WGU BSCS or Pierpont->UMPI->MS

[rachel83az]

I think it's more likely to help if the classes go on your Bachelor's transcript, rather than your Associate degree. However, if you wind up going to WGU for your Bachelor's, I believe they don't put the "extra" courses on the transcript. Pierpont would put everything on. So it might well be a good idea to put as many "attractive" courses on your Pierpont transcript as possible. I don't know if it'll help, but I doubt it'll hurt.

[origamishuttle]

If I take some CS related transfer credits at SDC and use some from Sophia in my transfers for the pierpont and UMPI elective sections
and considering that I also have a few years of work experience, is that likely to be enough for OMSCS admissions?

If you're that interested in OMSCS, then you're committed to a multi-year process, and it's already outside of your budget, so why not expand the budget a bit more and go for the WGU BSCS that you've been preparing for? Even though I'm a Pierpont grad, I recommend against it in your situation. It's just a distraction that will add time to your ultimate goal. Focus on what you want and go for it!

[swellguy]

If I take some CS related transfer credits at SDC and use some from Sophia in my transfers for the pierpont and UMPI elective sections
and considering that I also have a few years of work experience, is that likely to be enough for OMSCS admissions?

If you're that interested in OMSCS, then you're committed to a multi-year process, and it's already outside of your budget, so why not expand the budget a bit more and go for the WGU BSCS that you've been preparing for? Even though I'm a Pierpont grad, I recommend against it in your situation. It's just a distraction that will add time to your ultimate goal. Focus on what you want and go for it!

That's a fair point, my main interest is either a BSCS or a tech-related MS.
If the time and money spent for the MS isn't that much higher over the BSCS path then I'd prefer that.

The OMSCS is outside of the budget range I defined but I am open to opening it up since I would plan on working while doing the OMSCS degree(to be fair I didn't mention this).
Some of the questions are trying to understand what is possible, like is it possible to get into OMSCS with a Pierpont->UMPI path?
Since UMPI will likely be cheaper for me to do than WGU, if it is possible to go from UMPI->OSMSCS then it would be more cost effective and possibly faster?

I understand the costs are idealized:
costs:
WGU BSCS 1 term cost = ~$4000
WGU MSITM or MSCSIA 1 term cost = ~$4645
UMPI 1 sessions = ~$1400
OMSCS  = ~$6-7k

1. I'd just do BSCS at WGU full time to finish in 1 term since I've spent a lot of time prepping for it then just be done for now.
2. Full time UMPI while trying to align course transcript with courses OSMCS would prefer and then apply to OSMCS and work while doing the degree.
3. I've also considered doing the MS at WGU instead for the time efficiency even though it's not CS and less name brand


so basically,
A.WGU BS + OMSCS = $10,000
B.WGU BS + WGU MS = $8645
C.UMPI+OMSCS=$8400
D.UMPI+WGU MS = $6045
E.WGU BSCS = $4000

After listing out the options, I realize that I'm splitting hairs at this point over $2-3k.
but I think I prefer options C->D->E and I don't think I'd do options A and B.

I really appreciate all the responses though as it's also helping me reflect on what I want.

[dfrecore]

If I take some CS related transfer credits at SDC and use some from Sophia in my transfers for the pierpont and UMPI elective sections
and considering that I also have a few years of work experience, is that likely to be enough for OMSCS admissions?

If you're that interested in OMSCS, then you're committed to a multi-year process, and it's already outside of your budget, so why not expand the budget a bit more and go for the WGU BSCS that you've been preparing for? Even though I'm a Pierpont grad, I recommend against it in your situation. It's just a distraction that will add time to your ultimate goal. Focus on what you want and go for it!

That's a fair point, my main interest is either a BSCS or a tech-related MS.
If the time and money spent for the MS isn't that much higher over the BSCS path then I'd prefer that.

The OMSCS is outside of the budget range I defined but I am open to opening it up since I would plan on working while doing the OMSCS degree(to be fair I didn't mention this).
Some of the questions are trying to understand what is possible, like is it possible to get into OMSCS with a Pierpont->UMPI path?
Since UMPI will likely be cheaper for me to do than WGU, if it is possible to go from UMPI->OSMSCS then it would be more cost effective and possibly faster?

I understand the costs are idealized:
costs:
WGU BSCS 1 term cost = ~$4000
WGU MSITM or MSCSIA 1 term cost = ~$4645
UMPI 1 sessions = ~$1400
OMSCS  = ~$6-7k

1.  I'd just do BSCS at WGU full time to finish in 1 term since I've spent a lot of time prepping for it then just be done for now.
2. Full time UMPI while trying to align course transcript with courses OSMCS would prefer and then apply to OSMCS and work while doing the degree.
3. I've also considered doing the MS at WGU instead for the time efficiency even though it's not CS and less name brand


so basically,
A.WGU BS + OMSCS = $10,000
B.WGU BS + WGU MS = $8645
C.UMPI+OMSCS=$8400
D.UMPI+WGU MS = $6045
E.WGU BSCS = $4000

After listing out the options, I realize that I'm splitting hairs at this point over $2-3k.
but I think I prefer options C->D->E and I don't think I'd do options A and B.

I really appreciate all the responses though as it's also helping me reflect on what I want.

I can't answer your specific questions, but I can help you think about different things: think about which degree you want to get as a bachelor's, because that's the degree you will be sitting with for a long time if you get into the OMSCS program.  So, which degree will benefit you more if you ONLY get a bachelor's degree?

IMHO, I would get the WGU BSCS, because if you don't end up in the OMSCS program, or don't get around to it for a while, that's the degree that will benefit you the most now.  The UMPI degree will only be a check-the-box degree.

[origamishuttle]

IMHO, I would get the WGU BSCS, because if you don't end up in the OMSCS program, or don't get around to it for a while, that's the degree that will benefit you the most now.  The UMPI degree will only be a check-the-box degree.

I agree! An important aspect of the OMSCS is that you can take as little as two classes a year, so you can focus on one challenging course at a time, and you can space out tuition so it's very manageable. If you get the BSCS now, then slowly work on the OMSCS, you will still have Georgia Tech on your resume as soon as you enroll. While not as good as a finished degree, many hiring managers will still give you credit for bettering yourself by taking on such a tough degree.

[swellguy]

I can't answer your specific questions, but I can help you think about different things: think about which degree you want to get as a bachelor's, because that's the degree you will be sitting with for a long time if you get into the OMSCS program.  So, which degree will benefit you more if you ONLY get a bachelor's degree?

IMHO, I would get the WGU BSCS, because if you don't end up in the OMSCS program, or don't get around to it for a while, that's the degree that will benefit you the most now.  The UMPI degree will only be a check-the-box degree.

That is true the WGU BSCS would be more beneficial than UMPI as a check-the-box degree.
I'm not sure how much more valuable a BSCS vs a UMPI degree is to me though.
What makes the calculation a bit difficult is the fact that I already have work experience.
Like I feel that not having a degree at all does make job searching a bit harder and limits me a bit on potential overseas offers which often just require "any degree" for a work visa.

At this point the most significant ROI would be an MS, but I'll take some time to think about this.

For now I think I'll just continue on finishing the transfer courses I would need for the BSCS and UMPI BLS(BAS)
I've followed the transfer guides on the wiki for both and have nearly finished the requirements for both.
I'll also start the process for the Pierpont BAS since I think I've covered all the requirements for it.

---

I agree! An important aspect of the OMSCS is that you can take as little as two classes a year, so you can focus on one challenging course at a time, and you can space out tuition so it's very manageable. If you get the BSCS now, then slowly work on the OMSCS, you will still have Georgia Tech on your resume as soon as you enroll. While not as good as a finished degree, many hiring managers will still give you credit for bettering yourself by taking on such a tough degree.

Couldn't this be said for the UMPI path as well, while working towards OMSCS I can have it listed as "in progress" on my resume.

I do agree though that if an MS doesn't work out I'd rather have the WGU BSCS instead of the UMPI degree.

[origamishuttle]

At this point the most significant ROI would be an MS, but I'll take some time to think about this.

I also agree with this. In terms of time/cost/effort, I would think that UMPI BLS + WGU MS is your best bet. If you really wanted, you could even go for the OMSCS after WGU MS, although for the most part, a master's is a master's, so it would be largely redundant in terms of employability. The greatest value of OMSCS would be the learning experience.

---

Couldn't this be said for the UMPI path as well, while working towards OMSCS I can have it listed as "in progress" on my resume.

To some extent, yes, but it's still only partial credit, not full credit.

I do agree though that if an MS doesn't work out I'd rather have the WGU BSCS instead of the UMPI degree.

Exactly this - it's a basic check-the-box degree vs. a tech check-the-box degree, so it can make an actual difference in which jobs you qualify for. And there are absolutely no guarantees with the OMSCS, regardless of how much time and effort you put into it.

[allvia]

@swellguy - You're assuming you can get a BAS at UMPI - you're going to need many credits in a single techinal field in order to convince them to make the BLS into a BAS https://www.umpi.edu/files/academics/pro...ce_BAS.pdf - very few people have been able to make the leap utilizing the YourPace program.

Also, since you were looking at the BAS with an Information Systems focus, if you cannot get the BAS you would likely be better off with a BABS-MIS than the BLS-MIS (assuming you go with UMPI) for ROI.  I guess it all comes down to what your long term goals are - do you wish to stay in development? Go into IT management?  Have you applied to WGU yet?  You can transfer into WGU right up until you enroll (which is different than applying), only you know how skilled you are in what would be left for you in the WGU BSCS degree (you'd definitely want to max out transfers in).

Since it sounds like you're going to be working towards the Pierpont BOG AAS I would suggest you max out those Technical credits well beyond what it requires (focus on what will work in for WGU BSCS) then when you apply (after the AAS) to WGU and UMPI you'll know if you can move to the BAS at UMPI. As mentioned by others, I too fear that going for the AAS could just slow you down vs focusing on maxing out your WGU transfer in and getting it done (in budget and within your short timeline)

Finally, you've gone from a $5k budget to up to $10k with master. If your budget is that flexible you might want to reconsider the TESU BACS as rachel83az mentioned early on.

[DolceDolce]

If I take some CS related transfer credits at SDC and use some from Sophia in my transfers for the pierpont and UMPI elective sections
and considering that I also have a few years of work experience, is that likely to be enough for OMSCS admissions?

If you're that interested in OMSCS, then you're committed to a multi-year process, and it's already outside of your budget, so why not expand the budget a bit more and go for the WGU BSCS that you've been preparing for? Even though I'm a Pierpont grad, I recommend against it in your situation. It's just a distraction that will add time to your ultimate goal. Focus on what you want and go for it!

That's a fair point, my main interest is either a BSCS or a tech-related MS.
If the time and money spent for the MS isn't that much higher over the BSCS path then I'd prefer that.

The OMSCS is outside of the budget range I defined but I am open to opening it up since I would plan on working while doing the OMSCS degree(to be fair I didn't mention this).
Some of the questions are trying to understand what is possible, like is it possible to get into OMSCS with a Pierpont->UMPI path?
Since UMPI will likely be cheaper for me to do than WGU, if it is possible to go from UMPI->OSMSCS then it would be more cost effective and possibly faster?

I understand the costs are idealized:
costs:
WGU BSCS 1 term cost = ~$4000
WGU MSITM or MSCSIA 1 term cost = ~$4645
UMPI 1 sessions = ~$1400
OMSCS  = ~$6-7k

1.  I'd just do BSCS at WGU full time to finish in 1 term since I've spent a lot of time prepping for it then just be done for now.
2. Full time UMPI while trying to align course transcript with courses OSMCS would prefer and then apply to OSMCS and work while doing the degree.
3. I've also considered doing the MS at WGU instead for the time efficiency even though it's not CS and less name brand


so basically,
A.WGU BS + OMSCS = $10,000
B.WGU BS + WGU MS = $8645
C.UMPI+OMSCS=$8400
D.UMPI+WGU MS = $6045
E.WGU BSCS = $4000

After listing out the options, I realize that I'm splitting hairs at this point over $2-3k.
but I think I prefer options C->D->E and I don't think I'd do options A and B.

I really appreciate all the responses though as it's also helping me reflect on what I want.

For CS, I recommend WGU (option E.) - many employers know about the rigors and credibility of their program, and they've been listed many times in the Top 10 of lists with at least 270+ schools in the same list.  You can also pull them up in LI, and see where the graduates are working by industry.  Yesterday WGU told me that they currently have 150k students enrolled.  I'm not sure if I'm taking my Bachelor's there (waiting for transcript review) but I do know I'm doing the WGU MBA from there.

[davewill]

My understanding is that the biggest thing with admission to OMSCS is that they believe you will graduate. Some combination of the degree, coursework, or work experience needs to convince them you won't be lost and have to drop out. In your shoes, I would pick one of WGU or TESU and get the CS degree. I wouldn't get distracted with anything else, and I wouldn't skimp on the budget. It might be different if you had been working as a software engineer for years.