Advice on pusuing Masters in IT

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by PackBrew, Feb 22, 2008.

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  1. PackBrew

    PackBrew New Member

    Basically I am looking for advice as I am about to take a big step in my life. I am excited but also very nervous. This is long and I apologize but I really need the help. I have my undergrad from a brick and mortar in Business Admin w/ emphasis in Applied Math and Computer Science. However it was more math than computer science. I am currently working for a direct marketing company as a database analyst however it isn't a true DBA position. I work with a company owned program where you just put in the inputs and and the program runs whatever you would like to pull, match, etc. The program is ancient. I have 2 semesters of Java from my undergrad 5 years ago. I also recently took an online CEU class in MySQL. My job has let me work a little with Oracle and SQL but I pretty much have to bug and bug for them to give me queries to run. There is only one guy that runs queries off of Oracle other than the ones I am lucky enough to get. I have decided to pursue my Masters of Science Information Technology with a specialization in System Development and Design from Capella University due to the lack of growth and willingness to let me learn from my current job. Basically I want to know peoples thoughts on this opening doors for me as every DBA opening wants 3 years of experience. Basically I know some SQL and have two semesters in Java 5 years ago. Is this school respected in the IT field? Is this non traditional school respected period? I have listed below the courses I would be taking. I know it is long but I want to cover all stops and make sure this is the right decision as my job told me they wouldn't pay for it because I would be over qualified for my current position. Well duh. This is why I also plan on moving to a different job towards the end of my masters maybe for some tuition help. Sorry for the length but people's opinions are greatly appreciated as I am asking everyones thoughts and out of all boards I could find, this one seemed the most knowledgable.

    TS5110 Enterprise System and Application Development 4 quarter credits
    This course covers dynamic HTML, JavaScript, Java Applets, cascading style sheets, and design templates. The course also includes an introduction to CGI programming, server side includes (SSI), and extensible markup language (XML). Learners apply their knowledge as they use a professional interactive development environment (IDE) to develop a Web application, showing mastery of one or more of the Internet application technologies. Prior to enrolling in this course, learners should have a working knowledge of both Web site development and programming.

    TS5120 Project Management for Technology Professionals 4 quarter credits
    Learners in this course explore management techniques for planning, estimating, and facilitating successful enterprise Internet, intranet, and extranet application projects. Topics include defining a project, developing work breakdown structures, preparing project schedules, and determining how to coordinate the various resources. Special attention is given to the skills needed to lead and manage cross-functional and multinational teams in a virtual team environment. This course includes methods for managing new application development projects as well as the selection, installation, and integration of third-party software applications. The course introduces techniques that help keep projects on track and enhance team motivation and offers planning, time management, and risk management activities that are useful to learners throughout their program and professional careers.

    TS5130 System Development Theory and Practice 4 quarter credits
    This course focuses on the software engineering fundamentals that can be applied to enterprise-wide software application development. Advanced techniques for requirements analysis, functional specifications, system design, implementation, testing, and maintenance are covered. Topics include portability, reusability, prototyping, and performance management. Learners compare theory with actual practice and assess, evaluate, and apply software development principals or processes to a professional environment. Prior to enrolling in this course, learners should possess a working knowledge of the software development process.

    TS5151 Quality Assurance 4 quarter credits
    Learners in this course explore the practical application of quality assurance principles in technology. Tools, techniques, quality improvement, and statistical processes for determining quality assurance are presented. Learners examine real world examples, cases, and models to evaluate how to apply quality assurance in technology. Learners also explore industry standard quality assurance processes like the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) Capability Maturity Model (CMM) or the American Society for Quality (ASQ) Six Sigma. This course enables learners to compare quality principles with actual practices and ultimately apply these principles in their technology professions and organizations.

    TS5160 Business Foundations 4 quarter credits
    This course provides IT learners with a foundation of business concepts. Learners analyze organizational structures, operational processes, and financial measures as well as key business communication concepts and techniques. Through the analysis and application of fundamental business processes, theories, and techniques, successful completion of this course helps learners better understand how IT integrates with the enterprise as a whole.

    TS5501 Database Analysis and Design 4 quarter credits
    This course introduces database analysis, database design, and N-tiered client-server database systems.Topics include database structures, data dictionaries, data analysis, normalization, and common database applications.Learners develop an application in a popular database system.Advanced discussion topics include database scripting (SQL), API interfaces, database connectivity technologies (ODBC/JDBC), concurrency control, database security, and data warehousing multi-dimensional databases and data mining methods that extract useful information from the data warehousing.A problem-based approach using SQL is used in this course.


    TS5502 Programming Strategies 4 quarter credits
    This course provides a foundation for learners interested in learning Java.Learners also explore the aspects of Java that make it one of the most popular and dynamic programming environments available to the information technology professional.The course is hands-on, with numerous programming exercises to further develop programming skills.The course covers Java programming syntax, Java concepts, data types and methods, classes and class hierarchies, Applet and application creation, Java Swing, error handling and exceptions, and introduces Java Database Connectivity (JDBC).Working knowledge with programming in C, C++, C#, Visual Basic, or other formal programming languages is strongly recommended.Completion of TS5505 is good preparation for this course.

    TS5503 Advanced Enterprise System Development 4 quarter credits
    Learners in this course further explore the topics covered in TS5110 by examining several mechanisms for interfacing with back-end databases, including Rapid Application Development (RAD) techniques, to support dynamically created Web content from server-side databases.This course covers Active Server Pages (ASP) and introduces Java Server Pages (JSP) and more advanced technologies supporting reusable business logic on the server.Enterprise Java Beans (EJBs) capabilities and contexts for use are also introduced.Course content explains distributed object technology and describes how Extensible Markup Language (XML) is utilized for spontaneous data exchange between two Internet applications.In addition, this course covers mechanisms to improve performance of Internet applications.Prerequisite(s): TS5110, TS5501, and either TS5502 or TS5538

    TS5513 Advanced Programming Strategies 4 quarter credits
    This course extends the topics discussed in TS5502 by covering several advanced features of Java programming.It is intended for learners who understand fundamental Java programming concepts and now want to explore some of the advanced Java programming topics.The primary focus of this course is on the advanced features and libraries of the Java 2 platform; this knowledge is essential to programming in the application server environment.This course enables learners to create a client-server Java application utilizing remote method invocation (RMI) and a swing-based applet interface.Prerequisite(s): TS5502.

    TS5539 Enterprise Database Systems 4 quarter credits
    This course prepares learners for designing, managing, and integrating database systems within an enterprise.It focuses on topics related to large scale database systems while providing a background in the architecture of these systems including transactional processing and distributed systems.Learners explore administrative issues related to these systems, focusing on system access and security.Learners also explore the applications of these systems, particularly ERPs (Enterprise Resource Planning Systems) and CRMs (Customer Relationship Management Systems).Learners also investigate object-oriented database systems to determine when their application may be more appropriate then relational database systems.Prerequisite(s): TS5501.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 22, 2008
  2. cklapka

    cklapka Member

    I am not putting down Capella here, I just do not know enough about them to judge if they are good or not. I would assume this is true of many employers too. That being said the course descriptions look good.

    I am going to suggest some alternatives for you to look into, for comparision:

    Virgina Tech --> MIT
    Stevens Institute of Technology--> Various Computing Degrees
    Regis University --> Various Computing Degrees
    Drexel University--> Various Computing Degrees
    University of Illinois (Urbana) -->MCS
    Rochester Institute of Technology -->MSIT

    Each of these may seem expensive(and perhaps they are), however, make sure you look at total cost (Semester vs Quarter hr) for the degree. These are all well recognized schools in the field(with the exception of Regis[they are just a quality school]).

    Also, another option which may be less expensive is to obtain a second bachelors degree in IT. UMass Lowell has an option for that.

    Each of these programs is provided via distance education.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 22, 2008
  3. Neoplato

    Neoplato New Member

    A good article is "Grow that DBA Career".

    Personally, I would not go to Capella because of the name-recognition issue. I would rather go with something like DSU's MSIS with the data specialization:

    http://www.dsu.edu/msis/msis-specializations.htm
    http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?t=27542

    On the flip side, it's really experience that you want and the value of an MS degree in IT is debatable, especially since you already have a BS that included some computer science. Simiarly:

    http://expertanswercenter.techtarget.com/eac/knowledgebaseAnswer/0,295199,sid63_gci988809,00.html
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 22, 2008
  4. Neoplato

    Neoplato New Member

    Another option is to just get a graduate certificate in database administration:

    http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=com.google%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&hs=PXG&q=site%3A.edu++certificate+DATABASE+ADMINISTRATION+online&btnG=Search

    However, I would rather save my money and focus on certifications and other ways to get a foothold on a Junior DBA position. Or I would go all out and get an MS degree along with certifications and everything else recommended in the "Grow that DBA Career" article. I don't like the idea of getting a graduate certificate if I can't transfer most of the credits to an MS degree. I know Florida Institute of Technology accepts 12 credits, which is 3-6 more than most MS programs. BTW, I'm not a DBA, and I am not currently working in the IT industry.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 22, 2008
  5. PackBrew

    PackBrew New Member

    These were the responses I was afraid of as I am scheduled to start in April. Maybe I should look into a few of these other schools. How difficult are these to get into...

    Virgina Tech --> MIT
    Stevens Institute of Technology--> Various Computing Degrees
    Regis University --> Various Computing Degrees
    Drexel University--> Various Computing Degrees
    University of Illinois (Urbana) -->MCS
    Rochester Institute of Technology -->MSIT

    I guess I wanted to get started as soon as possible. I mean the course content looks great but the name is what I am afraid of. I guess I was under the impression that even with the name issue, the course content would help rise above that issue.

    By the way thanks for the help so far.
     
  6. cklapka

    cklapka Member

    I think Regis may be your best bet if you want to start early. They have rotating admissions, if I remember correctly, so you may be able to start in April. As far as how hard they are to get into, that depends one your starting point. Some require GRE only if your undergraduate GPA is below as certain amount, others require it regardless.

    Some things to think about:
    Where did you get your undergraduate degree
    What was your GPA at that school
    What were your CompSci Grades
    Do you want to take a GRE

    Also, since you want to start early, some programs allow you to transfer credit in perhaps you apply to any that you like while taking a course or two at Regis.
     
  7. PackBrew

    PackBrew New Member

    Where did you get your undergraduate degree = University of Wisconsin - Stout
    What was your GPA at that school = 3.073
    What were your CompSci Grades = CS1: B+ CS2: B
    Do you want to take a GRE = Wouldn't bother me.
     
  8. cklapka

    cklapka Member

    I would think that (I am not an admissions counselor or committee chair ;)) obtaining a good score on the GRE, you would have a pretty good shot at all of the schools.

    The next step would be to look over the programs and see which interest you. And check the admission requirements to the programs that way you will know if you need to take the GRE or not. Also, while they may not admit you to a program right away, they may allow you to take classes,if available, before formal admission.
     
  9. PackBrew

    PackBrew New Member

    CKLAPKA, I appreciate your help. What is your stance on DSU? I have been looking over their program a bit. I don't believe it requires the GRE as it didn't say, just knowledge in the field.
     
  10. gbrogan

    gbrogan Member

    I think if I was in your shoes, I would look for certifications, study and obtain those and then attempt to get an entry level DBA position. Once you are in the door, you can get the degree and hopefully tuition assistance as well.
     
  11. PackBrew

    PackBrew New Member

    I guess my only question with that is where do I get the applications to use? I don't have the likes of Oracle at home and I am sure work doesn't want me practicing there.
     
  12. Neoplato

    Neoplato New Member

    Both Oracle and Microsoft provide free "Express" versions of their database engines for download from their website.
     
  13. PackBrew

    PackBrew New Member

    That's right, forgot about that. Thanks.
     
  14. PackBrew

    PackBrew New Member

    http://www.techskills.edu/

    I found this site for certifications training. I think I will try this and get some certifications. That way hopefully I can get my foot in the door and get some tuition assistance.
     
  15. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    The funny thing about that is that of the IS faculty at DSU, at least as of a year ago, two have PhD degrees from Capella and two more are Capella PhD candidates.

    -=Steve=-
     
  16. cklapka

    cklapka Member

    I think it has good programs and it is a respectable school.
     
  17. Neoplato

    Neoplato New Member

    Also, a number of MS-level IT instructors only have an MS degree anyway. That actually seems to be more true at Harvard's ALM program than at DSU. (Most of the DSU courses seem to be taught by PhDs while most of the Harvard ALM courses seem to be taught by MS holders.)
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 22, 2008
  18. RFValve

    RFValve Well-Known Member


    I personally don't think that a M.S in IT from any low tier school would make much of a difference for you. You already have a Bachelor in Computer Science and this is more than enough for most of the jobs in IT. If your real goal is to become a DBA, I would go for a Microsoft or Oracle Database certification. It is more cost effective than getting a Master's degree from a low tier.

    The reality is that most of these courses given from low tiers as Master's degree courses are nothing more than bacherlor's courses repackaged as Master's courses. Most of these courses are pretty basic and are targeted towards those without IT background or those just looking for a "Master's" brand on their resume.

    I would save my money and prepare for a certification instead, you can get a certification with selfstudy and for less than one thousand dollars for examination fees. Just the price of one course at Capella can pay for the full certification.

    Companies tend to be more receptive to a good Industry certification rather than a Master's degree from a low tier distance school.

    If you want to get a "real" master degree, I would go for Electrical Engineering or Computer Science and not IT. However, you would notice that the courses in Engineering or Computer Science at the graduate level are a lot harder than those offered in IT Master's.
     
  19. RFValve

    RFValve Well-Known Member

    I echo this logic. Most companies require a BS for IT positions with certifications. You would find that very few really care about master's degrees unless your bachelors is not IT related.

    A master's degree alone from a low tier would put you almost in the same situation you are right now. A certification might give you more chances in my opinion.
     
  20. PackBrew

    PackBrew New Member

    I looked into this www.techskills.com. For $10,500 I can take as may certification courses as possible in one year. Otherwise the Oracle is $4500 in itself. It is hands on and you have your own personal instructor. It looks like I could complete these within a year with the structure they offer.

    Oracle 10g Certified Professional Database Administrator (OCP DBA)
    Oracle 10g Certified Associate (OCA)
    Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA)
    Sun Certified Java Programmer (SCJP)
    Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD)

    Let me know what some of you think. I think this might be the route to go. With these certifications I would have to think I would be able to find what I am looking for. Thanks again for all of the help.
     

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