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What is the best course of action for a master program?

Veteran

Paul Salomon New Hyde Park, NY

I am due to graduate this year with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Programming and Information Systems. So far I found both Georgetown University and Purdue University to an attractive offer. Especially Purdue University master of computer science concentrate in information security. I want to know if there are any other alternative out there that would give me the best investment.

15 November 2018 14 replies Education & Training

Answers

Advisor

David Bisignani Youngstown, OH

Paul,

Thank you for your service and the sacrifices you have made to serve out country. After I graduated with my BS degree, I, too, wanted to go on for my Master's. After active duty, I did in fact, get my advanced degree. But I concur with the others who advise you to determine what you want to do first. In my case, I love writing code (I work with the .NET family of technologies) and I can tell you that, in my experience, your work experience is the thing that will get you a job writing software. Having a Master's degree in Computer Science really has never gotten me a job. So if you want to write code, then go for the experience. If you want to be in supervision or management, consider an MBA. If you want to teach, a master's in computer science is the right direction to go in. If you do get a master's degree in computer science, the hot areas in the field are business intelligence, cyber security and web development, so find a school which excels in these areas. Hope this helps you and good luck with whatever you choose!

16 January 2019 Helpful answer

Advisor

FRANCIS TEPEDINO, ESQ. San Diego, CA

A Master's degree in computer science would be wonderful.

However if you want to eventually be in the corner office, rather then pecking at a computer screen, go for a Juris Doctor.

We have lots of computer nerds - but damn few of them understand the domestic and international regulatory
business environments and the risk constraints.

16 January 2019 Helpful answer

Advisor

Tom Cal, CFA San Francisco, CA

Join OperationCode.org's discussion forum, and ask your question in the #colleges channel, https://operationcode.org/join .

Intentionally develop your person specific, written, education and training plan woth your career goals in mind, and explore a range of options, in addition to possibly earning a degree.

What are your career goals? What do you want to be doing in 5 years and beyond?

START WITH GOALS IN MIND!

20 November 2018 Helpful answer

Advisor

Jason Bunyea Brownsboro, AL

Hi, Paul.

You might want to take a look at the Online Master of Science in Computer Science (OMS CS). I've been following it a bit since they announced it a few years ago, and have a few coworkers that are currently attending courses. It seems to be a very robust program academically, and very affordable. From the website: (http://www.omscs.gatech.edu/program-info/cost-payment-schedule )

Tuition: $510 per 3-credit hour course (most OMS CS courses will be 3 credit hours)
Fees: $301 per academic term of enrollment ($194 institutional fee + $107 technology fee). Fees are assessed only for those terms in which students are enrolled in courses.

Take a look and see if it's what you're interested in:
https://www.cc.gatech.edu/future/masters/mscs/program

Good luck!

Jason

15 November 2018 Helpful answer

Advisor

Jeannie LaDriere Dallas, TX

Paul,

Have you looked at the U.S. News & World Report's list of Best Schools? They break down by functions and the reasons why they're on the list. Here are a couple of links:
https://www.usnews.com/info/blogs/press-room/articles/2018-09-10/us-news-announces-2019-best-colleges-rankings
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges

Happy hunting!

Jeannie

15 November 2018 Helpful answer

Advisor

Tom Adam El Segundo, CA

Hi, Paul.

I can't recommend a specific program or school (perhaps others here can), but I can at least offer you a strategy for identifying other possibilities. Look at the companies you might be interested in on Linked in, and at the profiles of people like yourself currently working there. Take a look at their educational backgrounds and see what schools may have a more dominant presence among those employees.

15 November 2018 Helpful answer

Advisor

Louis Schwarz Somerville, NJ

Hi Paul, my advice is get and MBA in e business. You must learn the business process, because that never changes, just how you execute it. Technology on its own is not worth much, technology applied to business or science is true value. Technology is like any tool, how you use it makes the difference, not just having the tool.

Advisor

julie scholl Parshall, CO

Highly suggest getting some real life work experience before embarking on even more education. As a former hiring manager sometimes the worst employee's were the ones that had school only, a balance is best. I realize that your service is certainly important real life work experience, but look carefully at expected earnings, personal debt load, personal financial goals before you sign up for more classes. Most jobs/careers these days seem to need less and less education. Some organizations now seem to promote/hire unqualified and unexperienced civilians into jobs that absolutely needed just an associates degree in the past. This can be very frustrating for all of us who do educate ourselves. Working with individuals that decided not to go to school can sometimes bring chaos to workplace culture, remember this when applying for career positions in various companies/government roles. Good luck and do the right thing for you, your family/spouse, community. Life is an opportunity for meaningful experiences.

Advisor

Mark Ryall Greensboro, NC

First Congrats on serving and achieving your undergrad degree. I also went from undergrad right into an MBA program. One thing I learned after enrolling in my grad program was the quality of the companies that interviewed on campus! Noting that education is great and a door opener during an organization's recruiting process, it is a means to an end = securing a good job where you will continue to learn and find fulfillment. Look into universities that have excellent Placement offices - look at the stats - companies that visit, extend offers and place candidates in good organizations. CS advanced degree w/ a concentration in security can't go wrong w/ 40% of those positions being 'open' across federal public sector. Purdue and Georgetown are solid. If you want to go into the commercial sector, then Accenture is a great place to work. Good luck. Mark

Advisor

Susana Moraga Hayward, CA

Paul,
As a career counselor I concur with Bathsheba's comments in her second paragraph, as well as others recommending you decide what you want to be doing in five years.
Graduate programs are more specific than underdgrad programs.
If you are clear about your career goals my next question would be have spoken with people in that field to get their recommendations for programs, both where and when.
Cyber security has mushroomed the past 7 years.
Will you be over educated but under qualified?
Should you work before pursuing that MS?
Simply by asking the question leads me to think you still need to do additional research.
Best,

Advisor

Bathsheba Gibborim Las Vegas, NV

Hello Paul,

I first want to applaud your efforts in pursuing your advance degree in computer programming. I wish you well in achieving your academic goals! In regards to your question about best masters degree programs in computer programming let me first suggest the following school which I think has one of the best Computer Science program and department in the country. It is Stevens Institute of Technology 1 Castle Point Terrace Hoboken, NJ 07030. Ph: (201) 216-3633 contact for info. em: Janine.Huambachano@stevens.edu. On Stevens Institute website it states that this school is the top for the best 20 year ROI for graduates, 2018 Pay Scale College ROI report. Also, that this school was voted most innovative school in the nation, U.S. News & World report's Best Colleges 2018 rankings. I have listed links to information I referenced and articles that I think will be most beneficial to you! In researching these sites I think again Stevens Institute has the best computer science department and program for you to consider.

However, I would like to also help you with a few tips when career planning. First, go to the Department of Labor of Statistic website listed below and select Job outlook handbook. Also, called the occupational outlook handbook. Once on this site search the job of your choice and see what is the requirements and educational level needed. It will lists what is also the current salaries for a variety of jobs with in the industry associated with your job selection. This site is great because it can help you learn what exact competency you need to develop to be competitive in your field of choice. I have listed this website below.

Links: (copy & cut & paste into your browser)
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm
https://www.bestcolleges.com/features/masters-computer-science-degree-programs/
https://www.stevens.edu/about-stevens
https://www.bestvalueschools.com/computer-science-degrees-best-roi/

Best regards,

Bathsheba

Veteran

Kent Watson Monticello, FL

If you are interested in working in the Washington, DC/Maryland/Virginia area then you best choice would be Georgetown University. However, if you are looking at the best pound for pound then you might want to give serious consideration to Purdue Global University. Credible listing can be found at the 25 Best Master's in Information Management (https://www.collegechoice.net/rankings/best-masters-in-information-technology/). System analyst pay range is $60,000 - $80,000. Highest end would be $120,000.00 but many years of experience expected and well connected. Chief Warrant Officer Four Kent T. Watson, US Army, Retired, nearly 35 years faithful and honorable service.

Advisor

Joe Pierce Jonesboro, AR

Paul
Thank you for your service
Once you have identified the course of action ie on line or at a school, contact them to ensure you have all of the prerequisites required including any testing that might be necessary

Veteran

Paul Salomon New Hyde Park, NY

Thank you for your response and I will make do with direction or suggestion to take upon.

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