I have made the decision to pursue an MSIT program. Today, I was accepted by Carnegie Mellon! I also applied to Drexel, and I am expecting to be accepted by them as well. I would very much like to hear feedback on which program I should choose. I am leaning toward Carnegie Mellon and have considered it my first choice throughout the process. Carnegie Mellon Pro’s Great reputation for IT programs! Con’s The CM program is more expensive than Drexel’s. My employer reimburses but because the program is more expensive than Drexel’s, I will have to proceed at a slower pace. It will take me a year longer to complete the CM program. Drexel Pro’s I like how the program offers different concentrations. I live in the Philadelphia area so no one would know I completed the program through distance learning. Con’s I know quite a few people who have received their degree from Drexel. I have been impressed by some and not others. I question whether the program would set me apart from other candidates. Also, I have heard there is a lot of group work.
How old are you? What is your current position? How much experience do you have? If you career is already on the right track, I can't see any difference between CMU and Drexel. Of course if you only have 2-3 years of experience and haven't yet progressed into management then you might by yourself an extra look by completing the degree from CMU. On the other hand, if you are looking access to some of the best professors in the world, wanting to say you've competed against some of the best students in the world in a graduate program, then as long as you can afford it, then I say go for the CMU degree.
I have 7 years of IT experience. I have worked as a Programmer, Business Analyst, and Data Analyst. I have managed projects and been a team leader but have never broken into the management ranks.
If you're in a hurry, Drexel. If not, Carnegie Mellon. Since you're not paying, you may as well get the name brand. Besides, I've raced through my Master's, and have to admit I would have gotten more out of it by going slower. -=Steve=-
In that case I would complete the degree at CMU. I suspect at some point you will want to move into management for a new challenge and I think the CMU brand would add more gravitas to your resume. As long as you don't believe you are in some sort of time crunch to complete the degree, then I can't see how you would go wrong by choosing CMU. Of course that's as long as you are not paying for it!
Even if time is something of an issue, I'd go with Carnegie all the way. They're one of those schools that aren't quite Ivy league, but are just a step down. I'd put them in the same league with Johns Hopkins, Washington University in St. Louis, Rutgers, Case Western, William & Mary, Rice, Emory, etc. In other words, Carnegie's a super school and the reputation of of graduate degree from there will stay with you for the rest of your career. Nothing against Drexel, they're a fine school. But even though they're less than Carnegie, I always felt they were a little expensive for the reputation.
Carnegie Mellon University all the way, baby! I love their program, but can't afford the tuition. Unless I can receive 50% discount for Veteran.
I accepted the offer of admission to Carnegie Mellon! I would like to say special thanks to everyone for your feedback. It confirmed what I had been thinking. Also, I am grateful to all the contributors of this forum. Without you, I would not have known about such a program and certainly would not have had the confidence to apply. Randy
