Need advice for my Masters

I started a new job a few months ago as a web programmer and they pay up to $5200 / year for an advanced degree. The only real requirement is the school I attend must be regionally accredited. I could use a little advice on picking a school. So far I am highly considering MSCS at Walden since I could specialize in web applications. The only problem is its kind of expensive ($25K) so it would take around 5 years before I was fully reimbursed by my employer.

Another consideration is getting a MSIS at DSU, which is a lot cheaper ($8K). With them I can get a specialization in E-commerce. The only problem is I am torn between if a MSIS holds as much weight at MSCS. I was under the impression that a MSCS is more respected but I’m not sure if that is, in fact, true.

I lot of the other schools I looked at required courses such as compiler design, parallel programming, etc. This is good and all but for a web programmer I don’t know if it’s really that useful for me. Additionally, I’ve noticed some schools required over 50hrs, while others only require 30. That’s getting close to twice as many hours.

I would like to avoid taking the GRE if at all possible and would need it to be 100% online (no campus visits). If anyone can give some advice on these schools / degrees, or would like to recommend any others, I would greatly appreciate it.

Regards,
Dustin

 

Well, I know there is some program that is specialized in Web Development. Here is one that I could think of right now.

University of Denver - Distance Education
Master of Applied Science - Computer Information System - Web Designs & Development Technologies
URL: http://www.universitycollege.du.edu/pdf/degreeplans/cis/2006-2007/mcis_webdev.pdf
Admission: Regionally accredited bachelor’s. Essay. Resume.
Masters Tuition: $17,550-$17,875 plus technology fees.

I think this one is better for you; also, it doesn't require GRE exam.

BTW, Are you interested in partnership in web design service? I am working on it........I started designed web site since I was 15; and now I am 22. As soon as I am done with Uncle Sam, I start work on it. Visit my site.....at http://www.entrontek.com

 

Colorado State University

Computer Science
M.C.S.

The Computer Science Department offers to qualified students an online professional degree (course work only) leading to a Master's of Computer Science.

The online courses follow a schedule parallel to courses offered on-campus, are completely equivalent to the on-campus courses, and carry the same academic credit.

Program Requirements
A solid background in computer science is required for admission, and should include course work in:

data structures,
computer organization,
software engineering,
operating systems, and
the mathematical foundations of computer science.
Students must complete 39 semester credits at the 400-level or
above, of which 24 must be earned at Colorado State. Of these 24 credits, 20 must be at the 500-level or above. At least 21 credits must be earned after formal admission to the graduate degree program (18 may be earned before formal admission).

Program Curriculum
The curriculum is grouped by the semester courses are to be offered.

Fall
CS 414 - Object-Oriented Design (4 cr.)
CS 475 - Parallel Programming (4 cr.)
CS 514 - Software Product and Process Evaluation (4 cr.)
CS 545 - Machine Learning (4 cr.)
CS 556 - Computer Security (4 cr.)
Spring
CS 457 - Computer Networks and the Internet (4 cr.)
CS 470 - Computer Architecture (4 cr.)
CS 517 - Software Specification and Design (4 cr.)
CS 575 - Parallel Processing (4 cr.)
Summer
CS 430 - Database Systems (4 cr.)
CS 551 - Distributed Operating Systems (4 cr.)
Application and Admission Requirements
This program follows the general admission or Track II Admission requirements and procedures with the following adaptations:

A 3.0 GPA on all undergraduate course work (exceptions are possible in the case of recent professional experience).
Professional experience.
Leadership potential.

A 4 credit class is $1650

More Information
About distance education and registration:

Frances Betts
(970) 491-0675
[email protected]

Debi Colbert
(970) 491-2645
[email protected]

About the curriculum or admissions:


Also consult your tax preparer you may be able to get tax return on the rest of the tution.

 

BTW, It requires only 54 quarters; which is equevalent to 36 semesters.

4.5 quarters = 3 semesters.

 

So University of Denver requires 54 credit hours, however, since they are quarters the classes are shorter than your traditional class? I wasn't aware that some schools did that. I always thought all classes were a full semester. I'll look into Denver some more. I also found City UNI has a program that has web classes http://www.cityu.edu/som_gd_ms_compsys.htm

Colorado State looks ok, however, it doesn't give me the option to specialize in web development.


P.S. TEKMAN not sure how much time I would have for a partnership since I am going back to school. When do you plan on getting the ball rolling with it? I started web development at about 15 as well (I am now 23).

Regards,
Dustin

 

Have you considered Harvard? No GRE required (for Extension Masters Degree) - but you need to take one class in person (e.g. summer session).

http://www.extension.harvard.edu/almit/default.jsp

 

No - some schools such as the University of Denver (DU) are on the quarter system. DU conducts its classes in four ten week quarters per year, with a break during late summer.

I'm a student in DU's Telecommunications program. Both the Telecom and the CIS programs are under the direction of Dr. Ernie Eugster, an excellent, rigorous, accessible, and accomodating instructor.

Selling points:

One of the adjuncts in DU's CIS program is Kris Jamsa, a very well-known technical writer:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/104-4635576-3300743?search-alias=aps&keywords=jamsa

The DU CIS Information Assurance program just obtained NSA accreditation this academic year.

http://www.universitycollege.du.edu/events/news.asp?NewsID=100

 

Forgive my ignorance but I am slightly confused on the quarter system. Is a quarterly class the same amount of work as a semester class but just crammed into a shorter time frame, or does it have less actual material (assignments, reading, etc)?

I don't believe Harvard would work because I couldn't take any classes in person with my work schedule.

Thanks for the help so far.

Regards,
Dustin

 

Less material. You need three quarters to cover two semesters worth of material.