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Searching for a Master's Degree On or Offline?
rstewart asks: "I've been searching for a good school to get a Masters in computer science from. The catch: I want to do it as an online degree since I do not have the time during the day to take classes and am not interested in moving/switching jobs right now. I'm not interested in something like University of Phoenix or one of the other schools like that but a traditional brick and mortar school where I can get a Masters degree that is the same as being at that school's location. I'm wondering what other users experience with online degrees are and if there are any schools worthy of mention for this type of goal." There's another question of the offline variety as well.
jokrswild asks: "As the end of my college career ends, I start to look toward the future. After recieving my BS in Computer Science, I could go on to get a job right away, or continue my formal education and get a Masters in Computer Science. Thinking about it, I've decided that I would like to further my knowledge of Computer Science, and pursue a masters degree. The only problem is that there are too many schools to choose from! What are your experiences with computer science at different schools around the country, and which do you think offers the best program for a Masters in Computer Science?"
but from what research I've done, Phoenix *is* a brick and mortar university that happens to have extended their classrooms to online classes.
If you have practical, hands-on work experience and if you, like me, do not have the capability due to work schedule (boss's unwillingness to let you flex your schedule to take a class also fits in here) or your location on this planet; online coursework is the best way to do this. It is my observation that the very fact that you have taken the time to get an advanced education often outweighs the name or nature of the school you got the degree from. Even 'traditional' schools are offering online coursework; and it is observation that many businesses recognize this and accept anything accredited. I do believe if you get your diploma from a 'degree mill', you'll suffer for it soon enough when people realize you don't have the knowledge you claimed you had -- but there is nothing wrong with obtaining an education online.
A considerable number of companies provide most of their training online now through video, CBT or web-based live demonstrations and tutorials. A certain government facility's yearly security awareness brief is not provided online. Another company's GMP and Documentation Standards courses; as well as all the requisite exams following the courses; are all provided in an automated system.
I think with the interesting people, their lives can't possibly be wrapped up into a nice little package.
Master of Science: Information Technology at RIT...
Operator, give me the number for 911!
Baker College has a fully accredited, online Master's program that corresponds to their brick-and-mortar program. I don't know if they have a CS master's but they do have a 100% online MBA with several CS concentrations. I got an MBA from them a few years ago and was very satisfied.
You can find more info here: I2CS program
In general, there appear to be two styles of masters degrees: those that are more research oriented, and those that are more professional oriented. Different schools offer different ones (some offer both).
Profession masters usually consist mostly of course work. Part of the courses will be a graduate level "redo" (the courses will be more indepth and expand on the knowledge you gained as an UG) of some of your undergrad work (usually a fixed curriculium), while the other courses will be more advanced, allowing you to study things you find more interesting.
A more research oriented masters is similar to the program above, but has a thesis project in addition to (or in substitution for) some of the courses. It is "independent" research, you will be working with a faculty advisor as part of his/her research group.
Usually research masters require you to be a full time student (and some even offer fellowships / assistanceships to help you financially), whereas many professional masters can be done while you are working. For example NYU offers their masters corses in the evening.
The choice between the two types of programs depends on what you would like to accomplish, and what your time and financial limitations are. Both will impress potential employeers. I'd give a slight edge to the research masters, because you will have something very interesting to discuss with interviewers, and if you present them with a copy of your thesis it will be impressive. Also, certain "research" type jobs might want to see proof that you could do research before they hire you.
If you do a research degree, you might be convinced to stay on (or continue somewhere else) and get a PhD (and, you'll have a better sense of what one is like), but it is definitly not a formal stepping-stone. Most PhD program will take people straight out of undergrad, but will require them to do some general course work and obtain a masters en-passant. Having a masters already might help reduce that course load, or at least make it easier.
Good luck.
North Carolina State University offers a "Distance Education" program that is taught via videotape and online. They offer a Master of Computer Science program, both with and without a thesis (specialized or general programs).
See http://engineeringonline.ncsu.edu for details.
// Alan Porter
Columbia University actually has a distance learning program (if you qualify for admission there):
http://www.cvn.columbia.edu/
http://www.cvn.columbia.edu/b/degrees/csms.html
Definitely a little more respectable than your average degree-by-mail solicitation.