Online MSc Computer Science Merrimack College

[mahaganapati]

It's going to be different for everyone

That's why I'm posting my contrasting perspective

[davewill]

I'm skeptical because without either lots of existing domain knowledge/work experience, I don't believe it is possible to complete a master's level CS degree, especially in such a short time frame. I suspect students will have problems completing the program...after having spent a lot of money.

[ThatBankDude]

I'm skeptical because without either lots of existing domain knowledge/work experience, I don't believe it is possible to complete a master's level CS degree, especially in such a short time frame. I suspect students will have problems completing the program...after having spent a lot of money.

The UPenn MCIT is designed for non-CS graduates to complete a masters in CS. I think it structured correctly, it is feasible.

[MNomadic]

I'm skeptical because without either lots of existing domain knowledge/work experience, I don't believe it is possible to complete a master's level CS degree, especially in such a short time frame. I suspect students will have problems completing the program...after having spent a lot of money.

The UPenn MCIT is designed for non-CS graduates to complete a masters in CS. I think it structured correctly, it is feasible.

Right but the UPenn MCIT isn't a master's in CS. It's a master's in CIT so it doesn't apply to davewill's comment. The first 6 courses are like a condensed/abbreviated CS undergrad and the last 4 classes are Masters level CS electives.

[davewill]

I'm skeptical because without either lots of existing domain knowledge/work experience, I don't believe it is possible to complete a master's level CS degree, especially in such a short time frame. I suspect students will have problems completing the program...after having spent a lot of money.

The UPenn MCIT is designed for non-CS graduates to complete a masters in CS. I think it structured correctly, it is feasible.

Feasible? Sure, given a smart motivated student almost anything is feasible. However, is it workable for most students? I have doubts.

[ThatBankDude]

I'm skeptical because without either lots of existing domain knowledge/work experience, I don't believe it is possible to complete a master's level CS degree, especially in such a short time frame. I suspect students will have problems completing the program...after having spent a lot of money.

The UPenn MCIT is designed for non-CS graduates to complete a masters in CS. I think it structured correctly, it is feasible.

Right but the UPenn MCIT isn't a master's in CS. It's a master's in CIT so it doesn't apply to davewill's comment. The first 6 courses are like a condensed/abbreviated CS undergrad and the last 4 classes are Masters level CS electives.

I have not done a ton of research but I have a buddy in the program. While it may be a condensed/abbreviated CS undergrad, one cannot argue with the outcomes. A large group of the students go on to become software developers or software engineers with Google, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon etc. A simple LinkedIn search shows the effectiveness of the degree program in assisting students achieve highly technical roles. Whether it is a true masters in CS or not, it seems to be more effective at helping students land CS type positions versus your normal run of the mill CS masters.

[MNomadic]

I have not done a ton of research but I have a buddy in the program. While it may be a condensed/abbreviated CS undergrad, one cannot argue with the outcomes. A large group of the students go on to become software developers or software engineers with Google, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon etc. A simple LinkedIn search shows the effectiveness of the degree program in assisting students achieve highly technical roles. Whether it is a true masters in CS or not, it seems to be more effective at helping students land CS type positions versus your normal run of the mill CS masters.

I agree. I never contested the value, outcomes, or effectiveness of the MCIT. In fact, I think it's a great program. I just pointed out that using the MCIT as an example in a discussion about MSCS's isn't fully valid.

[Pats20]

I don’t know personally but the Merrimack program says it’s designed for non cs majors. I know that leads to thinking that it’s watered down and it may very well be. Assuming a person takes the initiative to self learn the missing parts it may be a viable option.

[bjcheung77]

My recommendation is another program other than this Merrimack College offering, get more info and see if you can complete the South East Missouri Masters in Applied Computer Science for under $11.5K USD, you just need 2 provisioning Computer courses for entry if you don't have a BCS degree. I would also be open to other similar degree options as well, you can check these out... Do TESU/SEMO in two years combined and you'll have all the degree/experience to "catch up/be on par" with requirements in that industry.

Link: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...t-Virginia
Link: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...ee-Options
Link: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...ual-Degree
Link: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...ta-Science

[Flelm]

You could give GA Tech's OMSCS a shot. https://omscs.gatech.edu/program-info/ad...n-criteria https://omscs.gatech.edu/preparing-yourself-omscs

Complete some of their certificates on Edx.org (linked on that page), and then apply? Current tuition is $180/credit (30 credits = $5,400), plus $301/semester.