Degree for IT Manager

Discussion in 'IT and Computer-Related Degrees' started by LIB, Jan 4, 2006.

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  1. LIB

    LIB New Member

    I'm 20 years old and an IT manager of a 150+ employee company. What would be a good degree to go for to compliment my experience as an IT manager?
     
  2. LIB

    LIB New Member

    just for some more information I'd be interestd in a bachelors degree from a semi prestigious school. I'm currently working on an associates degree from Charter Oak.
     
  3. stock

    stock New Member

    - Get a BS
    - Then PMP or MBA or MS in IT Mgmt.

    my 2 cents.
     
  4. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    Good advice...I would add getting a Project+ Certification from CompTIA if you do not feel you can just go pass the PMP. Project+ test is like a jr. PMP test.

    If you are looking for a school with a name for your BS, look here- http://online.fsu.edu/student/degree/explore/program/undergr/
    or look at this list -
    http://www.geocities.com/liu_jonathan/dluniv.html

    If you have a solid IT background, I would look at a BS in Business or Management.
     
  5. JoAnnP38

    JoAnnP38 Member

    While this might be a personal bias, unless the only thing that interests you is business or management, do not get a BS in either discipline. Get a science, engineering or liberal arts BS/BA. Then when you have finished, top it off with an MBA. Having this sort of background makes you a much more rounded employee with (IMO) more opportunity than someone who stays focused on business administration. What business is your employer in? Are you interested in that problem domain? If so, you might want to first pursue a BS in something that will strengthen your credibility in that domain then with an MBA you should be golden in that field.

    If you are absolutely dead set on just getting one degree that will help you in IT management (and you no desire to pursue a graduate degree after that), then you should probably get a degree in said field or perhaps Management Information Systems or even just Business Administration. Maybe you could further describe your interests so members here could direct you to interesting programs.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 4, 2006
  6. scubasteveiu

    scubasteveiu New Member

    Lib,
    I started in IT at 19 and shortly thereafter founded a wireless networking company. We did well and I *thought* I knew everything, I obviously didn't - and still don't. I am almost 27 now. I am sure you have done very well to be a manager at your age, however, there can be something said for being a "grunt" for a period of time as well. My point – it is possible to move up too quickly.

    Advice? Finish your BS / BA. Don't worry about "prestige" at this point (that is BS at this juncture). Earn a great gpa and take the GRE / GMAT - worry about prestige for the Masters, I wish I would have! That's why I may do another MBA, maybe. I have been very happy with my undergrad of Business con. Computer Info Systems. I had Law, Finance, Accounting, C, VB, Unix Admin, Speech, Operations etc ... I enjoyed the mix.

    As for the PMP - unless you started in IT *Project* Management at 14, I do not think you would qualify for the exam. Project+ and or CAPM are both options. I would recommend the PMP when you are ready.

    Lastly, listen to Randell, JoAnn and stock. I am pretty sure they are all my better and senior.


     
  7. JoAnnP38

    JoAnnP38 Member

    Re: Re: Degree for IT Manager

    Hey Steve, thanks for sharing that bit of biographical info. Very impressive.
    I'm sure you've read the (on balance) negative responses on this board about duplicating degrees. I'm sure you have considered a graduate certificate, right? I think that's what I would do if I were you. There's nothing wrong with a MBA from UoP, but it might add a little pizzaz to your resume if you added another business specialty through a graduate certificate from a top tier school. Are you still considering a PhD at Nova?
    This is good advice!
    I don't know about Randell, but while I may be older than you, you certainly have a impressive background. So, I would take issue with me being your better!
     
  8. scubasteveiu

    scubasteveiu New Member

    Hello JoAnn,

    I guess I have missed the "duplicating degrees" posts. I am sure they are sprinkled around, I will have to root some of them up. I will fully acknowledge the silliness of getting another, duplicate degree.

    As for the Nova PhD, goes - yes, it is still very much on my brain. I graduate from Capitol this May and at that point I must choose;

    1. new MBA (silly, I know)
    2. MS CS (Columbus State CS / IA is a possibility)
    3. PhD Nova (very exciting)
    4. Wait for the PhD at Capitol
    5. Spend more time on my apartments

    I really, really like your idea about the Grad Cert. I may have to do some searching later today (there are so many choices). If you have a favorite - please pass it along.

    Lastly, as for my Bio, thank you for being so kind, however my purpose is more for LIB as he and I seem to share some commonalties. Being young and moderately successful can poison a younger worker, this IMO and in my case was due to ego, pride and lack of real experience. Sometimes it is best to slow down and enjoy life, as opposed to sleeping on your office floor as I did.
     
  9. louisnguyen27

    louisnguyen27 New Member

    Hey LIB,

    Stock is correct. First, you should get a BSc or BEng then you go to MSc in IT Management. MBA is still ok, at least. Personally, I do not respect PMP because as an IT Manager, you will need to know the link between an Information System and another Management System (eg. CRM, SCM, KM....). Please remember with IT Manager, SOLUTION IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. I experienced this from my M. Sc.

    Brgds,
     
  10. scubasteveiu

    scubasteveiu New Member

    Why do you not respect the PMP credential?
    PMP is for *project* management which may or may not be included (or a subset of) IT Management. Furthermore, these "solutions" and "most important things" you talk about all require good Project Management when completing any integration or "link" between systems.


     
  11. louisnguyen27

    louisnguyen27 New Member

    Hi,
    I do not respect PMP in this case just because PMP is the execution of concept(s). But where could you get these concepts? Ofcourse not from PMP. Therefore, qualification for a MSc of IT management or MBA includes PMP. I agree with your that "these "solutions" and "most important things" you talk about all require good Project Management when completing any integration or "link" between systems".

    "You THINK what you WILL DO, and you DO what you THOUGHT"

    Anyway, PMP can be learnt from experience, and you can experience that many good project managers never joined in PMP courses. What they had, were experiences, lucks, and creative ideas.
     
  12. jimnagrom

    jimnagrom New Member

    Oxford University semi-prestigious enough? ;)
     
  13. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    If you want something for project management, look at Project+ Certification

    It is a great test and oyu learn a lot studing for it.
     
  14. quest_chun

    quest_chun New Member

    Re: Re: Degree for IT Manager

    Hi Scuba,

    I am also an IT Manager for a small medical practice. (100 employees, 2 locations). I have a BS in Natural Sciene/Pre-Med and am currently working on my MBA from Ellis College of NYIT with Management of Technology concentration. I have often contemplated starting Capitol College's MS programs for IT. Can you tell me a little about your experience with this school?

    Thanks!
    Qc
     
  15. scubasteveiu

    scubasteveiu New Member

    Re: Re: Re: Degree for IT Manager

    I truely enjoy Capitol College. I can not say enough good things about the MSNS program, the teaching methods (live classes via Centra), and the administration. I have *not* taken any classes outside of the MSNS program, so I can not speak to them.

    What type of MS IT are you interested in?

    Here is a cool MS I found that might fit your background ....

    (Master of Science in Biotechnology)
    http://www.umuc.edu/grad/msbt.shtml


     

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