Post-Degree Carreer Forum

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by thinker622, Jul 22, 2003.

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  1. thinker622

    thinker622 New Member

    Who has graduated and what do you do now?

    Post how your distance learning degree got you your job.

    Anybody have some interesting reactions to the degree?

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    Personal Interest

    I would like to work in consulting on how to use technology to improve business processes and/or work for a software company as a sales rep. I am having a hard time deciding on a Computer Science degree from Troy Sate or a degree in Business Administration - Information Systems. The latter is offered in the business college and it seems fine. The problem is that as I look at job sites the majority of the jobs that I find interesting are asking for a computer science degree. How important is it to get the bachelors in computer science compared to the bachelor's in Information Systems? Am I right in my assumption that the Computer Science degree has a feel of being more substantive? Or are they the same as far as most opportunities?

    I have been looking at jobs on Monster.com and I seem to find a lot of for Computer Science major jobs, but not a lot in the Information Systems. And for some reason when I hear a Manager of Information Systems degree I think more of a manager of a network rather than a job working on improving business processes. It may be just me so please give me your feedback?

    And, please share how your carreer has changed since earning your degree!
     
  2. wfready

    wfready New Member

    Thinker622,

    I am enrolled into the BSCS program that TSU Florida Western Region has. The Troy State Computer Science program is definately not the most technical computer science program I have seen (it looks more like an information systems degree). Don't get me wrong, if you look at the sylabus of all the courses it does feel like it is more computer science than information or IT (computer architecture w/ assembly language, advanced data structures, and some other crap that makes me think twice about doing the program :D).

    The courses are offered via Blackboard. I have had a pretty good experience w/ the first two classes I have taken. The course length is only two months, so you can get a years worth of schooling done w/ only 2 courses per term!

    Your right, a lot of jobs show up for computer science. A computer science degree tends to be used in all types of careers. Like a "Jack of all trades" in the computer field. I wouldn't sweat not seeing alot of "information science" degree's in the job listings. I don't think you should not apply for a job opening because it states you need a computer science degree over a information systems degree if the job is asking for a administrator or specialist or something to that order. If they need a software engineer for an avionics company or a systems engineer for NASA, then, yes, they might want to look at your transcript to make sure you have 50 years of calculus and physics :D. Bottom line, if you think your qualified for the job, odds are YOU ARE. I don't think many of these job openings requirements are set in stone.

    Hope this helps,
    Bill
     
  3. thinker622

    thinker622 New Member

    Regarding Computer Science degree

    Bill,

    That is exactly the kind of feedback I was hoping for. I felt the same way when I viewed the CS degree at Troy State as compared to Tourou CS degree for example. I guess the bottom line is getting the CS degree at the most reasonable cost and as quickly as possible. I think Troy State has the panache one would look for and it is RA isn't it?

    So I take it based on your comment about some of the courses that you are not a "techie" I am definately not. However, I seem to pick up this stuff pretty fast for an old man. Do you have previous programming experience? Do you think you would be able to take 3 courses a semester?

    Thanks for the feedback. I will probably see you online at Troy State! Regards, Dennis:cool:

    C'mon some of you other people must have gotten a job since you have earned your degree! What are you doing and how do you like it?
     
  4. Tel

    Tel New Member

    If you want to consult, I think that the pursuit of either degree would help. However, I would lean towards the Information Systems because the CS degree is likely to lead more towards programming. Info Sys provides a broader view of technological systems within an organization. This broad view is more helpful in understanding and improving business processes.

    Also, to really put you on the road to consulting I would consider getting an MBA. The combination of those two degrees would provide an excellent foundation for consulting.
     
  5. thinker622

    thinker622 New Member

    Tel,

    Thanks for your insight! You make a very good point. The infomation systems degree just doesn't feel as strong. My assummption is that most jobs that required the IS degree would hire someone who had a CS degree but the oppisite in not true. That is a big assumption on my part. Furthermore, in the deep recesses of my mind I feel like I might want be a programmar although I am not a techie by any means.

    I have to say you make a very good point however. Yes, and I am definately wanting to get an MBA. Thanks for the feedback and best wishes on your PhD! Dennis
     
  6. borisdarling

    borisdarling member

    I don't know that a Troy State degree is going to get anybody much of anything.

    The admissions committee of my doctoraal program recently mentioned that they no longer accept Troy State Masters degree graduates at face value - so many have been unable to perform at the BA level - let alone the post-grad level.

    Apparently Troy State is pumping the Air Force part-time students thru on the "social promotion" philosophy.

     
  7. thinker622

    thinker622 New Member

    Boris,

    Thanks for your input. I thought I had made up my mind and was all set to go to Washington State and then the Troy State optoin came up.

    Now I am really confused but better to be confused with much knowledge than ignorant and happy. That is true sometimes. I was really considering the Troy State option because it was less expensive and fast. So the big question is

    :confused: :confused:
    Is it better to get a MIS degree from Washington State or a Computer Science degree from Troy State?<b/> Anyone have an opinion?

    Anyone else have an opinion about how Troy State is recieved both in the educational and business/IT community?

    I am still waiting for people to post what jobs they have attained because of the degree the earned via distance learning. Anybody??:confused:
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 23, 2003
  8. And I can add a war story to that.

    A new entrant into a PhD program (this year) was asked WHY she was enrolled in the "Information Science" (library science) program if her degree was a Masters in Information Systems Managment (from Troy State). The school was trying to figure out HOW she had even been allowed in - she did not meet the prerequisites.

    The Air Force (25 years) person in question had no idea that she had been admitted to a Library Science prgram - even tho she was taking classes in it (turns out a data entry error had been made).

    The person in question came off as dumb as a rock - a Troy State graduate.

    Dave A

     
  9. thinker622

    thinker622 New Member

    Ok so that is two against Troy State. Any more?

    Hey Boris, may I ask what college questioned the validity of the Troy State program?

    Are we sure that this specific program is RA?

    Anybody have a good experience with the program?

    Is Tuorou University much better CS program?

    Does batman wear leather underwear? I have questions...
     
  10. wfready

    wfready New Member

    Thinker,

    I am not a "techie" as far as computers are concerned. I knew how to program for the longest time, but never pursued a career in it. Even though I know how to program, there is still a lot of stuff that I really don't understand about that makes me nervous about starting the upper level classes. I know electronics though (5 years avionics and 3 years semiconductors). Wanted to get this CS degree to get a job doing something related to what I do now except w/ the software/automation end.

    I honestly think the program is good so far (despite what Boris and Airborne are posting). You can find rocks from ANY school. Where I work, there are many engineering and technology grads from all types of schools that couldn't engineer or troublshoot their way out of a paper bag. I would take the two posts from borris and airborne w/ a grain of salt. DO a search on University of Pheonix on degreeinfo and see how many posts you find like these. Its regionally accredited (SACS) and its cheap. They also have a deferred payment program which is awesome (other than books, I haven't spent a dime on it).

    I found that a 2 course load per term was fine. I am going to try three next term to see if I can do it and work.

    Best Regards,
    Bill
     
  11. thinker622

    thinker622 New Member

    Bill,

    I think one gets out of college what one puts into it. I appreciate you getting back to me with your first-hand experience. I am having a hard time discounting what was said but I am also having a hard time not going for it at Troy State. I mean I can get a Masters in 2 to 4 years and it will cost about the same as attending some of the these other colleges.

    What option provides the best job opportunities?

    So here is the next big question: Is it better to have a Masters at Troy State with a Bachelor's in Computer Science or is it more appealing to a potential employer to see a Bachelors from Washington State or Touro?
     
  12. Jallen2

    Jallen2 New Member

    There is no question that all things being equal a CS degree is better for the techie world. As you said a CS degree will allow you to apply for MIS jobs, but a MIS degree will not allow you to apply for CS jobs. However, once you get into the tech field the only time what degree you got and where you got it matters is when you are consulting.

    Unfortunately, consulting is one of the things you mention you want to do. In the consulting world prestige of school means a lot and I would recommend going to the University of Washington. If we could ignore consulting (and cost and time) the top choice would be a CS from the University of Washington. I'm not sure if Troy CS degree or a MIS from UW would be the best choice.

    Someone might ask the question why I went for a BIS degree from UoP considering what I just posted. So...I made that choice because it was the fastest and easiest method for me to obtain a degree at the time. Considering my goals, at that time, it was a great choice. At that time, I wanted to either become an officer in the Air Force or get out of the Air Force and use my DBA experience in either the civil service or as a contractor. If my plan remained the same it would have worked great. As a matter of fact 2 years ago I was on the verge of exiting the AF, but then everything changed. My plan, since that time, has been to attend a full time resident PhD program and by the end of this year my applications will have been sent out. I believe obtaining my Masters from Oklahoma will help any school over look the UoP mark on my application, but I know my UoP degree will not aid my application. In the end I'm sure everything will work out, but you can be assured that the assumptions you make for your decisions will end up being incorrect.
     
  13. borisdarling

    borisdarling member

    A fair question - but no, not until I complete the program.

    I really don't want some of the people here calling the school, ruffling any feathers and being my being connected with it.

    Part of completing a dissertation depends on the personal relations of the faculty and the student ;)

     
  14. decimon

    decimon Well-Known Member

    When "Computer Science" degrees first came into being they were of two general categories: engineering derivative and accounting/business derivative. If Fortran was a required course then it was probably the former while Cobol indicated the latter. Or the math requirements would tell the story.

    There now are CS or IS variants for every employment niche. Whether will you later need Differential Equations or Cost Accounting or Abnormal Psychology might be the best guide as to which program to pursue.
     
  15. thinker622

    thinker622 New Member

    Keeping my options open

    I want to thank all of you who have responded so far to this post. The reason I had started this post with the header "Post-Degree Career Forum" was to encourage a discussion on the types of opportunities that have availed themselves due to the degree earned via distance learning.

    I feel it would be helpful to all to hear this information, but it would need to include the type of degree earned, college attended, specific job title, and the way this degree helped open doors to the current carreer. This helps those of us who are trying to decide where to attend or what major to pursue because we can see the outcome and potential roadblocks.

    Your comments have helped me make my decision. The only thing I was sure about going into this is that I wanted some sort of technology degree. The main reason for this is that I have been involved in business for almost 20 years and have advanced fairly well without bachelors. So, my reasoning was that a bachelors wouldn't open a whole lot of doors since I already get most of the jobs that require a bachelors anyway. So I want to come away with some new, tangible knowledge if I am going to invest $20,000 in this process.

    All that to say that for some Troy State is a great option and for others it may not be. That is the salient point that Boris made.
    Since I am not sure what I am going to do when I finish my bachelors the best option for me is to go with the degree that keeps the most doors open.

    Here was the final criteria to make my decision:

    1. I may decide to get an MBA and I would like to keep the option open to get one at a more traditional school

    2. I may decide to go on to teach
    This means the AACSB accreditation is crucial

    3. I may decide to work in high-tech in which case it is impossible to know all one needs to know (thank you Tel, Jallen2, and decimon) and so specialization will be required. I can always get a Master in technology if I go that route.

    4. The Washington State degree is covering both Business and technology so I get a little of both.

    So, as you may have guessed I am going to Washington State University. Go Cougars! Thanks and keep the discussion going!
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 24, 2003

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