Bachelors or Masters?

CiscoSandwich

Hello, thank you for reading.

I have a bachelor's degree in something totally not IT or computer science related. I was an art major (yeah, I know).

I'm working in IT now and want to get an IT degree. I am eligible to go for a masters in IT because I have a bachelors. Should I go for the masters or get the bachelors in IT first?

Any thoughts appreciated.

Thank you.

Chitownjedi

Masters.. my bachelors is in writing..i decided to get IT security bs before going for my security masters and it was one of the biggest mistakes in my life. Time is precious and it didn't take long for me to realize that all the non it classes i have to take because i transferred in almost all the IT courses have left me in a situation where id rather devote my time to things that directly impact my skill level.

Masters masters masters... luckily i have only 8 classes left..but I've been bored so much that I've almost dropped out 2x...and i mean i literally filled out paper work to do so..but i have a mentor that don't quit lol..she's been able to talk me off the ledge now multiple times... but Masters

Danielm7

MS for sure. Many places won't care that your BS is unrelated as long as you can check the box. But, if you want an IT degree there is no reason to go back and get another BS, you might have to fill some different pre-reqs since your BS/BA is in art but it should be easier/faster/cheaper than a 2nd BS.

mbarrett

CiscoSandwich wrote: »

I'm working in IT now and want to get an IT degree. I am eligible to go for a masters in IT because I have a bachelors. Should I go for the masters or get the bachelors in IT first?

It depends on the school. For some places, you will need to do a lot of undergrad coursework to prepare for the MS in Computer Science, if this is the case you might be able to apply a lot of the general requirements you already did for your non-related Bachelor's. In some cases you might not be too far off from getting a second Bachelor's anyway. Check with an academic advisor or someone from the Comp Sci department to explore your options.
With other schools or programs you can get away with taking a couple undergrad courses in key areas, and they will deem you ready to start the Master's program. Most schools can tell you this as part of the application/acceptance process.

CiscoSandwich

Thank you for sharing your experience with me. I was hoping you would recommend Master's. Now I know. Much appreciated.

BradleyHU

Master's....you'll probably have to take some prereqs first, but in the end, the masters will be the better option...

EANx

If it's a Comp Sci degree, you will gain a lot by doing some of the undergrad courses and might even have to. For any other IT degree, it's unlikely you will have to worry.

aftereffector

Masters! I was a history major for my undergrad.

Techytach

aftereffector wrote: »

Masters! I was a history major for my undergrad.

Did you have to take undergrad prereqs first?

danny069

Master's is much better than a Bachelor's because at that point, every class in the curriculum should be focusing on your major.

DAVIS NGUYEN

Congrats!

jeremywatts2005

You might in some cases be able to go straight to a Masters in technology. However lately I have seen colleges starting to crackdown on this and require a certain amount of IT or tech courses in the undergrad before going to the graduate degree. This is especially true on the security side. I used to get really frustrated when I was in my Masters program and you had some dude with no background whatsoever in technology never worked a day in the field and had a degree in whatever for his Bachelors taking infosec courses. They would ask really newbie questions stuff they should've already known like the OSI 7 layer model or what is the difference between bus, ring, token, mesh and so on. They were totally lost and get stuck on your team for a final project. Plus they couldn't write half the time because they did not the terminology.

This kind of student has drawn the attention of colleges especially ones with placement requirements. They are pushing students to complete a basic set of pre-requisites before doing the grad program. My Masters from Champlain was awesome because we had those requirements when I went through. They wanted at least 5 - 8 yrs of verifiable experience, an interview with the chair and you had to have undergrad in some type of IT or Infosec. Not sure these days with their new chair but the one I went in with was a brutal during the interview. No way would you be in the Masters program without knowing your stuff. My salary has more than doubled in 3 yrs since I finished the degree.

So look for a good solid program that places emphasis on results and is a hands on Masters Degree which is vital. If you find one and it is highly recognized as exceeding industry standard be prepared for the job offers they will come rolling in. I know I cannot thank Champlain College enough for the experience, education and training. My first Masters in Infosec was not worth anything from CTU. Just checking a box and it got me know where no matter how hard I tried. Champlain the MSDFS got me so much more and I will always be grateful to the instructors and staff. 65K to 150K 2013 - Now Yep that is right 2013 I was around 65k and now with my bonus I am 150K. That is what a good degree will do for you.

dave330i

I wouldn't get either in IT. You don't need BS or MS in IT to talk with executives and C level. You need a MBA.