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?"

Comments

Bricks vs Clicks

[Sad Loser]

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!