MS CIS at Boston University

importantbrian

I'm looking at getting my masters degree. I did a search but couldn't find any information about this program. I know many people here are pretty high on WGU, but I was just wondering if anyone had an opinion on BU's program. Particularly if you attended BU what was your experience like, or if you are responsible for hiring at your company what is your opinion of the program?

steve13ad

In my opinion, $700 per credit hour is a bit high. I'm paying $150 per hour, plus fees.

importantbrian

Which program are you enrolled in?

steve13ad

Digital Communications at East Carolina University

veritas_libertas

steve13ad wrote: »

Digital Communications at East Carolina University

Are you in the MS:TS Information Security degree path? I have considered taking that after my BS. How do you like it?

steve13ad

I'm just in the Digital Communications program, it's more of a generalist path (It's what I could get work to pay for).

Honestly it hasn't been that challenging.

I'm at the point where there's some overlap between the DC and IA programs. So I could apply some classes to both programs.

SrSysAdmin

I've always known Boston University to be a pretty good school. I am pretty sure it's private which is why it is so much more expensive than ECU, but both of those schools have quality programs.

Personally I'd say ECU is probably the better degree as it has more name brand recognition across the nation but either of them will suit you fine. Honestly, once you get past the top tier of universities I really don't think there is much difference in what you get out of their degrees.

importantbrian

I had looked at the ECU program too. What other programs did you consider, and what made you decide on that one?

veritas_libertas

importantbrian wrote: »

I had looked at the ECU program too. What other programs did you consider, and what made you decide on that one?

Who is this aimed at?

importantbrian

veritas_libertas wrote: »

Who is this aimed at?

I was asking steve specifically, but I'd like to hear from anyone who has input.

steve13ad

I acutaly completed my undergrad there and I still live in town. So it's was a good fit.

The price was reasonable compared to other state schools.

ECU has the reputation/history of a traditional university with all of the perks of an online university.

veritas_libertas

steve13ad wrote: »

The price was reasonable compared to other state schools.

I only wish there online price for out-of-state was better. I really don't understand why colleges charge more for out-of-state online than for in-state online students. Is this somehow related to the aid that in-state students get?

BradleyHU

steve13ad wrote: »

In my opinion, $700 per credit hour is a bit high. I'm paying $150 per hour, plus fees.

well being that BU isnt a public school...it is the norm....

hell i pay $825/hr this school year....

msteinhilber

veritas_libertas wrote: »

I only wish there online price for out-of-state was better. I really don't understand why colleges charge more for out-of-state online than for in-state online students. Is this somehow related to the aid that in-state students get?

A couple reasons for this. One is that many state schools are subsidized and taxpayers probably wouldn't sit well on the concept of subsidizing the educations for out of state students. The second reason is a possibility that an out of state student would be returning to their home state upon completion of school, which would mean they would not be a contribution to the workforce and tax paying base of the state in which they attended school.

dynamik

My fav is Nova Southeastern University | Academics for South Florida and the World if you're looking for solid online education. I'm hoping to start my program within a year.

importantbrian

BradleyHU wrote: »

well being that BU isnt a public school...it is the norm....

hell i pay $825/hr this school year....

What program did you choose?

importantbrian

msteinhilber wrote: »

A couple reasons for this. One is that many state schools are subsidized and taxpayers probably wouldn't sit well on the concept of subsidizing the educations for out of state students. The second reason is a possibility that an out of state student would be returning to their home state upon completion of school, which would mean they would not be a contribution to the workforce and tax paying base of the state in which they attended school.

Yep, the main reason they do out of state tuition is because the university is subsidized by tax dollars from the state. They don't want their tax dollars subsidizing the education of someone who is not from the state and hasn't paid into the system. The amount the out of state student pays is the full cost of tuition. An instate student pays part of the tuition and the state subsidizes the rest.

veritas_libertas

dynamik wrote: »

My fav is Nova Southeastern University | Academics for South Florida and the World if you're looking for solid online education. I'm hoping to start my program within a year.

I will have to check with you after you have to started to see how you are liking it. I really want to get a Masters from a B&M for obvious reasons. My only major concern is how they go about providing online class atmospheres, and how well they communicate with their students.

BradleyHU

importantbrian wrote: »

What program did you choose?

Information, Network, & Computer Security MS

importantbrian

This question is a little off topic, but I didn't want to start a new thread. I work in retail now and while I'm working on my masters I would like to start getting some IT experience. I have worked with databases in the past and would like to go that route. Should I start out by doing an A+ or Net+ and then trying to find a geek squad or helpdesk type position, or would it be better to start with something like MS 70-431 and try to find an entry level position supporting databases?

SrSysAdmin

importantbrian wrote: »

This question is a little off topic, but I didn't want to start a new thread. I work in retail now and while I'm working on my masters I would like to start getting some IT experience. I have worked with databases in the past and would like to go that route. Should I start out by doing an A+ or Net+ and then trying to find a geek squad or helpdesk type position, or would it be better to start with something like MS 70-431 and try to find an entry level position supporting databases?

If you want to be a DBA I don't see how the A+ or Net+ certs would help you, nor would a geek squad/helpdesk type job.

I'm not sure what all the certs are for DBAs but I would think you'd need to get an Oracle cert or the like and go that route.

I'm not a DB guy tho so I'm certainly not an authority on the subject, I just don't see how those certs or jobs would help you become a DBA.

BradleyHU

importantbrian wrote: »

This question is a little off topic, but I didn't want to start a new thread. I work in retail now and while I'm working on my masters I would like to start getting some IT experience. I have worked with databases in the past and would like to go that route. Should I start out by doing an A+ or Net+ and then trying to find a geek squad or helpdesk type position, or would it be better to start with something like MS 70-431 and try to find an entry level position supporting databases?

to be honest...personally, i wouldnt do the geek squad thing. i worked @ Best Buy...its mainly just break/fix

i would say look for an entry level DBA position. and try to get you ur MCDBA cert as well...

veritas_libertas

I agree with last two posters, avoid Geek Squad.

importantbrian

That sounds like sound advice from everyone. Are there any guys on here who are DBAs that I might be able to contact for advise on how to get into that particular field of IT?