Advice needed - looking to earn CS credits

[Merlin]

Most graduate schools will want a GRE or GMAT.

You are right, that still holds true for brick & mortar masters degree programs. However, there are some online programs that openly promote the fact that you don't need the GRE or GMAT. ASU is one of those btw. I am sure it would not hurt, but as a requirement for admissions there are a number of places that promote the fact that a GRE or GMAT is not required.

Right... which is why I mentioned the Coursera earned admissions pathway for UI. I'm almost certain that will allow you to avoid the GRE.

That said, I believe that most colleges that do not require a GRE or GMAT for direct admissions are probably lesser ranked schools. It sounded like reputation was important to you. If ASU doesn't, then that is great. They're a top 50 CS school so that isn't bad at all.

Alternatively, I might pursue the BS in Software Development instead of the BSCS. It has lower math requirements but covers the software and C#/Java programming stuff in more detail. I know people who have been accepted into the OMSCS with a WGU BSSD, so that is another option.

It sounds like the lower math requirements path from a WGU BSSD to GA Tech would work for the OMSCS because you know people who have done it. That being said, it might lock you into a GA Tech OMSCS only path. While a number of online grad schools use their lack of a GRE requirement as a marketing ploy, ASU and other places are very clear on their undergrad math requirements. I think Calc I and Discrete Math I are the combined minimums they want as well as a GPA for those math courses (rules out ACE credit). 

Well if GA Tech is your first choice, then that should be your target for entrance requirements. But I was throwing out the BSSD mostly as an example. If it were me, I'd probably take the BSCS.

I agree that if your goal is to enter a top-rated MCS program, you should probably plan to take courses in Discrete Math and Calculus before applying. You want to be able to keep up with the coursework at the least. But, I'm sure it will improve your acceptance chances as well. Those courses should ideally be graded and taken from an RA school.

I want to thank you for all of your responses so far Merlin, it has given me good insight and perspective . Can I ask you just one more thing? What is your opinion of WGU's Masters in Data Analytics? I know some people out in the working world can be critical or biased against WGU. A masters from GA Tech or ASU leaves no room for debate as both of those are respected. However, WGU might end up being my only option realistically for the time being. I am not looking for exact answers, just your opinion and general thoughts. You already have an MBA from WGU so your opinions and feelings are very relevant to me.

As far as reputation goes, it depends on who you talk to. In my part of the world (San Francisco/Silicon Valley) WGU is seen as just one of many non-elite colleges, so they aren't really seen as any better or worse than anyone else. WGU's IT programs are generally seen in a good light, primarily because students earn certifications along with the degree. Beyond it being an online-only school, I have never heard anyone in my professional circle speaking poorly of WGU graduates or their education. As for my own degree, people recognize my MBA but nobody has questioned its legitimacy or value. In fact, I was recently recruited by Facebook and one of the reasons they reached out was because of my MBA. In that I had one, not that it specifically came from WGU. Nobody questioned it during any of my interviews, etc.

As for the WGU MSDA. I was very close to pulling the trigger on the MSDA right after I graduated with my MBA. But, I decided to take a break and spend some time doing research and review my options first. Personally, I think it is a great program, particularly for someone who is interested in statistics and big data. I know a few people who are working on that program right now and it is everything you expect it to be. It is one of the toughest programs at WGU, but you learn quite a bit. It should prepare you for a role where you'll be doing a lot of data analysis. It could also bee seen as a good prep for a doctorate in data science/information science.

If I decide to go with another master's degree, my goal is to pick up a tech-oriented degree next... probably in computer science or data/information sciences. The WGU degree is in data analytics, which is not the same as data science, but it is most relevant to what I'd be using it for in my professional career. So I think the MSDA is a great bookend to an MBA. Then again, if I don't go with another master's degree, I will probably pursue a doctoral degree in computer science, information science, organizational leadership, management, or a less likely, a DBA.

I've already reached out for more information from a few PhD programs, including one in computer science, so I am leaning that way right now.