2nd BS vs MS vs PSM

PragmaticZealot

Hi everyone,

I graduated with a BS in psych (2012). After having miserable luck with jobs, I have decided to go into IT. I am already taking intro courses at a local university, which offers a BS as well as an MS and PSM (Professional Science Masters). I have already gotten in touch with the dept head and grad program coordinator who said I would be able to do the grad program as long as I take a few basic undergrad courses.

How hard would it be to get a grad degree in IT given that my undergrad was in a completely unrelated field? Ideally, I would want to get a grad degree since I heard that a 2nd bachelors is a waste of money. Also, if you have to pick between an MS and PSM, which degree would be the stronger one?

Danielm7

Depends on your skill level in the courses really. If you've always been self learning for IT topics, then it won't be as hard as someone who just decided they wanted to get into IT.

A tip, for what it's worth. For many companies the BS is a checkbox for HR, you have that, even though it's unrelated. I don't know what part of IT you want to get into so this might not be 100% relevant but have you considered just picking up some certifications and applying for jobs? You really don't need a 2nd BS, I'm in no way anti-education, but I wouldn't want to see someone spend a ton of money and time on something that might not have a great ROI for them. Even if you can get a job with your current BS and a few certs a lot of companies have tuition reimbursement so you could likely take an MS later if you're still interested at a reduced cost and by that point you'd know what parts of IT you'd want to focus on.

powerfool

Many grad programs are just a rehash of the undergrad program with additional rigor and requirements. My alma mater had an "accelerated" BS/MBA program where you could take up to 5 of the MBA level courses as replacements for you undergrad courses, if you were doing a degree from the School of Business for undergrad. I later looked and they would allow you to skip the same 5 MBA level courses if you got a B or better in the associated undergrad course, so it isn't anything earth shattering.

I would say you should be fine. It will be new material for you either way. And to echo Danielm7, your existing BS is valid in most cases, even though it is in an unrelated area... it really is often just a tick in a box.

636-555-3226

Degree will only get you so far. To be honest, regardless of your college degree you'll probably end up having to start low-level at a help desk or basic server admin. At that level real world skills will help you more than a college degree that doesn't teach you what you actually need to know for the job.

My advice is to learn up in your free time to get really good with the technology you want to do and find a job that lets you do it. Feel free to do the degree at the same time or after, but nowadays I just don't see the degree mattering as much as real-world skills when applying for those entry-level jobs.

$bvb379

School is school. The teachers give you the material to study, you study it, you get a degree. Time spent studying (if you need to study) is usually the only factor. IMO.