WGU MS Information Technology Management

[quigongene]

While I still plan on doing GA Tech's Masters in Cybersecurity, I wanted to get a quick win with a masters before I start that program.  I was considering the MBA or MBA-IT from WGU, since I know the format already, but then I found the MSITM:

https://www.wgu.edu/online-it-degrees/in...ogram.html


This seems more up my alley, as it's less accounting and more IT/Project Management focused.

If I plan to stay in IT, does anyone see a problem in doing this as opposed to the MBA/MBA-IT?

[dfrecore]

If I was going to stay in IT, I would do the MSITM - it just seems more applicable to your situation.

I would do the MBA if it was very valued in your company and was looked upon as a direct way to advancement. Or if you wanted to move into upper management someday, very high (like CIO).

But it does seem as if you are getting the BSCSIA and a MS in Cybersecurity, do you really need the MSITM? It's starting to seem like you're narrowing things down instead of opening them.

[quigongene]

But it does seem as if you are getting the BSCSIA and a MS in Cybersecurity, do you really need the MSITM?

There's some method to the madness here. I'm pretty sure the GA Tech degree will likely take me 3 years, where the MSITM would take me 6 months. At that point I could still have a masters on my resume while I work through the GA Tech program. Additionally, I'm betting that already having a masters will make it easier to get into the GA Tech program. This is all covered by tuition reimbursement from my work, so no money out of pocket no matter which direction I pick.

[Merlin]

But it does seem as if you are getting the BSCSIA and a MS in Cybersecurity, do you really need the MSITM?

There's some method to the madness here.  I'm pretty sure the GA Tech degree will likely take me 3 years, where the MSITM would take me 6 months.  At that point I could still have a masters on my resume while I work through the GA Tech program.  Additionally, I'm betting that already having a masters will make it easier to get into the GA Tech program.  This is all covered by tuition reimbursement from my work, so no money out of pocket no matter which direction I pick.

This is similar to my thoughts. I want to get a masters credential in something before starting on any longer program like the OMSCS or a doctorate. I'd also like to believe that it could help in getting into a more competitive program in the future.

Personally, I am mainly looking at the MBA ITM because it is an MBA and has an established reputation as a business credential. Though, personally, I'm more interested in the MS Management & Leadership, MS IT Management, and MS Data Analytics programs.

As far as I know, the MS ITM is focused predominately on existing IT practitioners who are looking to step up into a more hands-on management role. It focuses on more practical IT skills like project management (you can earn a CAPM certification along the way). The MBA ITM, on the other hand, seems more business management focused, and less about IT.

If I were in your shoes, the MS ITM sounds like a good match.

[allvia]

Looks like they've updated the curriculum since I last looked at WGU, I like it - now it has me rethinking my own plan.

I too vote for the MS IT Management

[posabsolute]

The curriculum does look interesting! Since WGU don't accept Canadians anymore, fortunately, I don't need to think about it

However I would say, this MS might help you move in middle management, but so would an MBA, and an MBA is just a known brand for higher management, so if you think in 10 years that's where you want to go an MBA would probably help you more on the long run.

On the other hand, you can do an MBA later obviously

[allvia]

Do you know where I can find a list of the course #s for this program? I'm trying to get more information however not much comes up through a general search on reddit; most topics are related to the BS not the MS.  PocketWGU used to be a great way to look into such things like this when accepted but not yet enrolled, but alas it is no more

[quigongene]

Do you know where I can find a list of the course #s for this program? I'm trying to get more information however not much comes up through a general search on reddit; most topics are related to the BS not the MS.  PocketWGU used to be a great way to look into such things like this when accepted but not yet enrolled, but alas it is no more

The only way I can think of would be to grab the program guide:
https://www.wgu.edu/content/dam/western-.../MSITM.pdf

and do some searching on WGU's course descriptions:
https://partners.wgu.edu/Pages/Course-De...Study.aspx

[allvia]

Saw this posted on another site - it was specifically for the (new) current curriculum: (I'm seriously considering this program for myself)

C954 - Information Technology Management - 1 OA

C948 - Technical Communication - 1 PA with 5 deliverables (not as bad as it sounds)

LZT2 - Power, Influence and Leadership - 2 PAs

C928 - Financial Management for IT Professionals - 1 OA

C927 - Managing Technology Operations and Innovation - 2 PAs

MBT2 - Technological Globalization - 1 PA

C929 - IT Sourcing and Development in a Global Economy - 1 PA

C962 - Current and Emerging Technology - 1 PA

C783 - Project Management - CAPM Certification

C498 - MS, Information Technology Management Capstone - 3 PAs

[quigongene]

Saw this posted on another site - it was specifically for the (new) current curriculum: (I'm seriously considering this program for myself)

Thank you for sharing Allvia, exactly what I was looking for :-)