MS Computer Science @ University of Illinois Springfield

I just completed my finals for my capstone class for this program and expect to get my degree confirmed sometime next month. I wanted to write a little about my experience at UIS, and hopefully provide some more information on the program if anyone is researching or interested in a computer science (CS) program.

About the program:
You can read about the details here: Department of Computer Science, but in summary, this program is "only" 8 courses long and costs about $1500/class (fees, tuition, etc). There is a nice long list of prereqs that are needed, but most (if not all) should have been completed if your undergrad studies were in comp sci (or related field). I think UIS is more focused on security, but there were many electives for AI, web development/design, and networking. You can focus on whatever subject(s) you want. I focused on web development/design and AI.

I was able to complete this program in 4 semesters, starting from Fall 2012. I work a full time job and have 2 kids. The CS chair was really against taking 2 courses over the summer (since it was a 8 week course), but I was able to pass both classes with A's.

I would highly recommend this program. The price is right (especially if there is employer tuition reimbursement) and can be completed in a relatively short amount of time.

Comparisons with other degrees:
I've completed two other masters programs: MBA and MS Computer Information Systems. I feel like this CS degree has been the most rewarding. While the other 2 degrees had a lot of theory (and a some practical applications), the CS program really forced me to create something practical for a majority of the classes. That's not to say that the other programs did not have value. I did get a lot out of the other programs, but after completing the CS program, I oddly feel some sort of closure.

If anyone is debating whether to get either an MBA or CS (because I've had this question before)... in terms of competitive advantage, I think anyone could complete an MBA program, but not everyone could complete a CS program. I ended up with both. If I had to pick one, I would have just gone with a computer science program.

Anyway, if anyone should have any questions about the MS CS program @ UIS, please let me know. I'll be more than happy to tell you more about my experiences.

 

A couple questions.

1. Was your undergrad in Computer Science? I can't see where you really mention it here.

2. I've always considered Information Systems to be the business side of computing. Computer Science would seem to take care of computing, and Master of Business Administration would seem to take care of business. The question is this: If you have an MSCS and an MBA, doesn't that make your MSCIS a little redundant?

3. You mention closure. By closure, do you mean no more schooling, no more Masters degrees, or something else?

4. Did you have employer tuition reimbursement?

 

The poster was offering to answer questions about the program. Do you have any of those?

 

It's all good. Odd line of questions, but I'll answer them.

1. Was your undergrad in Computer Science?
Nope - BA - Math

2. If you have an MSCS and an MBA, doesn't that make your MSCIS a little redundant?

The MSCIS was actually a stepping stone into the MSCS program. Some MBA classes were accepted for the CIS program and a few prereqs (for the MSCS) program were done with the CIS program.

3. You mention closure. By closure, do you mean no more schooling, no more Masters degrees, or something else?

No more masters! 3 is enough!


4. Did you have employer tuition reimbursement?
Yes, since 2009, my employer paid approx 26k for my "continuing education."

 

I realize that I didn't ask directly about the program. You caught me!

I was just really curious about the OP's background.

 

Many IT students prefer MS program from US or UK best university.Doing MS from illinois , springfield could also be good option for a IT guy.

 

Looking for additional feed back U of I - Springfield MS Computer Science Online

Hello fellow Graduate Students,

I would like to get some more feedback on what it is like to complete this degree online.
What are the job prospects, and the opinion from employers about this degree.

Were you successful in obtaining a job within the field or related area? How difficult is it to maintain the 4.0 GPA.

Life work balance, how many classes did you take for semester? Is it possible to take 3 classes per semester?