Outlier : Associate (GGU) or Credit Course (Uni Pittsburgh)

[MNomadic]

If you get a CS undergrad, you're not likely to get in to the UPenn MCIT. It's designed for people without a CS degree. Even another tech focused degree could potentially overqualify you.

Also, the UPenn MCIT is very competitive so I wouldn't plan for a non tech degree with the goal of going on to MCIT. Too much chance and very inefficient. The MCIT is mostly for people who want to do a career change and you seem to already know what you want to do so there's no reason to do something unrelated in undergrad for a year or more with the hopes of getting into a competitive entry, accelerated master's. Focus on your plan of getting a bachelor's in IT or CS. Worry about master's after. Considering you haven't even started any college yet, I don't think your plan should be contingent on accelerating a bachelor's degree in a short time while simultaneously doing the boulder master's. I think you need to take it one step at a time. Pick a major/school: alt credits with a non competitive online school like SNHU, TESU, PUG, or go for mostly RA credits at ASU with a plan to transfer to a ranked school(you still would need to identify which ones you want to apply at) either online or in person.

This is confusing.

You say you can't get in with a CS degree, or even another tech focused degree.  Then you say that it's competitive, and that a non-tech degree won't get you in either.

Can you clarify?

It's probably easiest if I let them explain it...
From the FAQ:

https://online.seas.upenn.edu/faq-categories/mcit/

I have a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Is MCIT Online right for me?

MCIT Online is intended for students with little or no recent CS experience. If you would be able to test out of more than two of our core courses, you are probably overqualified. In this case, we recommend exploring our online Master of Science in Engineering in Data Science degree program which requires a bachelor’s in computer science as a prerequisite.

Am I qualified for the MCIT Online program?

MCIT Online welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. Admittance to MCIT Online is competitive. However, no background in computer science is required, the only qualification to apply is a bachelor’s degree in any field. While cohort sizes are limited, if you have a strong interest in computing and have an aptitude for quantitative subjects (particularly in math!), then you are qualified to apply to MCIT Online!

Advice regarding quantitative ability

MCIT Online is designed for people without a background in computer science. That being said, we need to see evidence of your quantitative abilities in your application. For example, we will take note of grades that you received in math, science, and engineering courses. If you have not taken courses in these areas, or if you received low grades in the past, there are other ways that you can demonstrate your quantitative abilities. The GRE or GMAT is one option, or you can earn online certificates in STEM, Computing, Data Science, or Math courses, as well as taking additional college level math courses to show your quantitative ability.

What do you look for when evaluating applications for MCIT Online?

Admission to MCIT Online is very competitive. We look for applicants who are likely to succeed in, benefit from, and contribute to the program.

Do I need to meet any prerequisites for the MCIT Online program?

No, there are not any prerequisite courses. At a minimum, you need to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school or university. In addition, ideal candidates will have a strong mathematical or otherwise quantitative aptitude.

If your undergraduate degree is not in a quantitative subject, or if you did not take or do well in many quantitative courses, we recommend taking a for-credit math course (e.g., algebra or calculus) or the GRE.

In addition, the LoR requirements are stricter than I've seen for other programs like they must be 500-1500 words, on official organization letterhead, and more.