Online Masters Programs

kiki162

So to give you a quick backstory, I was enrolled in an online Masters program, and decided to change my major to a newer format (and different degree title). Unfortunately that hasn't worked out so well due to all of the issues with the newer format.

At this point I'm looking at all of my other options out there as far as online Masters programs. Wanted to hear about individual experiences and any recommendations. Ideally, anything that doesn't required the GRE to get in, and around the $30-$40K range. Thanks

TranceSoulBrother

You've been here long enough to hear about WGU but you're not mentioning it nor are you discussing what major do you want to pursue. I guess that you're not inclined toward WGU then.
What are you looking for in this master's degree that you want to study or what other aspects are you seeking?
Why don't you share that and get the conversation going.

BlackBeret

UMUC by chance? I'm still under the old format, took a two semester break so I haven't had to make the decision yet.

kiki162

So anything in the way of Cybersecurity, ISE, ISM, or IT. I've looked at the ISE program at JHU, at my top choice, but that will take some time due to the pre-reqs. My bottom line is that I want to get into a good program, something that's challenging and worth the time and tuition.

dmoore44

When I was applying to MS programs, I had two in mind - the MS: Cybersecurity at Syracuse and the MS: IT - InfoSec at Carnegie Mellon. I was accepted to both and decided on the Carnegie Mellon program because of their reputation with CompSci disciplines and the fact that they run the Software Engineering Institute, which houses the prototype organization for US-CERT (CERT/CC).

The JHU program was a top contender too, but I didn't want to have to deal with their pre-reqs - one year of recent Calc was a bridge too far for me. I had also considered the Utica MS: Cybersecurity, but didn't apply because it was relatively new and didn't have an established reputation. If you're more interested in the management aspects, you can also check out the Northwestern MS: Information Systems (InfoSec) program.

UnixGuy

Does it have to be an American program?

Would you be open to something that requires a week or two per semester for intensive mode?

TranceSoulBrother

There's the Norwich (there's a thread here somewhere from current students) and Nova Southeastern. Both are NSA/DHS CAEs for additional cachet.

kiki162

@UnixGuy Unfortunately, I have to stay local for now (kids).

@dmoore44 I looked at CM and Syracuse...can't get away from GRE and programming/math pre-req's. Although Syracuse doesn't req. the GRE, it is recommended. How has the program been for you, and how far along are you into it?

@Trance Norwich sounds like a contender

UnixGuy

Well, since you can't travel, there is one Australian program that's 100% online that I can recommend:
Edith Cowan university... they have Cyber security program and a digital forensic program:
ECU | Study a Master of Cyber Security
ECU | Study a Master of Digital Forensics

Kalabaster

Have you considered SANS? It's just above the top-end of your range at 45k and comes with some of the most renown certifications along the way, as well as some of the most respected training in the industry. It's what I'll be doing once I finish with WGU next term.

dmoore44

kiki162 wrote: »

@dmoore44 I looked at CM and Syracuse...can't get away from GRE and programming/math pre-req's. Although Syracuse doesn't req. the GRE, it is recommended. How has the program been for you, and how far along are you into it?

I started grad school last fall (Fall '15) and have completed 54/144 units. I'm working on another 24 units this semester.

I was in the same boat regarding the GRE, but I really wanted to apply to the CMU program, so I wound up taking it. I didn't knock the GRE out of the park or anything, so I suppose that the rest of my application package made up for it. It's been great so far - the coursework is definitely challenging, and I've grown because of it.

chrisone

Masters, then get your CISSP. CISSP will always be around and updated frequently.

gwood113

Georgia Tech Online Ms in Computer Science
https://www.omscs.gatech.edu

Costs $7000 and the diploma looks like any other GT graduate's diploma.

kiki162

Got the CISSP already.

Thought about diving into the SANS certificates program, which should have a good ROI.

cyberguypr

Wait, isn't the Georgia Tech MS closer to $15k? At least that's what it was when I looked at it a while back.

--chris--

cyberguypr wrote: »

Wait, isn't the Georgia Tech MS closer to $15k? At least that's what it was when I looked at it a while back.

Just read through it, says $7000 in the description as well. Very interesting coursework, maybe I am misunderstanding the layout...but that is a TON of classes for a single degree.

Kalabaster

gwood113 wrote: »

Georgia Tech Online Ms in Computer Science
https://www.omscs.gatech.edu

Costs $7000 and the diploma looks like any other GT graduate's diploma.

I completely forgot about that program. That looks like a very good program for sure!