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Searching for a Master's Degree On or Offline?

Posted by Cliff on from the getting-out-of-all-the-hassles-of-graduate-school dept.

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?"

4 of 46 comments (clear)

  1. Consider also studying abroad by jki · · Score: 3, Interesting
    (this one for the one who was not looking for only an online degree)

    Depending on what is the field you would like to specialize in, think about studying abroad. For example, I have heard that studying in Finland in HUT or TUT for example might be a major boost both for your skills and employment opportunities especially if you plan to specialize in wireless stuff. (Why? Much of it originates from Nokia)

  2. Bricks vs Clicks by Sad+Loser · · Score: 4, Interesting
    Who are you doing it for?
    For your self-fulfillment / your CV / fill in time ?

    From an employer's perspective, I would not give much credit to someone with a bit of paper from a purely online 'university' course.
    You do not know
    • what the standards are
    • that the person who did the 'work' is the same person in front of you.
    Therefore I would never spend my money on a purely on line course.

    I would never spend my money on a course without a final exam.

    I would only spend my money on a respected course, with a bit of a track record. This is not just academic snobbery.
    • one of the most important benefits is the networking. And networking with other losers is inherantly less productive (so my friends tell me as they are leaving).
    • In reality the money is not that important. Your time is actually the most valuable resource you will put into this degree, so if you are going to do it, you may as well do the best course you can afford.
    If I were going to use a distance learning univ, I would use one which had been set up and has long experience in the joys of distance learning - in the UK, the Open University. These universities have been in the game a lot longer than U.Phoenix and recognise that pure distance learning with no face to face is not good. At a masters + level, where critical thinking is important, you need to develop a relationship with your tutor.

    I did an MBA this way - mixed distance with some face to face, and found it worked very well.

    There is a lot to be said (from an educational and a practical viewpoint) for doing your further study while you are working. An employer with their head screwed on will support you, and you will be able to relate your learning to real-life.

    Over the past decade, many universities have been pressured into setting up distance learning as it obviously increases their income, without increasing their expenditure. They had little interest or experience in managing these students, and much unhappiness has resulted.

    [Previous convictions: two bachelors degrees, two masters incorporating distance learning and now on PhD on distance/ web based learning.]

    Good Luck!
    --
    Humorous signatures are over-rated.
    1. Re:Bricks vs Clicks by __past__ · · Score: 3, Interesting
      I would not give much credit to someone with a bit of paper from a purely online 'university' course.
      I study CS at a german online-mostly university (without quotes, see http://www.fernuni-hagen.de. It's a regular uni, but only does distance learning), and people there like to think that some employers think otherwise. The main reason is simple: Most of the students have lots of problems with motivating themselves to keep on studying without anyone forcing them to (and a lot of them have real day-jobs, too), and a lot of them fail. If you suceed, people can be fairly sure that you don't have problems with discipline or lazyness. Of course, that may be wishful thinking :-)

      On the other hand, they can also be sure that people know Usenet, because that's the most important way for students to cooperate, and every Usenetter knows what kind of timesink that can be (and every /.er can make an educated guess). ;-)

      --
      Programming can be fun again. Film at 11.
  3. Athabasca? by vreeker · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Although it isn't a MSc in Computer Science, Athabasca University does offer a MSc in Computing and Information Systems... I am presently enrolled for my undergrad BSc in this program - good well rounded course. The school is located in Alberta (Canada). All you need is someone local to proctor your tests - generally a library or a community college will work. It's a great school, interesting philosophy compared to conventional brick and mortar schools.