Online noncompetitive MSCS

[Fibrazer]

My credit situation is better at TESU (going for a BA Liberal Arts, maybe with a concentration in Natural Science as I have a lot of bio and chem classes) than I thought. I only need one class and then the cornerstone and capstone. I figured now was a good time to find a masters program and ensure I meet any prerequisites necessary. I'd really prefer a masters in computer science because it is most respected in my field. My current employer will recognize WGU's IT Management or Data Analysis but I'm thinking that something more recognizable might be better for future employers.

Thanks, everyone, for all of your awesome advice. I wouldn't have gotten this far without ya'll.

[bjcheung77]

How much are you looking to spend? There are plenty of non-competitive schools, it all depends on the price you're willing to pay. From public/state universities to non-profit/private, to the For-Profit private schools, some of them with a good reputation, to others who are obscure, to the ones that have a bad reputation... anyways, if Masters of Computer Science is what you're looking for, you need to decide which options to pick from.

Would you go for something like a Masters in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Computer Science - haha, how about a Masters of Professional Development with a concentration in Computer Science? For ROI/Value, I suggest a few of the cheapest public/state universities first or competency ones... and if you don't find anything, then go for the smaller non-profits, if all else fails, then the big for-profits may be a viable option...

[Fibrazer]

I think lots of degrees would work with my current employer. They offer raises for almost any degree somewhat related to computer science. In my field, a computer science degree is what everyone knows and has come to expect. I would definitely consider related degrees. I'm not sure that a masters in liberal arts with a concentration in computer science would get me the raise even at my current employer.

I would love to stay below $10,000 for the degree but $20,000ish is something I could live with. In my industry a masters degree usually offers a 25-50% raise, which is the primary reason I'm continuing my education.

My grades are okay and I have lots of science and math classes. I don't think a truly noncompetitive university is necessary but perhaps a less competitive program is what I'm thinking of.

Thank you for being so helpful, bjcheung77! You and this whole forum are amazing.

[rachel83az]

How about a foreign degree? https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...#pid332150

[asianphd]

My credit situation is better at TESU (going for a BA Liberal Arts, maybe with a concentration in Natural Science as I have a lot of bio and chem classes) than I thought. I only need one class and then the cornerstone and capstone. I figured now was a good time to find a masters program and ensure I meet any prerequisites necessary. I'd really prefer a masters in computer science because it is most respected in my field. My current employer will recognize WGU's IT Management or Data Analysis but I'm thinking that something more recognizable might be better for future employers.

Thanks, everyone, for all of your awesome advice. I wouldn't have gotten this far without ya'll.

Take a look at this: 
https://online.glyndwr.ac.uk/msc-computer-science/ 6000GBP, ~8300USD
https://www.upgrad.com/id/software-engineering-mcs-ljmu ~6000USD
https://www.dbuniversity.ac.in/dbuglobal...ograms.php They have two programs (MCA & MSc IT), estimated ~4500USD

I also think this US university is very affordable with a great reputation. But yes, they are competitive.
https://www.cs.utexas.edu/graduate-progr...m/msonline ~10000USD
http://omscs.gatech.edu/ ~7000USD

[Fibrazer]

Thank you, I really appreciate these resources!

---

Most foreign degrees would work perfectly well. Thanks for linking me to the thread.

[bluebooger]

how about a graduate certificate from Harvard Extension School ?
all about $11 000 

https://www.extension.harvard.edu/academ...rtificates

Back-End Web Development Certificate
Cybersecurity Certificate
Data Analytics Certificate
Data Science Certificate
Front-End Web Development Certificate
Programming Certificate
Web Technologies Certificate

the Web Technologies Certificate is the most customizable            
choose any 5 courses
https://www.extension.harvard.edu/course...ertificate

or a Masters in Data Science                    
http://catalog.sps.cuny.edu/preview_prog...2&poid=607
course list at the bottom of the page

can be done for about $13 000 or less 
https://sps.cuny.edu/financial-aid-and-t...s/graduate
"Please note: Students in online degree programs pay the New York State tuition rate and do not need to establish residency."

[Fibrazer]

I have considered doing a graduate certificate to show CS coursework and then going on to a masters in computer science. Certifications don't mean much in my field but it might be my shoe in to a masters program.

Thanks for the links. I really appreciate the help.

[bluebooger]

courses in Harvard's data science certificate can be applied to their masters of data science degree if you decide to go that route

of you can go a really weird route and do an EDX certificate (non-credit unless applied to specific schools)
https://www.edx.org/micromasters/mitx-st...ta-science

scroll down to
Certificate & Credit Pathways

Harvard Extension School offers the program certificate holders of the MicroMasters program in Statistics and Data Science the possibility of earning 16 of the total 48 graduate credits towards the ALM in the field of finance or 12 out of the total 48 graduate credits towards the ALM in the field of data science .

[monchevy]

You can try the MS in IT at APUS (American Public University). You can transfer in 15 credits, so you're looking at under $10k (fees and books/learning materials included in that) for the 21 remaining credits.

https://www.apu.apus.edu/academic/school...ology.html