Georgetown - MPS Master's in Technology Management

Discussion in 'IT and Computer-Related Degrees' started by kevindurden, Jun 14, 2020.

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  1. kevindurden

    kevindurden New Member

    Hi

    I am not in the US, and a huge reason to go for masters now is so I can move to the US hence online courses won't work for me.

    Right now looking this course here: https://scs.georgetown.edu/programs/77/master-of-professional-studies-in-technology-management/
    • How difficult is it to get into this program?
    • Does it strike a good balance between business and technology - I want to focus more on the process/project management side
    • Does the title "Masters in professional studies" vs "Masters of science" make a lot of difference?
    Some Background:

    Currently, I am in a support role and work on F5, Palo Alto firewalls, and proxy solutions, so its a very technical role.

    However, after reading the book The Phoenix Project: A Novel about IT, DevOps, and Helping Your Business Win, I am more interested in process and project management instead of just staring at packet captures and logs. I am looking at course with an emphasis on business over technology

    The book: https://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Project-DevOps-Helping-Business/dp/0988262592
     
  2. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Hopefully Tekman will jump in here with his thoughts on this program, but I wanted to point out that getting a Master's in the U.S. doesn't mean you get to stay here after you're done. A university graduate can, for now, stay here for one year working, but after that you must either find an employer willing and able to sponsor you for H-1B servitude, or else marry an American.

    Canada and New Zealand have much friendlier immigration systems, particularly for skilled workers like you. Just throwing that out there.
     
  3. kevindurden

    kevindurden New Member

    Yeah, I have taken that into consideration as of now it seems I get OPT extension for 2 yrs, and then it's up to my employer to do my H1B which gives me 6 yrs and then an employer needs to submit an green card application which allows for H1B renewals.

    I was trying out for Australia but now due to their point system changes, I can't do that...
     
  4. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Just so long as you know that both of these steps are highly speculative. (I'm not trying to be negative, I'm only saying all this because I've worked with international students in the U.S. before and seen them struggle.)
     
  5. kevindurden

    kevindurden New Member

    Well yeah, I know. .many people make it through though but I'm sure many do not as well.
     
  6. JoshD

    JoshD Well-Known Member

    If you are wanting to study in the US, I would highly recommend a program that is STEM designated in order to get the OPT extension. That said, with the economy as it is currently, I am hearing international students **may** have a more difficult time. You have to factor in the VISA and all that stuff.
     
  7. kevindurden

    kevindurden New Member

    Yes the mps program link I shared is a stem program..

    Could you tell me how difficult it would be to get in to the program..I feel my GPA would be low but I do have upto 4 years of cybersecurity experience.. Would that help!

    Do a lot of people apply for these courses? Also what would be the class strength in these courses??
     
  8. JoshD

    JoshD Well-Known Member

    That is tough to say. I am not very familiar with that program and therefore I have no idea what is deemed as a competitive applicant. Your best bet is to contact the admissions office and speak with someone who has direct knowledge of the class profile so you can compare your stats with that.
     
  9. kevindurden

    kevindurden New Member

    Now I see they also have an MPS cybersecurity risk management course.

    And on speaking to admission agent, it seems like they do not have a very high bar for admission to these - No GRE required, 3.0 GPA. Which I think is good, the GRE exam tests nothing but just test-taking skills and some IQ I guess..
     
  10. nyvrem

    nyvrem Active Member

    You wanna throw $40k USD at a program + prob another $20k (for cost of living over 2 years+) so you can have a chance to work in the US, in hopes of.. eventually getting a greencard ?

    i hope you've done your risk assesment on this because in this climate, its risky as hell. unless you're hoping that in 2 years time when you graduate, you'll be entering a booming economy.

    Have you checked out Canada's express entry visa program? You could actually make the cut for migration there with your degree/work experience.

    there's other countries that prob. give you a better chance/cost of study + employment/visa after graduation. Germany is one that comes to mind.
     
  11. kevindurden

    kevindurden New Member

    I hear ya man, but I would prefer living in the US than other places. .it feels like a great place to me ..and I am applying for spring 2021 course.

    I get the cost which can go up to 70K is high but isn't ROI worth it, I believe if I get a good job i can start at 100k/yr easily since I'm also getting my cissp certification by then..
     
  12. JoshD

    JoshD Well-Known Member

    What does the programs employment report look like. Are graduates landing jobs making $100K+? If so, are they domestic AND international?
     
  13. kevindurden

    kevindurden New Member

  14. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    I attended Georgetown University for a Master of Professional Studies in Technology Management from 2010 to 2011; the program was new and only on campus. The program admission was not hard, I was able to get in; so, anybody could get in. Especially, now the program is ONLINE as well; the admission is getting much easier. As far as the degree title goes, a Master is a Master...because it is issued by the School of Continuing Studies with a designated title "Master of Professional Studies" to differentiate from other schools within Georgetown University. The chance you will not able to read your degree diploma, so it does not make any difference. If you are looking for courses in technology and business, then this a good program for you. If you plan to become IT Management or Executive Management within the IT areas; I would recommend you going for an MBA.

    If you want to remain in IT technical and analytic works, just a Bachelor's degree with top Senior IT certification would help you to make more money than this junky Master. I did it because I got full ride from the Post 9/11 GI Bill for Veterans, while I received $2,000.00 per month for housing stipend for almost 2 years. I also have a good opportunity for networking because it was on campus. Another perk was upgrading from Southern Methodist University to Georgetown University alumni with a lifetime Georgetown.Edu email account. And I almost become a Billionaire, but that was a long story.

    The following IT certifications serve more than a Master's degree in IT.

    Information Security: CISSP and/or GSE
    Network Engineering: Cisco CCIE
    Project Management: PMP
    System Engineering: RedHat, Windows, Google Cloud, or AWS

    What does Georgetown University's MPS diploma look like: https://imgur.com/a/fHousgg
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jun 17, 2020
  15. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    Wow! I want to move to New Zealand with all the beaches and mountains are by, but you want to move to the US. We are getting crazy over here with the COVID-19 economic crises along with rioting and looting businesses. I did a solo road trip for two weeks from Auckland to Queenstown last year, and I loved the landscapes. Since the country has only 5.5 million people, so I assume the job opportunities are less than the United States; but the lifestyle is golden.

    No, the CISSP does not guarantee to make $100k. Making six figures in the US depends on the location of the job. Since you are aiming for Georgetown University, I assume you plan to live in the Washington D.C metropolitan area; you can make six figures. Remember this area is heavily Government jobs and contracting jobs; they require Federal clearances.
     
  16. kevindurden

    kevindurden New Member

    Hey TEKMAN! I was hoping you would reply after Steve's. Your signature says BS, MS, MPS, Ph.D and MBA, WOW!. . now I get it!

    I totally agree with your assessment here - my plan right now is to do the CISSP and PMP anyway, the degree is only so I can move to the US at this stage. And that's why an MBA is not an option as the MPS is a STEM course with OPT extension which an MBA is not eligible for.

    Now I think of it I hope the MS and MPS difference won't cause a problem for my STEM OPT extensions, later on, any thoughts on that?

    And could you add some info on financial aid here? How does that work at GT or any other university, is it completely based on my profile or everyone gets some aid?

    I am no longer interested in doing IT tech work, its been 4.5 yrs of it, already feel burned out by it.
     
  17. kevindurden

    kevindurden New Member

    I do have Australia on my mind as well, but career-wise I the US would be a better option.

    Yes, the situation seems bad right now, but I think that should be ok soon.

    For Australia, student visa seems to be more restrictive, they have no OPT or extensions and you have to get a job within 18 months or so, which are already very few and with all that you must compete with a huge number of PR holders and citizens with a lot more experience.
     
  18. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    The statistical data is false. I earned my Master of Professional Studies in Technology Management 2012, while I earned $90k while in Northern Virginia. My company lost the contract in 2013, HP Enterprise brought in me with the same contract and the same work for $65k. After a year I decided to move to Dallas/Fort Worth started working for the Marine Corps Reserve as a contractor for $85k. After 3 months, I accepted a Senior Information Security Engineer for a Mortgage Company at $98K. Then after 2 weeks, I left for consulting work for Citi as Principal Information Security Engineer for $181K. After 2 years I was converted to become an employee, my current compensation package is about $170k.
     
  19. JoshD

    JoshD Well-Known Member

    SMU is a great school. In fact, I was laid off due to COVID-19 and have been admitted to their full-time MS in Finance. If I cannot find work, I'm going back to school full-time and will go through their recruiting process.
     
  20. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    I am not sure if Georgetown's MPS in Technology Management would work; it is more aiming for business then STEM. Master's degree in Computer Science on campus? Have you looked into a different option likes working for a U.S company in New Zealand, then after a couple of years...apply for the job within the company in the United States? I met someone who did that in South Africa; he started out as Hilton Hotel in South Africa as Clerk, Manager, Marketing, then he moved to Corporate Digital Marketing. Now, he is a director of the Hilton Hotel's eCommerce in Las Vegas.

    Australia is mainly for rich Chinese students, who could afford it. Their main purpose to find a way to stay in Australia through purchasing properties. Most of the Universities in Australia treating foreign students as a source of their revenue.
     

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