Most Credible Masters in IS, IT or ISM degrees

I couldn't find a topic that really discussed this, so I thought I'd go ahead and post it. Since my job will pay for a significant portion of my future education, I'm looking to go back and complement my MBA in Accounting and Finance (from Indiana University) with some form of online Information Systems Masters. My biggest concern is finding one that will be taken seriously by employers. Basically what I am looking for is a somewhat well known school that offers a degree that includes an IT management focus and still gets into some of the basic technical issues (especially databases).

The two I have looked at the most so far are offered by UMBC and Florida Tech, though I don't really know what their reputations are like and how close they fit what I am looking for. Can anyone shed some life on this issue for me?

 

Dakota State University offers a very good IS program, and it is very affordable. If you're looking for big name schools with tuition for those rich folks, then Boston University offers a Computer Information Systems program, likewise; Webster University, Illinois Institute of Technology, one of Depaul's online IT programs, University of Illinois - Springfield MIS program, and Brandies University's IT management graduate program. Hopefully, folks with experience with any of this schools can help with program quality, or add to the list for your choosing. Goodluck!

 

oops! forgot to link to Brandeis University IT management graduate program....

 

Just to clarify, my work will pay for up to $540/hr for up to 4 classes per year. I'd be willing to exceed the hourly rate (looking for nothing more than the $650 - $750 range), but would want to stay within the class limit threshold.

 

In terms of prestige, probably Stanford's MSCS degree is highest, but at $1,310/unit (classes are 3-5 units each) that's at least $3,930 per course and at LEAST $58,950 for the degree!

Computer Science MS Degree | Stanford University Online

Soooo that one likely won't work. GetEducated's list is probably a good place to start:

Best Buy Masters Computer Science & Information Technology | Ratings & Rankings | GetEducated.com

 

I'm in the BU program that Cyber linked (and have a BS from BU) so I am a bit biased. It is a good program and a solid name to have on a resume.

The BU program (and most of the others linked) are more technical than management focused (but not as technical as a computer science program), although there is a project management track that can be taken at BU. Still, you would be taking some reasonably technical classes. The Brandeis program, on the other hand, looks far more management focused. So, it depends on what mix you prefer.

As far as cost, the BU program is 700/hr (with 4 credit classes), so it would appear to fit in that regard.

I would add programs at the New Jersey Institute of Technology to those that Cyber posted.

I think that BU and Brandeis have the strongest reputations of the programs that Cyber listed, but all are reputable, good schools.

 

emmzee,

While Stanford is a great name, and I am sure the program is great, I think a computer science program sounds too technical for what Simon is looking for. If not, there are several other really type schools to consider like Illinois (Urbana-Champaign) and Johns Hopkins. All of those programs are going to get way beyond "basic technical issues" and are not going to have any management focus.

 

To clarify my previous message, I am in the Boston University program. BU was not very clear considering I was comparing Boston University and Brandeis University!

 

Hi Mark - People from outside the Boston area don't know this but in Boston, NO ONE would think "Brandeis" when they heard "BU". (Even though the initials are the same) There is only one BU and it's Boston University. Brandeis is simply known as "Brandeis." BTW, it's a very good school whose academic reputation might actually surpass BU in some academic areas.

 

Hi Kizmet,

Yes, I went to BU as an undergrad and lived on campus so to me it is just BU and Brandeis is Brandeis, which is why it is so natural for me to write it that way! But, I was not sure if others would follow. Interestingly, I wonder how many of my online BU classmates would not know which was BU!

I agree completely about Brandeis being a very good school and that it would exceed BU in many academic areas.

Mark

 

Hi Mark - I'll see you on the Green Line.