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

Check your email

[m0rph3us0]

I'm sure someone is offering to sell you a degree in your email. If not? get a hotmail account you sure to get an offer you cant refuse. :)

Cheers

be more specific

[Hythlodaeus]

A CS professor once described his department to me as "selectively excellent." There are a few places like MIT or Georgia Tech that can educate you on the cutting edge of just about anything technical, but most programs just have a few highlights. Masters' programs tend to require more specialization (e.g., AI, operating systems, graphics, teaching, algorithms, etc.) than an undergraduate degree, so you should decide what that specialization might be and evaluate masters' programs by that criteria. Do keep in mind, however, your interests could shift. (That's why I passed on Georgia Tech for undergraduate study... God help you if you go there and decide you don't want to major in engineering/cs after all.)

Simple answer

[sql*kitten]

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

You can't. A Master's degree, a good one, isn't taught like an undergraduate degree, with a lecture hall of students taking notes while a professor lectures at the front. It's much more interactive; lots of small groups, discussions with fellow students and faculty, collaborative learning. The benefits of a well-respected course include the quality of the other students, remember, not just the quality of the faculty and facilities. You aren't just soaking up data, you're exercising the application of new heuristics. The best professors I had during my Masters would start a discussion, then expect the class to arrive at a solution, guiding it along the way where necessary. Active participation makes for a much richer learning experience, one that both gives a good grasp of the theory and can be applied to the real world. All an "online" degree offers is a reading list and a test of how well you've memorized it.

You can get an online Masters if you just want the letters after your name, but if you really want an education, you will have to do it the old-fashioned way, there are no shortcuts.

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!