Hello everyone. I'm considering the value of an MS in Computer Science vs. an MS in Information Technology or an MS in (Computer) Information Systems. I've also considered the possiblilty of an MS in Software Engineering, though this would probably have less flexibilty and seems much more specific. Any thoughts about the relative value and utility of these degrees as they relate to working in the IT industry would be appreciated. Also, what if the MS in IT were from a fairly reputable local school while the MS in CS were completed online from a small school with no real national recognition (both schools being RA)? Thanks in advance.
M.Sc in IT is for non computer related graduates, M.Sc in Computer Science normally requires a B.Sc in Computer Science or extra work, and M.Sc in Information Systems is more business related
I like RFValve's classification, though in practice the three majors (CS, IT, IS) are not used uniformly. NJIT's College of Computing Sciences provides an interesting case study here because it offers four undergraduate degrees: BA IS, BS IS, BS CS, BS IT. The CS major focuses on the underlying principles of computing, IT focuses on applications of computing (especially e-commerce, internet, etc.), and IS focuses on the use of computer systems in organizations.
Thanks for the input! They really do vary a lot between programs. Some IS/MIS programs are mostly business courses, while some are a combination of business and technical courses. Some IT programs are a combination of business and CS courses, some are purely technical, etc. Most CS programs require a lot of theory, but some are much more applied in nature and not really very different from the technically oriented MS in IT programs. Background requirements can vary radically between different programs with the same degree name. The two programs that I'm strongly considering at the moment are: an MS in IT from the University of Texas at San Antonio, a local school with a decent reputation; and an MS in CS from Capitol College, an online program from a small school in Maryland which is not likely to be recognized locally. I've also considered an MS in CS or Software Engineering from St. Mary's University, another local school with a good repuation, but it would be considerably more expensive than the other two options which I've listed. Right now I'm trying to determine which degree, if either, might be perceived as being a stronger degree. I'll have a BA with Computer Science major from TESC, and I realize that a BA in CS is weaker than a BS in CS, so part of my motivation is to have a stronger technical degree for my resume. I'd also like to get a degree that could help with a move to a managerial career, but maybe it would be better to get an MS in CS, followed later by an MBA or MS in Management, rather than just getting a dual business/technical MS in IT. Maybe I'm just thinking about it too much... Thanks!
