I'm not going to make a drawn out post... just going to make a summary that lays it out. I'm so ****** sick of agonizing over this:
- Two options for grad. school if I decide to go the computer route (interests are Database Admin., Systems Analyst and possibly some Programming... not so much in Network or Desktop Support):
1. Private school, smaller, not widely known outside of the state, MS in Computer Information Systems, 50/50 focus on technology and IT management, excellent learning environment, will take 2-calendar years to complete, cost will be roughly $24,000 for the entire degree.
2. Public school, larger, somewhat known outside of the state, MS is Computer Science, 100% focus on hardcore CS, will take 2.5 or so years of undergrad courses (40 hours of undergrad CS, calculus, etc.) to qualify for acceptance into the program, then another 2 years for the masters (4.5 years total), cost will be roughly $8,000 for the entire degree.
Other, more minor factors: private school is ranked twice as high in masters programs as the public school (U.S. News rankings). Public school is in another city 30 miles away, while the private school is in the same city I live in. I work fulltime and will do all my courses in the evenings/weekends.
The million dollar question: 2 years of school for a CIS degree that will put me 24k in student loan debt, or 4.5 years of school for a CS degree that will put me 8k in student loan debt. Is the CS degree worth more or is the extra 2.5 years in the field worth more?
All input is appreciated. I'll be loading up my shotgun in the meantime.
- Two options for grad. school if I decide to go the computer route (interests are Database Admin., Systems Analyst and possibly some Programming... not so much in Network or Desktop Support):
1. Private school, smaller, not widely known outside of the state, MS in Computer Information Systems, 50/50 focus on technology and IT management, excellent learning environment, will take 2-calendar years to complete, cost will be roughly $24,000 for the entire degree.
2. Public school, larger, somewhat known outside of the state, MS is Computer Science, 100% focus on hardcore CS, will take 2.5 or so years of undergrad courses (40 hours of undergrad CS, calculus, etc.) to qualify for acceptance into the program, then another 2 years for the masters (4.5 years total), cost will be roughly $8,000 for the entire degree.
Other, more minor factors: private school is ranked twice as high in masters programs as the public school (U.S. News rankings). Public school is in another city 30 miles away, while the private school is in the same city I live in. I work fulltime and will do all my courses in the evenings/weekends.
The million dollar question: 2 years of school for a CIS degree that will put me 24k in student loan debt, or 4.5 years of school for a CS degree that will put me 8k in student loan debt. Is the CS degree worth more or is the extra 2.5 years in the field worth more?
All input is appreciated. I'll be loading up my shotgun in the meantime.
