Hello All! Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this forum! I wish I had found this sooner, it's been a real help as I research a masters program. I finished my BS in Information Technology one year ago at Capella and am now considering a Masters. I put my degree to use right away and was hired by DuPont, who had Capella on their HR list of recognized colleges! I'm considering a masters for two main reasons, promotion at work and teaching part time. I really enjoyed the Capella experience and would like to teach online courses at some point, perhaps when I retire and need a Supplemental income. I welcome any advice on what degree might help me in these two goals. UMUC, Capitol, and WVU are at the top of my list. WVU is close to home, two hour drive if ever I wanted to be on campus. I started in IT in networks, got my CNE and then MCSE, but about 5 years ago started developing software and now enjoy that full time. The software engineering appeals to me, however I like the CS and CIS type of programs content also. I would appreciate any information, experience, or advice on the the following degrees, or others you might know of. Thanks in advance for any input! UMUC - MS Information Technology http://www.umuc.edu/grad/msit/msit_home.shtml UMUC - MS in Computer Systems Management http://www.umuc.edu/grad/csmn/tracks/sdm.shtml Capitol College - MS Information Architecture http://www.capitol-college.edu/academicprograms/graduateprograms/msia/index.shtml Capitol College - MS Computer Science http://www.capitol-college.edu/academicprograms/graduateprograms/mscs/index.shtml WVU - MS Software Engineering http://www.lcsee.cemr.wvu.edu/grad/degree-info.php?degree=msse Mark Eakle BS Information Technology - Capella University AS Electrical Engineering Technology - Washington State Community College CNE, MCSE
Greetings Mark, I am in the MSNS program at Capitol. I really enjoy my program, however, I can not speak to the other degrees (although there was a time when I thought of doing the MSCS). A small tip. If you choose Capitol, join the IEEE as a student (~$35). Then as a benefit of being a member, you will get 10% off your tuition from Capitol. For most of the masters programs it is like getter one class free. Also, if not done already check these two sites. http://www.geteducated.com/rankings/best_computer.asp And Jo Ann Peeler's web site (which seems to be having trouble at the moment) http://ww2.cs.fsu.edu/~peeler/topschools.html
Thanks for the info Steve! I will definitely check into IEEE membership. I had seen the first link, but not the second, will check it out as soon as able to. I had not looked at the NS program at Capitol, it's interesting. I'm sure that's a hot field right now. How do you like the Web class room at Capitol? I don't recall seeing a demo link anywhere, always like to try it out. Capella had a good interface, although it had a rough start at first. Thanks!
That's not my site any longer. You can always access my site by clicking on my name in my signature OR by going to: http://www.cise.ufl.edu/~jpeeler/topschools.html
We use blackboard for the posting of static material (class discussions, syllabi etc) and we use Centra for the live classes. Centra works very well. It is like a live MS Net meeting or something, with live Audio - they are also thinking about doing the live video too (for the profs). You do know Capitol has live class meetings - right?
Thanks for the link to you site JoAnn, great resource! I'm looking at additional schools from you list I was unaware of. Steve, I didn't know Capitol had live classe meetings ... good thing to know! I could see how that could be a good thing, only concern for me would be scheduling, although I saw where you "replay" a recorded session but particpation is needed as part of the grade. I'm sure live lecture would make a better learning environment. I think I'll do a bit more research and try to get a demo. Thanks!
If you're interested in software engineering, I'd also recommend looking into Regis University ( www.regis.edu ) -- their Masters of Science in Computer Informatin Technology has a software engineering concentration if you choose that.
Try this link: https://mycapitol.capitol-college.edu/campusweb/ Sign in as Guest, click on "Academics", change to Summer and then filter as needed. That should get you started and give you a good look at what is offered, when and at what times. Let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks Steve & hrudey! I was just taking the Demo for Regis. I had missed the software engineering masters, it compares well with the others I've seen. The interface seems good also. I'll have a look at the Capitol demo, thanks for the link Steve! There are so many good programs to choose from now days! Especially in the IT realm. Which is great for me as I'm hours away from any major campus. thanks again!
If teaching part-time is something you are interested in, try to go to a traditional B&M evening program or hybrid program instead of an online only program. This way you can build a good rapport with the faculty members, network with them, and try to get your foot in the door as a graduate assistant and then adjunct instructor at that university. That is the route myself and several of my cohort peers began teaching part-time at our local state university and community college(s).