CIS/CS Certificates

[Merlin]

Is the reason you're saying it's not a typical CS degree because they'll take basically anything in the area of study and don't require any advanced courses (or really any proper CS classes at all)? Because that is a big reason I may not go this route - it seems like a degree that requires basically no useful courses wouldn't be worth much. At least with the ASNSM in Biology you have to take Bio 2 w/lab, or with the ASNSM in Math you have to take Calculus. With the ASNSM in CS you could basically take a bunch of Computer Concepts classes and be done.

The ASNSM is just a concentration in CS, so it's different from a CS degree. TESU seems lenient about what counts in this degree. The CS certificate seems to require a lot more than the ASNSM.

Ultimately, it doesn't matter what is in the degree, since hiring managers usually only care that you have the degree, not what courses you took. Most will not ask for a transcript unless you're a brand new graduate with no other experience, and really only to verify that you have an actual degree. If you're a CS grad, they might also look to see which languages you learned and what grades you got in those courses.

Java seems more flexible and simpler than C/C++.

Semantically, Java is pretty similar to C++. They share a common history though they fulfill a different niche in the programming landscape. I wouldn't say that Java is easier/more flexible/simplier, rather different.

I'd think that the OD Python course would probably be the "easiest." Plus, like Java and C++, it is object-oriented so learning any one of the three will help with the rest.

While C is also pretty easy to learn it isn't an ideal first language since it doesn't come with all the nice libraries that Python and Java offer, which makes it a bit rougher on new programmers. Plus it isn't object-oriented or natively threaded, which can create some bad habits that have to be unlearned when picking up other languages. You also don't find as many companies using C commercially anymore, C++ is a much more commonly used application development language.

For someone new to programming, I'd recommend picking up Python first, then either C++ or Java in either order. If they also want to learn C, I'd recommend picking that up after C++ since it will be much easier to grasp if C++ is learned first. If you do pick up C++, I'd recommend the SL version over the SDC version.

By the time you are done with Python you should have a pretty good idea if programming is something you will enjoy doing, or not.

[sanantone]

The ASNSM in CS used to have stricter requirements. I don't know why TESU made it easier to get when they already have an AAS in Applied Computer Studies.

I think in any field that listing an undergraduate certificate and associate's with the same major would look ridiculous.

[posabsolute]

I believe OP just want to aim as wide as he can since he is not sure what he want's to do. He just needs to make sure he tailor his resume correctly I guess.

Listing multiple BA's, associate and certs might come off weird and not very focus (especially since he is very young). Sometimes multiple fields can come off as a plus, but junior positions are often very focused in a specific field, altho OP experience seems to be he was doing some jack of all trade IT position not sure that apply to most fields.

[camjenks]

I have a good knack for computers and Computer Science-y stuff, and I'm thinking it would be a good idea to get a credential in that area to add to my resume (especially since I'm wanting to learn a couple programming languages anyway), but I'm wanting some feedback on which one. I already have a double-major BA planned so adding a CS area of study isn't an option (maybe down the road), and I don't want to do a second capstone which rules out a BSBA-CIS (not that I think a bachelor's in computers is really necessary for me anyway). So I'm thinking that my options are:

Undergrad Certificate in Computer Information Systems
Undergrad Certificate in Computer Science
ASNSM in Computer Science

The ASNSM would probably be the easiest to get since it seems like they count pretty much any computer-related course there (the What-If tool is even showing that my Excel class would count there). But based on how easy it is to get, I'm guessing it wouldn't really add anything to my resume. And I know someone on here who works as a hiring manager has stated that they see an Undergrad Certificate as more impactful than an associates since it requires some UL courses.

The next easiest to get would be the CIS certificate, for three reasons: 1) No need to take Data Structures, 2) I already have the CLEP InfoSystems, which I'm assuming fills the Intro to CIS requirement for that certificate, and 3) The content more closely matches what I've learned from my experience.

The CS certificate wouldn't be particularly hard given that I need to rack up graded credits anyway, so I would just take it Data Structures at a CC instead of another class. Wouldn't cost me extra $ and in terms of time it would only cost me the time it takes to replace the course I would've taken at the CC with another alt-credit class.

So I guess my main questions are these:
1) How much, if any, advantage is there in getting a CS certificate instead of CIS?
2) Could it be worth doing two of the above three? There could be quite a bit of overlap if I planned it right, but would it just be redundant or would having both Computer Science and Computer Information Systems add something to my resume?

I am a hiring manager (well, when I'm not taking time off to finish my degree) and as such, I don't see a lot of value in undergrad certificates unless they significantly add breadth to a candidates resume. And even then, I don't see them as any different than an associates degree in impact. A second bachelor's degree is more impactful, assuming it is different but complementary to the first degree.

Regardless of which approach you take, a second credential won't add additional impact over a bachelor's degree unless it adds value. It must suggest additional ways you can add value to the company as an employee, otherwise it adds nothing to the first degree.

The CIS or CS cert may add value if you can show how it makes you better in doing the job you're applying for. For example, if you're working in customer service in a software company, the CS or CIS degree may add value to show you can also help troubleshoot IT related issues in addition to account issues.

If you want to add real impact to your resume, add a grad certificate or a masters degree that complements your bachelor's.

As a hiring manager, what do you think about Graduate Certificates? Something a little past the bachelor level but not as expensive/time intensive as a masters. I have been in IT for a few years as a systems administrator, and I REALLY enjoyed python in my CS course, so I've been pondering the possibility of going toward more of a developer role or maybe DevOps that would combine my current job with more programming. I like the problem solving aspect of the programming. I also have that to some extent in my current role, but I don't like that my current career path will probably always have me client facing and doing favors for people when their kid messes up their ipad to keep my bosses happy. It just gets old.

I'm already too far down the path to earning my BSBA in CIS to switch gears now, and I don't really see any cheap options for a decent (abet accredited) CS degree.

I think my dream would be to get something like this MS+MBA that's a partnership between IU Business School and Purdue (https://engineering.purdue.edu/ProEd/pro...ee-mse-mba). That would only be if I land a job that's going to pay for it, and Purdue wants an abet accredited bachelors to get into the program. I'm kind of thinking that a good graduate certificate along with recommendations might be enough to get me into the program without an actual ABET CS bachelors. But I'm also just considering what would be advantageous for career advancement, regardless of academic requirements.

Any thoughts??

[sanantone]

I believe OP just want to aim as wide as he can since he is not sure what he want's to do. He just needs to make sure he tailor his resume correctly I guess.

Listing multiple BA's, associate and certs might come off weird and not very focus (especially since he is very young). Sometimes multiple fields can come off as a plus, but junior positions are often very focused in a specific field, altho OP experience seems to be he was doing some jack of all trade IT position not sure that apply to most fields.

Then, he should choose one or the other. Getting an undergraduate certificate and associate's in the same field doesn't add breadth. It's redundant. 

I have a good knack for computers and Computer Science-y stuff, and I'm thinking it would be a good idea to get a credential in that area to add to my resume (especially since I'm wanting to learn a couple programming languages anyway), but I'm wanting some feedback on which one. I already have a double-major BA planned so adding a CS area of study isn't an option (maybe down the road), and I don't want to do a second capstone which rules out a BSBA-CIS (not that I think a bachelor's in computers is really necessary for me anyway). So I'm thinking that my options are:

Undergrad Certificate in Computer Information Systems
Undergrad Certificate in Computer Science
ASNSM in Computer Science

The ASNSM would probably be the easiest to get since it seems like they count pretty much any computer-related course there (the What-If tool is even showing that my Excel class would count there). But based on how easy it is to get, I'm guessing it wouldn't really add anything to my resume. And I know someone on here who works as a hiring manager has stated that they see an Undergrad Certificate as more impactful than an associates since it requires some UL courses.

The next easiest to get would be the CIS certificate, for three reasons: 1) No need to take Data Structures, 2) I already have the CLEP InfoSystems, which I'm assuming fills the Intro to CIS requirement for that certificate, and 3) The content more closely matches what I've learned from my experience.

The CS certificate wouldn't be particularly hard given that I need to rack up graded credits anyway, so I would just take it Data Structures at a CC instead of another class. Wouldn't cost me extra $ and in terms of time it would only cost me the time it takes to replace the course I would've taken at the CC with another alt-credit class.

So I guess my main questions are these:
1) How much, if any, advantage is there in getting a CS certificate instead of CIS?
2) Could it be worth doing two of the above three? There could be quite a bit of overlap if I planned it right, but would it just be redundant or would having both Computer Science and Computer Information Systems add something to my resume?

I am a hiring manager (well, when I'm not taking time off to finish my degree) and as such, I don't see a lot of value in undergrad certificates unless they significantly add breadth to a candidates resume. And even then, I don't see them as any different than an associates degree in impact. A second bachelor's degree is more impactful, assuming it is different but complementary to the first degree.

Regardless of which approach you take, a second credential won't add additional impact over a bachelor's degree unless it adds value. It must suggest additional ways you can add value to the company as an employee, otherwise it adds nothing to the first degree.

The CIS or CS cert may add value if you can show how it makes you better in doing the job you're applying for. For example, if you're working in customer service in a software company, the CS or CIS degree may add value to show you can also help troubleshoot IT related issues in addition to account issues.

If you want to add real impact to your resume, add a grad certificate or a masters degree that complements your bachelor's.

As a hiring manager, what do you think about Graduate Certificates? Something a little past the bachelor level but not as expensive/time intensive as a masters. I have been in IT for a few years as a systems administrator, and I REALLY enjoyed python in my CS course, so I've been pondering the possibility of going toward more of a developer role or maybe DevOps that would combine my current job with more programming. I like the problem solving aspect of the programming. I also have that to some extent in my current role, but I don't like that my current career path will probably always have me client facing and doing favors for people when their kid messes up their ipad to keep my bosses happy. It just gets old.

I'm already too far down the path to earning my BSBA in CIS to switch gears now, and I don't really see any cheap options for a decent (abet accredited) CS degree.

I think my dream would be to get something like this MS+MBA that's a partnership between IU Business School and Purdue (https://engineering.purdue.edu/ProEd/pro...ee-mse-mba). That would only be if I land a job that's going to pay for it, and Purdue wants an abet accredited bachelors to get into the program. I'm kind of thinking that a good graduate certificate along with recommendations might be enough to get me into the program without an actual ABET CS bachelors. But I'm also just considering what would be advantageous for career advancement, regardless of academic requirements.

Any thoughts??

Why do you need an ABET-accredited master's in CS? Some of the top CS programs, such as Stanford, have chosen to forego ABET accreditation because they've found it doesn't add any value to their students searching for jobs.

[camjenks]

I believe OP just want to aim as wide as he can since he is not sure what he want's to do. He just needs to make sure he tailor his resume correctly I guess.

Listing multiple BA's, associate and certs might come off weird and not very focus (especially since he is very young). Sometimes multiple fields can come off as a plus, but junior positions are often very focused in a specific field, altho OP experience seems to be he was doing some jack of all trade IT position not sure that apply to most fields.

Then, he should choose one or the other. Getting an undergraduate certificate and associate's in the same field doesn't add breadth. It's redundant. 

I have a good knack for computers and Computer Science-y stuff, and I'm thinking it would be a good idea to get a credential in that area to add to my resume (especially since I'm wanting to learn a couple programming languages anyway), but I'm wanting some feedback on which one. I already have a double-major BA planned so adding a CS area of study isn't an option (maybe down the road), and I don't want to do a second capstone which rules out a BSBA-CIS (not that I think a bachelor's in computers is really necessary for me anyway). So I'm thinking that my options are:

Undergrad Certificate in Computer Information Systems
Undergrad Certificate in Computer Science
ASNSM in Computer Science

The ASNSM would probably be the easiest to get since it seems like they count pretty much any computer-related course there (the What-If tool is even showing that my Excel class would count there). But based on how easy it is to get, I'm guessing it wouldn't really add anything to my resume. And I know someone on here who works as a hiring manager has stated that they see an Undergrad Certificate as more impactful than an associates since it requires some UL courses.

The next easiest to get would be the CIS certificate, for three reasons: 1) No need to take Data Structures, 2) I already have the CLEP InfoSystems, which I'm assuming fills the Intro to CIS requirement for that certificate, and 3) The content more closely matches what I've learned from my experience.

The CS certificate wouldn't be particularly hard given that I need to rack up graded credits anyway, so I would just take it Data Structures at a CC instead of another class. Wouldn't cost me extra $ and in terms of time it would only cost me the time it takes to replace the course I would've taken at the CC with another alt-credit class.

So I guess my main questions are these:
1) How much, if any, advantage is there in getting a CS certificate instead of CIS?
2) Could it be worth doing two of the above three? There could be quite a bit of overlap if I planned it right, but would it just be redundant or would having both Computer Science and Computer Information Systems add something to my resume?

I am a hiring manager (well, when I'm not taking time off to finish my degree) and as such, I don't see a lot of value in undergrad certificates unless they significantly add breadth to a candidates resume. And even then, I don't see them as any different than an associates degree in impact. A second bachelor's degree is more impactful, assuming it is different but complementary to the first degree.

Regardless of which approach you take, a second credential won't add additional impact over a bachelor's degree unless it adds value. It must suggest additional ways you can add value to the company as an employee, otherwise it adds nothing to the first degree.

The CIS or CS cert may add value if you can show how it makes you better in doing the job you're applying for. For example, if you're working in customer service in a software company, the CS or CIS degree may add value to show you can also help troubleshoot IT related issues in addition to account issues.

If you want to add real impact to your resume, add a grad certificate or a masters degree that complements your bachelor's.

As a hiring manager, what do you think about Graduate Certificates? Something a little past the bachelor level but not as expensive/time intensive as a masters. I have been in IT for a few years as a systems administrator, and I REALLY enjoyed python in my CS course, so I've been pondering the possibility of going toward more of a developer role or maybe DevOps that would combine my current job with more programming. I like the problem solving aspect of the programming. I also have that to some extent in my current role, but I don't like that my current career path will probably always have me client facing and doing favors for people when their kid messes up their ipad to keep my bosses happy. It just gets old.

I'm already too far down the path to earning my BSBA in CIS to switch gears now, and I don't really see any cheap options for a decent (abet accredited) CS degree.

I think my dream would be to get something like this MS+MBA that's a partnership between IU Business School and Purdue (https://engineering.purdue.edu/ProEd/pro...ee-mse-mba). That would only be if I land a job that's going to pay for it, and Purdue wants an abet accredited bachelors to get into the program. I'm kind of thinking that a good graduate certificate along with recommendations might be enough to get me into the program without an actual ABET CS bachelors. But I'm also just considering what would be advantageous for career advancement, regardless of academic requirements.

Any thoughts??

Why do you need an ABET-accredited master's in CS? Some of the top CS programs, such as Stanford, have chosen to forego ABET accreditation because they've found it doesn't add any value to their students searching for jobs.

Yeah, obviously a school like stanford can rely on its reputation. I mentioned abet accreditation because a masters program that I may want to do in the future lists it as a requirement.

[sanantone]

I believe OP just want to aim as wide as he can since he is not sure what he want's to do. He just needs to make sure he tailor his resume correctly I guess.

Listing multiple BA's, associate and certs might come off weird and not very focus (especially since he is very young). Sometimes multiple fields can come off as a plus, but junior positions are often very focused in a specific field, altho OP experience seems to be he was doing some jack of all trade IT position not sure that apply to most fields.

Then, he should choose one or the other. Getting an undergraduate certificate and associate's in the same field doesn't add breadth. It's redundant. 

I have a good knack for computers and Computer Science-y stuff, and I'm thinking it would be a good idea to get a credential in that area to add to my resume (especially since I'm wanting to learn a couple programming languages anyway), but I'm wanting some feedback on which one. I already have a double-major BA planned so adding a CS area of study isn't an option (maybe down the road), and I don't want to do a second capstone which rules out a BSBA-CIS (not that I think a bachelor's in computers is really necessary for me anyway). So I'm thinking that my options are:

Undergrad Certificate in Computer Information Systems
Undergrad Certificate in Computer Science
ASNSM in Computer Science

The ASNSM would probably be the easiest to get since it seems like they count pretty much any computer-related course there (the What-If tool is even showing that my Excel class would count there). But based on how easy it is to get, I'm guessing it wouldn't really add anything to my resume. And I know someone on here who works as a hiring manager has stated that they see an Undergrad Certificate as more impactful than an associates since it requires some UL courses.

The next easiest to get would be the CIS certificate, for three reasons: 1) No need to take Data Structures, 2) I already have the CLEP InfoSystems, which I'm assuming fills the Intro to CIS requirement for that certificate, and 3) The content more closely matches what I've learned from my experience.

The CS certificate wouldn't be particularly hard given that I need to rack up graded credits anyway, so I would just take it Data Structures at a CC instead of another class. Wouldn't cost me extra $ and in terms of time it would only cost me the time it takes to replace the course I would've taken at the CC with another alt-credit class.

So I guess my main questions are these:
1) How much, if any, advantage is there in getting a CS certificate instead of CIS?
2) Could it be worth doing two of the above three? There could be quite a bit of overlap if I planned it right, but would it just be redundant or would having both Computer Science and Computer Information Systems add something to my resume?

I am a hiring manager (well, when I'm not taking time off to finish my degree) and as such, I don't see a lot of value in undergrad certificates unless they significantly add breadth to a candidates resume. And even then, I don't see them as any different than an associates degree in impact. A second bachelor's degree is more impactful, assuming it is different but complementary to the first degree.

Regardless of which approach you take, a second credential won't add additional impact over a bachelor's degree unless it adds value. It must suggest additional ways you can add value to the company as an employee, otherwise it adds nothing to the first degree.

The CIS or CS cert may add value if you can show how it makes you better in doing the job you're applying for. For example, if you're working in customer service in a software company, the CS or CIS degree may add value to show you can also help troubleshoot IT related issues in addition to account issues.

If you want to add real impact to your resume, add a grad certificate or a masters degree that complements your bachelor's.

As a hiring manager, what do you think about Graduate Certificates? Something a little past the bachelor level but not as expensive/time intensive as a masters. I have been in IT for a few years as a systems administrator, and I REALLY enjoyed python in my CS course, so I've been pondering the possibility of going toward more of a developer role or maybe DevOps that would combine my current job with more programming. I like the problem solving aspect of the programming. I also have that to some extent in my current role, but I don't like that my current career path will probably always have me client facing and doing favors for people when their kid messes up their ipad to keep my bosses happy. It just gets old.

I'm already too far down the path to earning my BSBA in CIS to switch gears now, and I don't really see any cheap options for a decent (abet accredited) CS degree.

I think my dream would be to get something like this MS+MBA that's a partnership between IU Business School and Purdue (https://engineering.purdue.edu/ProEd/pro...ee-mse-mba). That would only be if I land a job that's going to pay for it, and Purdue wants an abet accredited bachelors to get into the program. I'm kind of thinking that a good graduate certificate along with recommendations might be enough to get me into the program without an actual ABET CS bachelors. But I'm also just considering what would be advantageous for career advancement, regardless of academic requirements.

Any thoughts??

Why do you need an ABET-accredited master's in CS? Some of the top CS programs, such as Stanford, have chosen to forego ABET accreditation because they've found it doesn't add any value to their students searching for jobs.

Yeah, obviously a school like stanford can rely on its reputation. I mentioned abet accreditation because a masters program that I may want to do in the future lists it as a requirement.

I see what you mean, but Stanford's decision doesn't have to do with its reputation; it has to do with what employers want. Unless one plans to become a licensed engineer and work in engineering, ABET accreditation doesn't have much value. Also, a lot of schools don't bother with earning ABET accreditation for their graduate programs even though they have it for the undergraduate counterparts.

Edit: There are a few exceptions. USPTO makes it easier to qualify for the patent bar if your bachelor's in CS is ABET-accredited.

---

Oh, you're not looking at an MS in Computer Science; you're looking at an MSE. They accept non-engineering degrees that don't fall under ABET's scope.

https://engineering.purdue.edu/ProEd/app...egree/dual

[camjenks]

I believe OP just want to aim as wide as he can since he is not sure what he want's to do. He just needs to make sure he tailor his resume correctly I guess.

Listing multiple BA's, associate and certs might come off weird and not very focus (especially since he is very young). Sometimes multiple fields can come off as a plus, but junior positions are often very focused in a specific field, altho OP experience seems to be he was doing some jack of all trade IT position not sure that apply to most fields.

Then, he should choose one or the other. Getting an undergraduate certificate and associate's in the same field doesn't add breadth. It's redundant. 

I am a hiring manager (well, when I'm not taking time off to finish my degree) and as such, I don't see a lot of value in undergrad certificates unless they significantly add breadth to a candidates resume. And even then, I don't see them as any different than an associates degree in impact. A second bachelor's degree is more impactful, assuming it is different but complementary to the first degree.

Regardless of which approach you take, a second credential won't add additional impact over a bachelor's degree unless it adds value. It must suggest additional ways you can add value to the company as an employee, otherwise it adds nothing to the first degree.

The CIS or CS cert may add value if you can show how it makes you better in doing the job you're applying for. For example, if you're working in customer service in a software company, the CS or CIS degree may add value to show you can also help troubleshoot IT related issues in addition to account issues.

If you want to add real impact to your resume, add a grad certificate or a masters degree that complements your bachelor's.

As a hiring manager, what do you think about Graduate Certificates? Something a little past the bachelor level but not as expensive/time intensive as a masters. I have been in IT for a few years as a systems administrator, and I REALLY enjoyed python in my CS course, so I've been pondering the possibility of going toward more of a developer role or maybe DevOps that would combine my current job with more programming. I like the problem solving aspect of the programming. I also have that to some extent in my current role, but I don't like that my current career path will probably always have me client facing and doing favors for people when their kid messes up their ipad to keep my bosses happy. It just gets old.

I'm already too far down the path to earning my BSBA in CIS to switch gears now, and I don't really see any cheap options for a decent (abet accredited) CS degree.

I think my dream would be to get something like this MS+MBA that's a partnership between IU Business School and Purdue (https://engineering.purdue.edu/ProEd/pro...ee-mse-mba). That would only be if I land a job that's going to pay for it, and Purdue wants an abet accredited bachelors to get into the program. I'm kind of thinking that a good graduate certificate along with recommendations might be enough to get me into the program without an actual ABET CS bachelors. But I'm also just considering what would be advantageous for career advancement, regardless of academic requirements.

Any thoughts??

Why do you need an ABET-accredited master's in CS? Some of the top CS programs, such as Stanford, have chosen to forego ABET accreditation because they've found it doesn't add any value to their students searching for jobs.

Yeah, obviously a school like stanford can rely on its reputation. I mentioned abet accreditation because a masters program that I may want to do in the future lists it as a requirement.

I see what you mean, but Stanford's decision doesn't have to do with its reputation; it has to do with what employers want. Unless one plans to become a licensed engineer and work in engineering, ABET accreditation doesn't have much value. Also, a lot of schools don't bother with earning ABET accreditation for their graduate programs even though they have it for the undergraduate counterparts.

Edit: There are a few exceptions. USPTO makes it easier to qualify for the patent bar if your bachelor's in CS is ABET-accredited.

---

Oh, you're not looking at an MS in Computer Science; you're looking at an MSE. They accept non-engineering degrees that don't fall under ABET's scope.

https://engineering.purdue.edu/ProEd/app...egree/dual

Yeah, I mean I know it's probably not absolutely required, but the advice on here tends to be pick a goal and work back from it. An abet accredited CS degree is more helpful for me to get into a masters program like Purdue's. I have no personal attachment to ABET and no opinion about it's quality. I'm just working back from what my end goal may be, and ABET would make me more likely to get into a good masters if I go that route. I get what you mean about employer value, but for academics it does matter because that's the kind of thing that schools like Purdue look at when screening applicants. Their pages for MS mention ABET in several places, so I know it's something that they look at.

[sanantone]

I believe OP just want to aim as wide as he can since he is not sure what he want's to do. He just needs to make sure he tailor his resume correctly I guess.

Listing multiple BA's, associate and certs might come off weird and not very focus (especially since he is very young). Sometimes multiple fields can come off as a plus, but junior positions are often very focused in a specific field, altho OP experience seems to be he was doing some jack of all trade IT position not sure that apply to most fields.

Then, he should choose one or the other. Getting an undergraduate certificate and associate's in the same field doesn't add breadth. It's redundant. 

As a hiring manager, what do you think about Graduate Certificates? Something a little past the bachelor level but not as expensive/time intensive as a masters. I have been in IT for a few years as a systems administrator, and I REALLY enjoyed python in my CS course, so I've been pondering the possibility of going toward more of a developer role or maybe DevOps that would combine my current job with more programming. I like the problem solving aspect of the programming. I also have that to some extent in my current role, but I don't like that my current career path will probably always have me client facing and doing favors for people when their kid messes up their ipad to keep my bosses happy. It just gets old.

I'm already too far down the path to earning my BSBA in CIS to switch gears now, and I don't really see any cheap options for a decent (abet accredited) CS degree.

I think my dream would be to get something like this MS+MBA that's a partnership between IU Business School and Purdue (https://engineering.purdue.edu/ProEd/pro...ee-mse-mba). That would only be if I land a job that's going to pay for it, and Purdue wants an abet accredited bachelors to get into the program. I'm kind of thinking that a good graduate certificate along with recommendations might be enough to get me into the program without an actual ABET CS bachelors. But I'm also just considering what would be advantageous for career advancement, regardless of academic requirements.

Any thoughts??

Why do you need an ABET-accredited master's in CS? Some of the top CS programs, such as Stanford, have chosen to forego ABET accreditation because they've found it doesn't add any value to their students searching for jobs.

Yeah, obviously a school like stanford can rely on its reputation. I mentioned abet accreditation because a masters program that I may want to do in the future lists it as a requirement.

I see what you mean, but Stanford's decision doesn't have to do with its reputation; it has to do with what employers want. Unless one plans to become a licensed engineer and work in engineering, ABET accreditation doesn't have much value. Also, a lot of schools don't bother with earning ABET accreditation for their graduate programs even though they have it for the undergraduate counterparts.

Edit: There are a few exceptions. USPTO makes it easier to qualify for the patent bar if your bachelor's in CS is ABET-accredited.

---

Oh, you're not looking at an MS in Computer Science; you're looking at an MSE. They accept non-engineering degrees that don't fall under ABET's scope.

https://engineering.purdue.edu/ProEd/app...egree/dual

Yeah, I mean I know it's probably not absolutely required, but the advice on here tends to be pick a goal and work back from it. An abet accredited CS degree is more helpful for me to get into a masters program like Purdue's. I have no personal attachment to ABET and no opinion about it's quality. I'm just working back from what my end goal may be, and ABET would make me more likely to get into a good masters if I go that route. I get what you mean about employer value, but for academics it does matter because that's the kind of thing that schools like Purdue look at when screening applicants. Their pages for MS mention ABET in several places, so I know it's something that they look at.

But, doesn't it say that the program is not ABET-accredited?

[Merlin]

As a hiring manager, what do you think about Graduate Certificates? Something a little past the bachelor level but not as expensive/time intensive as a masters. I have been in IT for a few years as a systems administrator, and I REALLY enjoyed python in my CS course, so I've been pondering the possibility of going toward more of a developer role or maybe DevOps that would combine my current job with more programming. I like the problem solving aspect of the programming. I also have that to some extent in my current role, but I don't like that my current career path will probably always have me client facing and doing favors for people when their kid messes up their ipad to keep my bosses happy. It just gets old.

I'm already too far down the path to earning my BSBA in CIS to switch gears now, and I don't really see any cheap options for a decent (abet accredited) CS degree.

I think my dream would be to get something like this MS+MBA that's a partnership between IU Business School and Purdue (https://engineering.purdue.edu/ProEd/pro...ee-mse-mba). That would only be if I land a job that's going to pay for it, and Purdue wants an abet accredited bachelors to get into the program. I'm kind of thinking that a good graduate certificate along with recommendations might be enough to get me into the program without an actual ABET CS bachelors. But I'm also just considering what would be advantageous for career advancement, regardless of academic requirements.

Any thoughts??

I personally like grad certs, particularly if they synergize well with your bachelor's or master's degree. If you add them to a master's degree, it feels like the candidate has specialized in multiple domains. But the argument can be made that a grad cert usually around 15 credits and a master's degree is generally like 30 credits, so why not just pursue a full masters instead?

Unless the job description itself mentions masters as a minimum requirement (or recommended requirement) then I see advanced post-baccalaureate degrees or certificates mainly as a +1 to a candidate's package. So if there are two candidates that are equal in every way except one has a masters or grad cert, I might give the one with the masters/grad cert the nod. Particularly if the masters or cert is in an area that could potentially help that candidate provide extra value to the company. But then again, for folks in IT, good certifications are weighed much higher than academic credentials of any kind once you already have a bachelor's degree.

If you're looking to move into DevOps, rather than pursue a degree or grad cert, I'd recommend just taking the time to find out what languages are being used in your shop (or common in the area you're looking to move into) and learn those languages on your own, or via free online courses. Then figure out some way to showcase your skills. DevOps is about continually learning new stuff that you can apply to supplement your IT experience. You rarely need a formal CS education to be successful, though it won't hurt–other than taking more time and money. If you really want an academic credential, a more traditional IT degree along with a CS cert (or vice versa) may give you the same or better result though.