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+--- Thread: Looking for advice...new member (/Thread-Looking-for-advice-new-member)
Looking for advice...new member - GringoPerdido - 12-08-2023
Hello,
This is my first post here. I am happy to find such a great resource.
I'm kinda lost.
I'm at a point where I'm terrified of being stuck in my current career/industry and would like the opportunity to do something different. I'm seriously considering enrolling in either a Masters program or BS if a Masters is not feasible (I already have a BA) that might open more doors for me. I'm open to ideas or suggestions. My work background is as a Data Tech for Pipeline Construction Survey As-Builts and Field Party Chief.
Long term goal is being able to work fully remote in a more stable role with better work life balance and job security.
Programs I'm considering: MBA, Data Analytics, IT, Management, etc
Open to ideas. What is the most bang for your buck program? What is most in demand? What is most stable long term? What has the best outlook for remote jobs, good pay, job security, etc? I don't have much time or money to waste.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Your Location: Texas (and Costa Rica)
Your Age: 35
What kind of degree do you want?:
MS/MBA or BS
Current Regional Accredited Credits:
Completed BA PSYCHOLOGY 3.3 GPA
I took additional Computer Science courses (java programming) research, stats, and math that may help in another major. I'm interested in learning SQL.
Any certifications or military experience?
API 1169 PIPELINE INSPECTOR, Google Project Management (Coursera), currently studying for the CAPM exam.
RE: Looking for advice...new member - mohelena02 - 12-08-2023
Look into WGU and those Master's programs.
RE: Looking for advice...new member - bjcheung77 - 12-08-2023
@GringoPerdido, Welcome to the board, it's great you're providing some information and asking questions, having said that you missed the addendum where it provides a bigger overview of your situation. Without this better picture of your scenario, it's going to be hard to help you decipher which degree options are available due to your budget, commitments, study habits, etc. Update the thread with the missing info and we can provide further advice in addition to recommending WGU (it's a good choice for now though).
RE: Looking for advice...new member - GringoPerdido - 12-09-2023
Sorry about that. Here's the addendum info...
Budget: will have to use loan, aid, or credit card
Commitments: work full time. Wife and 2 kids in CR. Frequent travel. Lots of bills.
Dedicated time to study: approx 20 hrs a week. More if i can get things done on a cell phone during travel.
Timeline: ASAP. Max 1 year.
Tuition assistance/reimbursement: no.
RE: Looking for advice...new member - bjcheung77 - 12-10-2023
Hmm, interesting, I would continue working on the trifecta of certs, degree, experience. You can complete the entry requirements and also max the transfer credit to the accelerated BSIT/MSITM at WGU as that is a very good option for you. Create a spreadsheet - Continue reviewing the partners.wgu.edu webpage for transfer credit options and review this WIKI page for requirements reference: https://degreeforum.miraheze.org/wiki/WGU_IT_Accelerated_IT_Bachelors_and_Masters_Degree_Plan
RE: Looking for advice...new member - allvia - 12-10-2023
You may want to look into Eastern's MS Data Science. Quite affordable and it was designed for those who do not have a computer science degree or background. There is a very detailed write up about it on the sister site. They recently added a very similar program for Data Analytics as well.
MS Data Science - https://www.eastern.edu/academics/graduate-programs/ms-data-science
MS Data Analytics - https://www.eastern.edu/academics/graduate-programs/ms-data-analytics
What's the difference? - https://www.eastern.edu/academics/colleges-seminary/college-health-and-sciences/departments/department-mathematical-15