CS degree or not? Data Analytics? For my work situation

[bjcheung77]

ABET doesn't mean much in the Computing world, it's a great to have option but many schools that are well recognized don't have it. Since you have a TESU BSBA, you can just wait until it's the right time to get the bucket list degree later. If you're focusing on a Masters, you can go for the WGU MS Data Analytics as you mentioned above and be done with it. I think you finished the MEd Instruction and design at WGU in a term or two, it shouldn't take you that long to finish this one.

This is how I would slice it, since you're into a Computer Science degree, you can go for a Masters in Applied Computer Science. Your main prerequisites for these is just a Bachelors and a few computer science courses. I think you have the BSBA CIS right? Did you go for the ASNSM Biology and Math or CS? You should have sufficient undergrad CS courses for several MACS options. Here's one for non CS majors at about 11.5K, you can finish this as your second Masters if you decide to skip WGU MS Data Analytics.

Sometimes having too many degrees isn't really needed or recommended, Just wondering - What's your "bucket list" degree you want to finish at TESU? The BA Biology? I wouldn't put too much focus on your Bachelors unless it's required for your current professional goals. What is it you really need/want? These are all public/state universities: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...t-Virginia

[Ideas]

I have the credits done for BACS, so yeah, I can get into many MACS. Some might not waive the bridge requirements for me since they are ACE courses mostly, but I think many would.

Yeah, I may need to graduate with the BACS and then try to do the bucket list degree elsewhere. I think it's just cheaper and faster at TESU, but I am thinking I may not do any other actual "Computer Sci" degree in the future, I might just do Data Sci.

So I definitely like Eastern's Data Science the best so far, better than WGU's degree and the slower ones (UT Austin). It might also be challenging for me to get into some programs, I don't want to have to get letters of rec.

https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...t-Virginia

I am definitely open to Applied CS degrees. Yes, that thread was very interesting, thanks. Personally I didn't like that SE Missouri has 12 credits of project and comprehensive exam (or 12 credits of thesis is an option), but I will still consider it. I actually do kind of like working on projects/papers if the topic was my choice.

Marshall University looks pretty nice as well, but the final course has to be in the 4th semester, so it's not quick. Also I don't think they have a concentration in Data Sci/Analytics.

ABET doesn't mean much in the Computing world, it's a great to have option but many schools that are well recognized don't have it.

Oh, thanks. I was confused why some didn't have it.

[bluebooger]

> seems to not be ABET-accredited.

doesn't matter unless you're applying for specific government jobs

edit: too late -- others beat me to it

[Pats20]

If you have the credits to graduate with cs I would do that. I wouldn’t switch degree paths now just because You want to pursue masters in it. If anything it will help get into a masters program and help get thru it. Cs degrees are employable across all industries even if you decide you don’t want to be in IT or tech. Also Mscs will probably take more than a year unless you can dedicate full time.

Yeah, I feel the same way, but I wondered if BA whatever + MS Data Analytics/Sci would be as employable as BACS + MS data Analytics/Sci. I think it would be for Data jobs but not for the non-Data Tech jobs.

Then personally I think that BA whatever + MSCS would be as employable (compared to BACS+MSCS) for most Tech jobs but not for Data-heavy jobs. But it would be nice if I'm wrong.

Now I don't know if I would do a MCIT/MSIT. Since I see there are so many Data Analytics/Sci programs that are quick. The only reason to do that degree is if I think I won't finish the MSCS or MSDA. A lot of the MSCS seem to have courses that I don't like as much so motivation could be harder.

Do bacs since you’ve already got The credits. Then get ms in whatever. Data science, cs, it ?

[Ideas]

I looked at the Eastern U program more and I'm not sure I want to commit to that much Data Science. It seems fun, but I'm not sure about the time requirements. It seems pretty hard to finish in 1 year without much prior knowledge. I guess that Data Analytics at WGU is an option again.

Also I looked again at the PurdueG MSIT and the NAU MCIT and each is interesting due to including Data Analytics courses. The NAU degree is actually 60% Data Analytics and 40% core courses. Too bad they don't have a full DA degree.

[Flelm]

If you're back on the Analytics train, https://www.edx.org/masters/online-maste...orgia-tech is an option.

[Ideas]

harvard extension school has some graduate certificates if you might want to go that way                   

Hm, yeah, a lot of schools have certificates. The main reason I dislike certificates is most are part-time, so it takes like 4 semesters. 3 semesters is a long time too for a certificate. I will see if there are any faster ones out there.

I really prefer self-paced or accelerated.

[Cofffeee]

I've also considered doing a BSCS, but I'd need 8-10 more courses (that are not self-paced) because I'm avoiding programs with certain requirements (more math, etc). However, it seems like doing 10 graduate courses would not be too much harder. Also the BSCS I like seems to not be ABET-accredited.

(I have an unrelated Masters already, but am not totally sure if a grad level CS course would be harder than I'm up to handling. Undergrad CS are kind of challenging for me.)

U should be careful with Ms programs , if u consider BSCS is challenging. Ms CS is usually harder in many ways. Make sure u have strong knowledge in BSCS level courses, so u dont face impossible situation in grad school. Maybe its good idea to work on these courses first so u feel comfortable to move on to Ms program

[mcjon77]

I have a masters in information technology and a masters in data science. The reality is that a single masters in computer science would have given me access to ALL of the jobs that either of my two masters give, PLUS several more. This is not to say that I didn't like my other degrees. I LOVED THEM. It was a wonderful experience. My Masters in Data Science will allow me to transition to a Data Scientist position this year. However, I have to be realistic about what the job market wants.

In fact, I actually plan on going back for a masters in CS in 2023, but that is more for my personal enjoyment/development.

There are so many more options for an MS in CS these days compared to when I started my masters in IT. If you can, do the masters in CS.

[Ideas]

I have a masters in information technology and a masters in data science.  The reality is that a single masters in computer science would have given me access to ALL of the jobs that either of my two masters give, PLUS several more.  This is not to say that I didn't like my other degrees.  I LOVED THEM. It was a wonderful experience.  My Masters in Data Science will allow me to transition to a Data Scientist position this year.  However, I have to be realistic about what the job market wants.

In fact, I actually plan on going back for a masters in CS in 2023, but that is  more for my personal enjoyment/development.

There are so many more options for an MS in CS these days  compared to when I started my masters in IT. If you can, do the masters in CS.

Interesting. Thank you for sharing!

I'm wondering if the situation is different for a career changer (someone with little/no tech work/internship experience)? It seems like if a job is "Data Analyst" or "Data Scientist", they couldn't just hire someone with a MSCS who doesn't have the stats background and experience with all of those tools. So maybe the career changer should get the DA/DS instead? Seems different if someone already has been a DA for a few years and just needs a Masters to move up.