Choosing Masters in Comp. Science dilemma

I am about to graduate from Univ of Maryland Univ. College with BS in Computer Science (aiming at 4.0 gpa, but we'll see). I am trying to pick a good CS grad program. I've done quite a bit of a research on JoAnn's, geteducated and other sites and it turns out that I basically have 2 options:

1) Get MS in Inf. Systems from one of the local colleges such as UMBC (I live in Maryland). Pros: This would look great on my resume since it wouldn't show that the degree was obtained by distance. Cons: MSIS is not exactly what I would like to study. I would rather choose good old MSCS.

2) Obtain MS in Comp. Science by distance from a good B&M college such as UIUC, Nova, Colorado State, etc. Pros: it would be a true MSCS degree. Cons: it would look obvious on my resume that the degree was obtained by distance.

This board has been a great source of information, so I am asking for your advice!! Thanks in advance!

 

It depends on your future career goals. An IS degree can be a better credential for business related positions such as systems analyst, business analysis, database administrator, E-commerce, etc but not the best credential to work as a software engineer, research and development, scientist, etc. If your goal is to work as a software engineer or research scientist, the Master in Computer Science degree would be better.

 

I work as a Senior Software Engineer already if it makes any difference. Honestly, I will probably stay on the technical side of things in the future, but never say never.

 

Even a distance learning program from UIUC is very valuable. From what i have heard, the program is very tough and requirements are stringent. You might also want to look at the program in IT offered by Harvard Extension School. They have IT as well as core CS courses for you to choose from.

Best
Sathya

 

Does Capitol College's www.capitol-college.edu online MS in Computer Science meet your standards and expectations?

 

Thanks, Ted.

Well, it looks like it's a solid, affordable program, offered in 8-week terms. I could be wrong, but I just don't think Capitol College has a reputation of UMBC, Towson or Nova Southeastern. Anyway, thanks for your suggestion!

 

Of course Capitol College is not well known, but it is at least Regional accredit institution. If you concern about the reputation of the school, then you should go with University of Maryland (Baltimore County). One time I thought about Capitol College for Master of Science in Information Assurance, but when I asked other people around DC area. They said that they never heard of the school before. Therefore, I backed out to different school, and now I am landing with George Washington University.

 

www.champlain.edu if you're interested in the forensic side of things

 

Thanks, BlueMason. No, unfortunatelly, I am not into forensic science

 

This information from the Capitol College web site:

"The program provides students with the professional competencies2 specified by the world’s two most prominent authorities in information assurance -- the joint National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security Committee on National Security Standards (CNSS), and the (ISC) organization’s requirements for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) credential.

The NSA and DHS have designated Capitol College as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education in all five CNSS domains, and at the advanced level where applicable. The eight required core courses are mapped to all five of the CNSS domains specified by the NSA and DHS. Capitol received its first designation in 2003 and gained recertification in 2006 against strengthened criteria and more rigorous standards."