What IT degree to choose?

Chris.Kleinke

Hello. I am a newbie to these forums. I have an AAS in drafting & design coupled with 13+ yrs exp in various engineering fields. I'm looking to persue a BS degree. I am not too sure which IT degree will be the best fit for me. I live in the Hattiesburg, MS area more business/healthcare jobs rather than technical IT jobs such as your network/security admins. I want to move away from the "construction dependent" job market and into the IT. I am not quite sure how to do it. Some degrees I have been looking at are BSITM, BS MIS, BS Business Systems Analysis, and possibly a BS in Project Mgt. Any input will be appreciated.

phaneuf1

I would suggest you to get a more technical degree for your bachelor. And then, if you're more interested into a management position, go for either a MBA or a MS IT management. The reason is simply that most management jobs require a master.

Now since you already have an AAS, you will want to find a school that will transfer your AAS credits. Check that one: Online IT Degree | Information Technology Bachelor Degree | WGU College of Information Technology

It's completely online and regionally accredited.
good luck

SteveLord

There are plenty of management positions requiring Bachelor. I typically see the director/CIO/etc positions that require or prefer Master.

shodown

If you have the option and time get a comp SCI degree. If not get a IT degree. The reason I say this is that IT degree's just teach technology and the use of it. A comp SCI degree will show you have to create technology and getting into a different frame of mind. I use to not think about this until I took some classes recently and we were discussing BGP and we discussed it from a viewpoint of being able to make it better. Of course that never happend, but it gives you the mind set to even think that way.

phaneuf1

SteveLord wrote: »

There are plenty of management positions requiring Bachelor. I typically see the director/CIO/etc positions that require or prefer Master.

not true

SteveLord

phaneuf1 wrote: »

not true

Thank you for your short reply. Can I assume you're calling me a liar?

TheCudder

phaneuf1 wrote: »

I would suggest you to get a more technical degree for your bachelor. And then, if you're more interested into a management position, go for either a MBA or a MS IT management. The reason is simply that most management jobs require a master.

Now since you already have an AAS, you will want to find a school that will transfer your AAS credits. Check that one: Online IT Degree | Information Technology Bachelor Degree | WGU College of Information Technology

It's completely online and regionally accredited.
good luck

I would agree with this, I feel I made a bit of a mistake by getting my BS in ITManagement, wish I had gotten a technical BS then Masters in ITM. Now I'm stuck trying to prove my technical knowledge with certs, or gain more by getting an associates --- which is pretty backwards.

erpadmin

phaneuf1 wrote: »

not true

To take a different tact from Steve (which is not to suggest I disagree with him......usually when I write something loaded, I back that up with SOMETHING...whether it's cited or based on annectodal evidence), can you point me in the direction where these management positions are that don't require so much as a Bachelor's? Also, just so we're on the same page, we're still talking about IT management jobs.....

Even in Canada, what Steve said reigns true. Yes, I have seen and heard of folks with no college getting IT Management jobs....but those are rarities.

SteveLord

The mystery is, which part of my statement has been deemed "not true"? I assume the second part. To clarify my original opinion, I believe a Bachelor's is sought after more, especially since it is more common. A management position requiring a Masters or neither...are far less common in comparison. Obviously, this will vary widely across locations, businesses and their specific needs or definitions of management. Again, this is why it was an opinion.

phaneuf1

erpadmin wrote: »

To take a different tact from Steve (which is not to suggest I disagree with him......usually when I write something loaded, I back that up with SOMETHING...whether it's cited or based on annectodal evidence), can you point me in the direction where these management positions are that don't require so much as a Bachelor's? Also, just so we're on the same page, we're still talking about IT management jobs.....

Even in Canada, what Steve said reigns true. Yes, I have seen and heard of folks with no college getting IT Management jobs....but those are rarities.

I should have specified large, well known and decent companies, with policies, and no improvisation. Usually they require either a Master or a bachelor with additionnal years of experience. Of course you can be a manager somewhere with a bachelor's degree but if you want to be competitive, and just speed the process, I'd suggest a Master.

ps: sorry for the short answer, i was on my phone and at work.

BTW english is my second language (I'm a Quebecois), sorry if I don't express myself clearely.

Chris.Kleinke

So if I go with a more technical degree, what degree should I look at, and what IT certs would I need in order to get a job in the IT field. Will a BS in CIS be technical enough? Or should I look at something similar to AIU's BIT in Security/Info Assurance? I know most techy jobs I would have to drive 45 min to Gulfport, MS; 1.5 hrs to New Orleans, LA; or 1.5 hrs to Jackson, MS in order to find a company/firm to work for that actually use network/security jobs. I'm not in the postion to relocate at the present time. In addition, I am not too comfortable mouting up a huge student loan debt being that I'm 38 with no retirement. Who does have retirement now days? Probably not too many. If you have any suggestions on any online schools let me know.