want to remain informed about emerging tools, technologies, and approaches.

I am also interested in deepening my academic research in IT. My studies have strengthened my curiosity about computer science and machine learning, and I hope to continue exploring these areas in greater depth.

Another goal is to share my experience with others in Japan. The opportunity to earn American university degrees through an accessible online learning model is still relatively unfamiliar to many people here. As a UoPeople graduate, I would like to help raise awareness of this educational pathway and encourage others to consider opportunities they may not have previously thought possible.

I hope my journey demonstrates that it is never too late to change direction, return to school, or pursue a new area of interest. A background in one discipline does not have to limit what you can accomplish in another.

About the Author

Naohiro U. is a University of the People alumnus who earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Information Technology. Based in Japan, he works in IT and enjoys exploring computer science and machine learning. Having transitioned from a background in the humanities to advanced studies in computer science and IT, he is a strong advocate for accessible, flexible higher education and lifelong learning. Outside work, he enjoys watching baseball and keeping scorecards during games, reading, and playing the guitar.