Online M.S. from University of Minnesota

ptilsen

Either this is a recent change or my recent research was not thorough enough, but I've discovered that the University of Minnesota offers online Master's degrees, including Master of Computer Science and Master of Science in Computer Science. The former seems to be more focused on applied skills while the latter is more focused on theory and research. (Apparently this is not an uncommon distinction between "M.S. in X" and "M. of X" degrees.)

Anyway, I know most of us are in infrastructure and probably not looking at graduate CS work, but I'm sure there are some exceptions, so I figured I'd post it. U of M is ranked 35 in graduate computer science according to the Interwebs. There are definitely some other highly ranked online programs in this area, but this might be a unique combination of accessibility, price, and reputation, so I figured I would mention it. I'm personally considering it (for ~2015, mind you) since even though I'm local, the convenience of online classes can't be beat.

Devilry

At first I was excited when I heard the name of the school and you mentioned it was unique because of price, however, $1100~/hr ? No way. You can goto Georgia Tech for that price. Georgia Tech Distance Learning | Degrees

ptilsen

It's $1100 if you go one or two credits per semester. It's in the $600 to $900 range if you go full- or part-time. Still not cheap, but it would come out to be 25% to 30% cheaper than going to Georgia Tech at any realistic pace. Georgia Tech is ranked higher, so there are still reasons to go there.

There are advantages to going to the U of M for me personally at the very least, on the basis that it being an online degree would be less likely to be seen as a problem, and extremely unlikely to be noticed at all since people would assume I took classes on campus. I'm actually still considering CMU's distance IT programs, but I have no idea whether I'll want to do that or CS in three years, and CMU is even more expensive (and rightfully so, as the top-ranked school for CS and IT.

N2IT

It would be nice to get a CS or EE degree from there.

Devilry

I see what you are saying now that I look at the tuition a second time. Thanks for pointing that out.

Your logic for going to that school also makes sense, only if you decide to forever stay in MN.

I considered GATech, but eh.. can't justify owing that much money, even with employer reimbursement. Plus I want more of an applied degree personally.

Back on the original subject, that school does look good for you in your situation.

ptilsen

Yeah, keep in mind I'm pretty disgusted with the cost of good master's programs right now. Even getting the Master of Computer Science at a fairly rigorous pace will be a good $20K, which is as much as my undergrad will cost. Getting the M.S. in C.S. will be $30-$45K.

Of course, my two-year degree cost close to $40K, so I guess I shouldn't complain.