Recommendations for MSCS/MSSE?

Discussion in 'IT and Computer-Related Degrees' started by starlabrite, Sep 30, 2014.

Loading...
  1. starlabrite

    starlabrite New Member

    I am looking for some advice/opinions on the various MSCS/MSSE degrees out there. I have been doing research for several months, but I'm just overwhelmed with the choices!

    I currently have a BS in Computer Science from Regis University (online), which I completed in 2008. I have since been working in the software industry, so I've had several years of work experience under my belt. I liked Regis a lot...at the time, they were one of the few online schools I could find that offered a "thorough" CS degree, with all of the advanced math classes, etc., that you might find at a brick and mortar school. The CS classes at the school were good, and the professors were great at interacting with the students. The math classes were hit or miss, though.

    Now that I am ready to pursue my Masters, I am "pretty sure" that I want to pursue Computer Science, but I am fairly flexible on that. Software Engineering is also a possibility, but many of the MSSE degrees I have found have been a rehash of my previous CS schooling. I don't want my entire degree to cover software requirements, software design, OO programming, etc. I took all of those classes for my Bachelor's degree, so I would like to further advance my learning, not revisit it.

    I haven't (yet) taken the GRE, as I have noticed that all schools don't require it. I don't think this is a measure of merit for the school...it just helps them weed out applicants. I am perfectly happy not taking the exam if I can avoid it.

    As far as schools go, I am not so much concerned about the prestige of the school as the caliber of the program. I want to get something out of it, not just coast through. I am more interested in some of the classes relevant to my current work:
    • real time programming
    • embedded systems
    • advanced OO concepts

    I don't want a degree heavy in Information Assurance concepts, system admin and database stuff. It's just not relevant to me, so I'm avoiding the degrees that are heavy in those areas.

    Cost is not a huge constraint for me, though a program under $50,000 is preferable. I will be getting help on tuition from my employer.

    Some programs I am considering (not limited to these):

    NDSU MSSE (close to rehashing my BS)

    CSU MSCS

    NOVA MSCS

    Has anyone had experience with these (or other) institutions? What has worked best for your MSCS/MSSE degree?
     
  2. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    I am currently Ph.D student at Nova Southeastern University. What are the question do you have? If you could afford upto $50,000.00 for a MS in Computer Science. Then you should look at the following schools:

    - Stanford University
    - University of Southern California
    - Reasler Institute of Technology
    - Columbia University
    - Southern Methodist University


    You will surprise that you will get more opportunitiese the future for the degrees from these schools.
     
  3. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

  4. starlabrite

    starlabrite New Member

    Thanks for the quick replies!

    When I first started looking at schools, I was really drawn in by the idea of a prestigious school (like Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, etc.). Some of them definitely sound more rigorous...Stanford alone requires 45 credits for a Masters! And proctored exams! A far cry from what I was expecting (purely online everything).

    I think all of the top-tier schools (that I have seen) require the GRE as well, which I find off-putting for some reason. Part of it is me being intimidated by a standardized test...I did well in school, so you would think this wouldn't be a problem. The other part is my irritation with how the GRE is considered for admission. Some schools don't require it, others do, and some will let you bypass the GRE if you completed your Bachelor's at that school. Kind of shady.

    Am I making too big of a deal out of a the GRE?

    I don't need a big name school for my resume, though it would be neat to say I went to one. As far as work is concerned, though, getting a Masters degree from any accredited school is good enough. That's why my bottom line is just a good/solid program, despite the name of the school.

    I have also added GA Tech to the list of programs I'm considering. They have the new(er) MOOC option. But I kind of feel that this program might be too new.
     
  5. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    If that is the case, then OMCS is enough for you. It is cheap and accredited. The only problem with the program is the title itself. I don't mind the transcript say "ONLINE" because most of the time employers do not ask for transcrpt, but the title itself. If you put:

    Georgia Institute of Technology, Alanta, GA (2016)
    Degree: Online Master
    Major: Computer Science
    GPA: 4.0

    But if you put this:
    Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA (2016)
    Degree: Master
    Major: Computer Science
    GPA: 4.0

    I feel that one is violating integery, and it is a real problem.

    I usually don't do good in test, so I avoid GRE as well. But if GRE is not an issue for you, then go for it. Since you have up to $50,000.00 for the the program, then you should get a solid degree from a well known school. Unless you plan to do the Ph.D in Computer Science through Nova Southeastern University. Then I would recommend you with Nova Southeastern Univeresity because you can build your reputation and relationship with the faculty at the beginning.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 1, 2014
  6. mcjon77

    mcjon77 Member

    Just so you understand, the title "online masters of computer science" is an informal one. On your transcripts, it is simply masters of computer science.

    Here is the info straight from the Georgia Tech Website:
    Source :Frequently Asked Questions - OMSCS
     
  7. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    Yeah, I know that. I rather to have the word ONLINE on transcript instead the degree title itself. Because I display my diploma in the office and enclose in the resume not the transcript itself.
     
  8. Lavendar

    Lavendar New Member

    I think you misunderstand. There is no word of "ONLINE" on transcript or the diploma. The degree name in both cases is Master of Science in Computer Science.
     
  9. mcjon77

    mcjon77 Member

    What I am saying is that the world "ONLINE" is neither on the transcript NOR the diploma. It is just a term they use on their website.
     
  10. starlabrite

    starlabrite New Member

    Does anyone have any experience with the GA Tech MOOC degree? Since it's so new, I have had a hard time finding reviews/ratings online.

    I am curious as to how interactive the classes are, the general class size, etc.
     

Share This Page