I want to get my master's degree in IT at an online school? What school and/or program, do you suggest

I want to get my master's degree in IT at an online school? What school and/or program, do you suggest?
Hi...I have a B.A. in Psychology that I attained from Oral Roberts University in 2003. I have been working in the field of social services for the last 6 years. I do not want to further my education in anything related to social services (i.e. counseling, therapist, etc). I would like to pursue a Master's in something under the umbrella of IT. I also am looking to go online for school as I work full time and I just don't want to have to go to a traditional school if I don't have to. I have done a semester online at ITT Tech a couple of years ago and enjoyed the online experience. I was working on an Associate's in Computer Forensics. I actually am highly fascinated with this field so I would like to pursue it at the graduate level. In the master's arena, it is not usually called Computer Forensics however. I also am interested in learning how to program different applications on the computer. What program would encompass computer security AND computer programming (software engineering)? I have been debating between a few online colleges: (1)Kaplan (which has a Master of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Information Security and Assurance). (2)University of Phoenix has a Master of Information Systems. This one is kind of broad but does have courses in information security and computer programming. (3) Virginia College has a Master of Science in Cybersecurity. This one is very specific and no computer programming courses. (4) Keller Graduate School of Management has a Master of Information Systems Management with a concentration in Information Security. Lastly, (5) AIU has a Master of Information Technology with a concentration in Internet security. Now, these are just the colleges that I have researched and I have spoken with the academic advisors and am considering attending (I've actually researched a few more but for whatever reason, I eliminated them). Out of the 5 online schools that I mentioned, are there any that you would personally not consider and why?? I have heard good stories and I have heard horror stories. All 5 of the schools I mentioned are accredited. Can you offer any other colleges or programs for that matter that may be a better fit that I can look into based off of the information that I have given you about myself?? I know I've written a lot of information. I just feel like the academic advisors at these specific schools are biased and I would love an unbiased point of view Also, let me add this one last thing as a sidenote, I used to work with therapists as the case worker for sexually abused children. Our agency worked alongside the police department, sheriff's department, district attorney's office, etc., etc. This is when I really became involved in computer forensics, because I would love to know how to go into a suspect's computer and recover lost data that they think they erased (i.e. a pedophile with child pornography) and that is what the degree should provide for me. And as I said earlier, I would also like to know how to actually program applications or software on the computer that can be used in that field or even in other unrelated fields. Please help...I am trying to make a decision by the end of the year with hopes of starting school in early 2010. I know I've said a lot and have written a book but this is actually the narrowed down version since I first started this process.... Thank you for your input..."
Higher Education (University +) - 2 Answers

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1
All of the schools you mention are worthless. Their degrees are worthless. You will be laughed-at if you try to get a job with one of these degrees. It's hard to advise you. You clearly are romantically involved with this bogus concept of "cyber IT" and you're not going to be talked out of it. If you were to do it right, you would get a flexible Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering Technology.


2
Here is what I am concerned about that I am sure will make it difficult for you to find a job. Your undergraduate degree is not related to the IT career field. If you did attend an online graduate program, you will have practicaly no hands-on experience with computers and networks, except for maybe your own personal computer at home. When you are competing for jobs with others who have IT graduate degrees from schools that required attendance and have the practical hands-on experience with different types of computers and networks, guess who will get hired first? When I was studying Information Systems and Computer Programming, about half of the time I spent at school was in the computer labs getting very important hands-on experience with different types of equipment. Being familiar with equipment that is being used by businesses will help you get hired much quicker. Even when I was studying engineering, my labs allowed me to become familiar with and use expensive equipment that I would never have access to by studying online. When I obtained my second college degree, I did it attending school part-time while working full-time. You can do this also. You expressed an interest in computer forensics. Why not study to get certified as a CHFI (Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator)? http://www.ucertify.com/certifications/EC-Council/chfi.html

I'm thinking of getting my master's in MIS, anybody know about that degree

I'm thinking of getting my master's in MIS, anybody know about that degree?
Do you think it's going to be really useful in about 3 years? I'm a senior getting my B.S. in Economics soon, but I already have 3 years of experience in IT, so I figure I should set my career in that direction (instead of finance / investment). Masters in Information Technology Management / Consulting at University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) is specifically what I'm asking about. Thanks in advance for any advice at all!!
Higher Education (University +) - 1 Answers

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1
Well, I'm not an expert with the MIS degree, but I think there is a BIG difference between MIS and IT. You should research what MIS is before you actually set forth the money to get the degree. Sorry, I don't have any personal experience. http://som.utdallas.edu/graduate/graduate_ms_itm_degree_plan.htm Here is a wiki on MIS: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Management_information_systems

What degree to programmer employers seek in a candidate? Information technology or Computer Science

What degree to programmer employers seek in a candidate? Information technology or Computer Science?
I am interested in pursuing a career as a software engineer. I am deciding between a graduate program for a Masters Degree in Computer Science or Information Technology. Please see these two programs. http://cs.kutztown.edu/programs.asp and http://www.edinboro.edu/cwis/Math-CS/it/masters.html These are the only two PA State schools with grad programs in CS/IT. IUP has one as well, but I do not want to go there. I have a BA in Speech Communications, and have no formal training in CS. I have e-mailed the department chair of the program at KU. He suggested me to take 7 undergrad courses for me to enter the Masters program. They're program is arranged where I could concentrate my studies on programming. Would I be more marketable if i had an MSIT?
Careers & Employment - 3 Answers

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1
I have a bachelor degree in computer science and I have worked in IT for over 14 years. I enjoy what I do but I wished when I was yonger and had more spare time to pursue a master degree in computer or an MBA. So, yes take that master!!! You will benefit a lot in your career.


2
My employer goes only for Computer Science.


3
I personally do not hire anyone at all with a MS in a computer related field with an unrelated BS. I have seen this turn into a disaster too many times to count when I have been unable to convince others not to hire these people for their departments. They have no useful skills whatsoever. I once had to work with a person who didn't have enough practical computer skills to be a secretary, let alone a Software Engineer. If you have a BS in a computer related field or EE, and an MS in a computer related then you can go right to the top of the pile, because I know you are serious about what you want to do. But with two unrelated degrees, straight into the trash.

I am planning to take Masteral study, I am a computer Engineer. What study is more appropriate to my degree

I am planning to take Masteral study, I am a computer Engineer. What study is more appropriate to my degree?
Master in Information Technology or Master in Information Management? Which is more related to my degree as a Computer Engineer?
Studying Abroad - 1 Answers

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1
There is a big difference between Master in Information Technology and Master in Information Management. The former requires a good insight of technology, software, hardware and the application aspects of the technoloy. While the second one is more focussed on Information Management, designing systems and processes to collect, filter and analyze data to produce useful reports that can be used by the people in decision making positions to assess their tasks. However, a good understanding of computer systems, software, various availaible technologies and their utilitiy value are pre-requisite in either case. It is your Individual coice and your Computer Engineering degree will help you in both the courses. A good way would be to take a look at the top US colleges that offer Masters Program in Information Technology and Information management fields and then review their course structures - along with the kind of Jobs that the students get after they complete their studies. I found the following webpage with a good collection of colleges that offer computer engineering programs in US http://www.accesseducationindia.com/top-computers-engineerings-courses.html There are several other websites that provide the list of courses and colleges too.