I have come to situation where I need to make this decision. If you have to pick between my choice of program and accreditation of university and I have turned to this forum to ask you opinion. So, please reply. 1) MS in computer science - my preferred degree but offered by DETC university and 2) MS in Information technology - not my preferred but offered by RA university. I have two concerns and asking for your opinions in those are areas specifically. 1. I want to do PHD in computer science in future so what will be my acceptance by other universities especially RA for PHD ? 2. How will companies look my degree for senior level positions and job growth ?
If you want a better chance to be accepted into a RA PhD, you'll want an RA masters. If you let us know which school/degree offers the DETC MSc you're interested in, we might be able to help you find a similar RA program. Perhaps one of the programs listed here would suffice: http://www.geteducated.com/online-college-ratings-and-rankings/best-buy-lists/best-buy-masters-computer-science-and-information-technology (Don't wanna start a fight here, so just to clarify, DETC degrees can be great for the right person and right purpose, but if the OP wants to get into a RA PhD, then a DETC MSc would probably not be an appropriate means to that end.)
Why not an MS on Computer Science from an RA school? Stanford offers one: http://cs.stanford.edu/degrees/mscs/ As does the University of Bridgeport: https://www.bridgeport.edu/pages/5389.asp
This sounds like a critical thinking error called a "faulty dilemma," where two extremes are offered up as the only choices, when really there are many others in-between to choose from. If one had a goal of pursuing a Ph.D. from an RA school, one would improve one's chances and choices by choosing an RA school for the master's. But that doesn't exclude the DETC MA to RA Ph.D. route. It just makes it harder. I'd have to think one could find an RA degree similar to the degree from the DETC-accredited school under consideration.
Thanks guys for you suggestions. I forgot to include the cost factor. Both programs cost the same ~$9000.00. Others are costing more hence narrowed down to these these two. If I go for another university like UIS(University of Illinois) which is same cost, same program but then I have to wait for there next semester in summer, hence the dilemma. But, if that is the best to go, then I'll wait.
Important note re: Stanford's CS program. You will observe if you look at the course offerings possible for the degree that a few of the courses (most of the cool ones) are only offered on campus. This stated, if you can navigate the program without those fair enough, but I feel that's probably not the case.
A Stanford MSCS would be excellent but the cost is close to 60k for just tuition... OP: I am in a similar situation... however I am not considering non-RA schools. If you want to do a PhD in computer science at a RA university neither of the options you listed will work. If you need a Masters to boost your application to a PhD program it needs to be a MSCS or MCS from a RA school. If cost is a big factor then a MSCS from UIS is your best bet. If you can stretch your budget to <20k then look at Colorado State University, University of Louisville and University of Florida.
Since price is a factor save 50% with Columbus State University GA $4,716 you already know of University of Illinois Springfield IL $5,690 but some svaings at (a third with) Dakota State University* SD $6,857 or a little over 10% with Tarleton State University TX $8,100 (from(http://www.geteducated.com/online-college-ratings-and-rankings/best-buy-lists/best-buy-masters-computer-science-and-information-technology) In the overal scheme of things 6 months is rather short time.
Thanks you guys that was very helpful. I am very grateful to you all for your advice. UIS seems to be best fit so far. Columbus state has weird required for a GRE so that's won't work. So, based on feedback from all of you, it seems I should not go for DECT and instead go for a RA university. I'll have to wait for few months till the next semester starts though.
Hi Rohan, I'm currently attending UIS for their MIS program and have been very pleased with the school thus far. Tuition is very reasonable and the fees aren't crazy for on-line only students. Yeah, there are a few hoops to jump through but it'll be worth it. Good luck with your studies.
It is important to understand the relationship between DECT and RA. if you are looking for a degree only then it doesn't really matter. If you looking for job opportunity then RA is a better choice. If you are looking to teach definitely RA.
BTW, don't be fooled by what geteducated.com web site says about cost of degree. The web site is estimating the cost of MS from columbus state to be $5436. Completely wrong. The actual cost is close to $10,000. I am looking for any college offering masters in computer science for around $5000. Anyone ?
