I think I've said this once before, but I'm not exactly sure what I'm going to do after I complete a masters degree in Computer Science. One option that I entertained in another thread is to pursue some sort of doctorate degree. Of course the options for this direction are somewhat limited. Another direction is to pursue a management-oriented masters degree. If I go this direction I want to try to get into the best and most prestigious school I can that offers the degree by distance learning with minimal residency. Some of the programs I'm considering are: MS in Management and Systems New York University MS in Information Technolgy (Concentation in IT Management) Carnegie Mellon University MS in Information Technology Management Brandeis University ALM in Information Systems Management Harvard College Any comments? I know that you have to spend at least one semester on campus for the program from Harvard. Would it be worth it? I also really like the program at Marist College. For the internation business course of this program, the cohort spends 10 days in China visiting businesses and learning how their system works. Does Marist College have any name recognition outside the northeast?
Master of Science in Leadership & Information Technology at Duquesne University might address both the management and information technology aspects that interest you.
If you would like to have a management-oriented master, you may want to consider Boston University too. http://www.bu.edu/online/online_programs/graduate_degree/computer_information_systems/index.html They also have a programme in Business continuity too, depending on what management aspect you are interested. and also from Stevens Institute of Technology http://webcampus.stevens-tech.edu/courses/MSIS.html As for the programmes listed, I believe Carnegie Mellon University is probably the best one. They are very strong in terms of software engineering. I wish I could take this programme too. However, it is far too expensive for me. The Harvard degree is famous, however, for experienced IT professionals, their IT course seemed rather elementary. If you are more interested in the management aspect. Would it be better to consider ALM in Management and focus on Information System Management instead?
JoanneP38, I'm considering the same things. More specifically, go the Harvard ALM-IT route (w/1 summer session on-site) resulting in 2 masters...or go forward with a PhD program. IMO, the PhD is not going to significantly bolster my rate - in fact, one could make an arguement that it works against you (most companies need worker-bee's rather than academics IMO) regarding contracting/consulting. Of course, some consultants have PhDs but it seems the exception rather than rule (at least it seemed that way at Deloitte many years ago). Regarding the management thing, an MBA and or a PMP will complement the technical skills nicely and go a long way regarding general business skills...but presupposes that you like management (I do not). If you like politics and management - I say go for it. It pays handsomely. Personally, I'm leaning more towards the Harvard ALM - IT. Not just for the 'brand' but I like 'tech' more than management...and may be a question worth asking yourself. Ultimately, if you go with what you like doing - I think the money will follow. Hope this helps! Greg P.S. TCMAK : From what I have read- Harvard's program is far from elementary (even for experienced IT folks). The posts here seem to indicate more of a time-sucking abyss (but that's just my opinion).
That looks like a good program. I must have missed it in my search because I wasn't looking for "leadership". Its certainly a program that I should consider; however, I seem to be drawn to program that have cirriculum dealing with marketing, finanance and economics (but with a technical slant.)
It turns out that while I have 22+ years experience as a software engineer, I'm finding that I'm really enjoying that challenge of management as well. Of the programs I listed above, I think NYU seems to fit better with my interests than the other programs; however, I like the program at Marist College even better. It just doesn't have the instant name recognition of NYU. As far as money goes, that's not really a driving force for me. I just like the challenge of doing a good job and seeing just how far I can go before the the Peter Principal takes hold. For anyone interested take a look at the Marist program: Marist College, MSTM
