M.S. in MIS / Comp Sci?

PSUSMU · 06-03-2013, 08:00 PM

I should have said "Free education never hurts." Pre-M.S to post-M.S. was instant +$10k (on top of $0 out of pocket for the degree). It also allowed me to move into a Systems Architect role.

upstatedoc · 06-03-2013, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSUSMU

I should have said "Free education never hurts." Pre-M.S to post-M.S. was instant +$10k (on top of $0 out of pocket for the degree). It also allowed me to move into a Systems Architect role.

i clicked on your link and still dont know what fender rolling is.

z335is · 06-03-2013, 08:48 PM

Thanks for the suggestions so far guys, great arguments for both sides. My work would also cover the expenses for certs, so it's kind of a win/win I guess.

UncleWede · 06-04-2013, 12:56 PM

You have to decide where you want to go in IT. Keep grinding desktops/servers, or run the IT department and sit in meetings with pointy-haired bosses?

It you want to keep your hands dirty, get the certs. I'd recommend a security cert. If you want to wear a suit, go to school, but really consider the MBA.

I only have an A+ cert myself, but I have almost 30 years experience so it trumps most other things. The Navy paid for the classes that were required for an MS in Systems Management from USC. I had to pay the matriculation fees myself.

I'm in a unique position where I still keep my hands dirty, but have to sit thru meetings. I'm the IT manager of a small city, with a staff of me, myself, and I.

PSUSMU · 06-04-2013, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by upstatedoc

i clicked on your link and still dont know what fender rolling is.

It's not marketed towards people who don't know what it is.

jasonX · 06-04-2013, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmerfrk

Why don't you just study and get your CCNA. You will make more money without any degree than getting a masters. Degrees don't do anything for you in IT. Its who you worked for. Who you know. And What can you do; aka certs.

Get a CCNA and you can break six figures while sleeping. I want to see your Masters get you anything more than what a BA can with out a substantiating resume.

Bill Gates was a drop out. If you got the know then you got the mo!

I speak from experience.... No IT degree at all.

I have a few Cisco Associate level certs and a CCNP in R&S, a few Juniper Certs and a Masters and still not in the 6 figures, a CCNA will get you a NOC job making 50-60k, nowhere near 6 figures.

You make it sound way too easy.

upstatedoc · 06-04-2013, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSUSMU

It's not marketed towards people who don't know what it is.

PSUSMU · 06-04-2013, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonX

I have a few Cisco Associate level certs and a CCNP in R&S, a few Juniper Certs and a Masters and still not in the 6 figures, a CCNA will get you a NOC job making 50-60k, nowhere near 6 figures.

You make it sound way too easy.

Then you're doing it wrong. Master's + CCNA/CCNP can fetch $100-120k in DC area.
I graduated with my B.S., 1 internship, 0 certs making $65k starting out..

jasonX · 06-04-2013, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSUSMU

Then you're doing it wrong. Master's + CCNA/CCNP can fetch $100-120k in DC area.
I graduated with my B.S., 1 internship, 0 certs making $65k starting out..

Yeah, and Cost Of Living in DC is amongst the highest in the nation. I also don't have that much experience in Networking as I was doing application development prior for nearly 3 years.

amanda hor$t · 06-04-2013, 03:28 PM

straight out of college (2000) i was making 56k + expenses as an it consultant. i was good about managing per diems so my gross income equivalent was more like 95k. and this was a job that was open to econ and history majors too. i spent less than half my expense allowance (walking to/from work, getting rides from parents, eating ramen, living in a tiny studio... wrote everything off and kept the change).

by 2003 i was billing $60/hr as a contractor (and arguably didn't even get a great deal). it's all about the hustle, if you just park yourself at a firm and expect them to take care of you, you'll be stuck at the 70k level forever.

PSUSMU · 06-04-2013, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonX

Yeah, and Cost Of Living in DC is amongst the highest in the nation. I also don't have that much experience in Networking as I was doing application development prior for nearly 3 years.

It's no higher than NJ/CT. I grew up in NJ.
I have 26-29yr old friends making $110k with $1200/mo rent. It's not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. The only high expense is real estate, and even so, it doesn't touch NYC.

blinkme323 · 06-05-2013, 12:18 PM

I'm kind of in a similar boat and am going back for my Masters in the Fall. I'm not sure what certs you already have or which you plan on getting, but the lifecycle of most certs is fairly limited. The Masters however, will apply for the rest of your career and will be especially useful should you want to ever transition to a mgmt role.

TreyR28 · 06-05-2013, 02:13 PM

I'm 18 and I'm planning on going to Alabama in the fall to get a bachelors degree in MIS. Do most of the people making over 6 figures in the industry have a masters degree? Thanks ahead of time for any advice

amanda hor$t · 06-05-2013, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TreyR28

I'm 18 and I'm planning on going to Alabama in the fall to get a bachelors degree in MIS. Do most of the people making over 6 figures in the industry have a masters degree? Thanks ahead of time for any advice

it really depends on what you do with it. degrees are the safer route to more income. in fields like tech and consulting, experience is also important. in this economy, you really have to consider what you're giving up to get that degree.

me, i'm a hustler, i've always learned more on my own.

UncleWede · 06-05-2013, 05:57 PM

^ Me too. The challenge is always to PROVE you know what you are doing without those certs.

Fatty Duckets · 06-05-2013, 08:12 PM

Plenty of great information in this thread. Personally, I feel that the positives far outweigh the negatives in going for your masters. The schools I was researching a few years ago in NJ ranged from 30-50k for a MBA, which I was ok with. I ended up joining an accelerated on ground program that took two years, only stopped during Christmas break, and cost me about 30k out of pocket. I had my own reasons as to why I felt it was a necessity to complete the degree, but I would like to share the ones I feel are more prevalent.

My immediate family all had their graduate degrees in all completely different fields, singling me out as the "under-achiever." I spent the first couple of years of my professional career gaining crucial experience, and then ultimately I decided it was time to go back to school. My personal concern was that I felt the bachelors degree was watered down, where everyone had one. Since 2008, many undergraduates who could not find full time work went directly back to graduate school. Fast forward to 2010, and now these students have an established educational background, but lack professional experience. Despite lacking the experience, I was concerned that if these students were able to get full time work because of their education, that down the road, they may pass me on the totem pole purely due to their education. Thus, my decision to go back and open up every possible door possible, even if I never decide to walk through one of the doors. Another reason is that the degree was a personal investment where I honestly believe the ROI is high. Hell, we as mod bug enthusiasts blow a solid portion of a master's degree on bs that provides no real value in our careers.

At the very least, the degree cannot hurt you. The potential to double your earnings because you went back for your masters will clearly cover the cost of the degree itself. My advice is to go back, get it over with, and allow yourself future opportunities. That is what life is about, opportunity!

upstatedoc · 06-05-2013, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TreyR28

I'm 18 and I'm planning on going to Alabama in the fall to get a bachelors degree in MIS. Do most of the people making over 6 figures in the industry have a masters degree? Thanks ahead of time for any advice

oh no not another college kid who's goal is 6 figures.

ake53 · 06-06-2013, 10:40 AM

___can someone give me some tips on what to do with my career?___
-I'm 19, just out of vocational technical high school. Graduated in 2012. I have cisco certs, since I was in the IT classes during high school. So i have certs from cisco netacad on networking.
-I got a job as a computer technician assistant. small pay started at 30k a year. nonunion.
attending online/night community college ( stcc ) major in computer security with associates degree in the fall of 2014
- already have my comptia A++ exam.
__________________________________________________ ________________________
Where should I go and what should I do ? I'm from western Mass and thinking of moving to either hartford Ct or central mass or boston mass in search of a better and high paying job.

thanks!

06-03-2013, 08:00 PM	#23
PSUSMU Captain 99 Rep 985 Posts Drives: 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Falls Church/Merrifield, VA iTrader: (3)	I should have said "Free education never hurts." Pre-M.S to post-M.S. was instant +$10k (on top of $0 out of pocket for the degree). It also allowed me to move into a Systems Architect role. __________________ RSI, LLC \| Fender Rolling \| Suspension \| Engine \| Other Stuff
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06-03-2013, 08:48 PM	#25
z335is Lieutenant 367 Rep 506 Posts Drives: 2016 M3 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Newark iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the suggestions so far guys, great arguments for both sides. My work would also cover the expenses for certs, so it's kind of a win/win I guess.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-04-2013, 12:56 PM	#26
UncleWede Long Time Admirer, First Time Owner 18460 Rep 9,428 Posts Drives: G01 X3 M40i Dark Graphite Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Oxnard, CA iTrader: (0)	You have to decide where you want to go in IT. Keep grinding desktops/servers, or run the IT department and sit in meetings with pointy-haired bosses? It you want to keep your hands dirty, get the certs. I'd recommend a security cert. If you want to wear a suit, go to school, but really consider the MBA. I only have an A+ cert myself, but I have almost 30 years experience so it trumps most other things. The Navy paid for the classes that were required for an MS in Systems Management from USC. I had to pay the matriculation fees myself. I'm in a unique position where I still keep my hands dirty, but have to sit thru meetings. I'm the IT manager of a small city, with a staff of me, myself, and I.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-04-2013, 03:28 PM	#32
amanda hor$t Banned 87 Rep 208 Posts Drives: a380 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: ny ny iTrader: (0)	straight out of college (2000) i was making 56k + expenses as an it consultant. i was good about managing per diems so my gross income equivalent was more like 95k. and this was a job that was open to econ and history majors too. i spent less than half my expense allowance (walking to/from work, getting rides from parents, eating ramen, living in a tiny studio... wrote everything off and kept the change). by 2003 i was billing $60/hr as a contractor (and arguably didn't even get a great deal). it's all about the hustle, if you just park yourself at a firm and expect them to take care of you, you'll be stuck at the 70k level forever. Last edited by amanda hor$t; 06-04-2013 at 03:35 PM..
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06-05-2013, 12:18 PM	#34
blinkme323 Captain 539 Rep 807 Posts Drives: 2018 M3 CS Join Date: May 2011 Location: Philly iTrader: (1)	I'm kind of in a similar boat and am going back for my Masters in the Fall. I'm not sure what certs you already have or which you plan on getting, but the lifecycle of most certs is fairly limited. The Masters however, will apply for the rest of your career and will be especially useful should you want to ever transition to a mgmt role. __________________ 2018 SMB M3 CS
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06-05-2013, 02:13 PM	#35
TreyR28 Private First Class 34 Rep 167 Posts Drives: 2015 335i Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: ATL/CLT iTrader: (0)	I'm 18 and I'm planning on going to Alabama in the fall to get a bachelors degree in MIS. Do most of the people making over 6 figures in the industry have a masters degree? Thanks ahead of time for any advice
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-05-2013, 05:57 PM	#37
UncleWede Long Time Admirer, First Time Owner 18460 Rep 9,428 Posts Drives: G01 X3 M40i Dark Graphite Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Oxnard, CA iTrader: (0)	^ Me too. The challenge is always to PROVE you know what you are doing without those certs.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-05-2013, 08:12 PM	#38
Fatty Duckets First Lieutenant 70 Rep 350 Posts Drives: 335is Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: NJ iTrader: (3)	Plenty of great information in this thread. Personally, I feel that the positives far outweigh the negatives in going for your masters. The schools I was researching a few years ago in NJ ranged from 30-50k for a MBA, which I was ok with. I ended up joining an accelerated on ground program that took two years, only stopped during Christmas break, and cost me about 30k out of pocket. I had my own reasons as to why I felt it was a necessity to complete the degree, but I would like to share the ones I feel are more prevalent. My immediate family all had their graduate degrees in all completely different fields, singling me out as the "under-achiever." I spent the first couple of years of my professional career gaining crucial experience, and then ultimately I decided it was time to go back to school. My personal concern was that I felt the bachelors degree was watered down, where everyone had one. Since 2008, many undergraduates who could not find full time work went directly back to graduate school. Fast forward to 2010, and now these students have an established educational background, but lack professional experience. Despite lacking the experience, I was concerned that if these students were able to get full time work because of their education, that down the road, they may pass me on the totem pole purely due to their education. Thus, my decision to go back and open up every possible door possible, even if I never decide to walk through one of the doors. Another reason is that the degree was a personal investment where I honestly believe the ROI is high. Hell, we as mod bug enthusiasts blow a solid portion of a master's degree on bs that provides no real value in our careers. At the very least, the degree cannot hurt you. The potential to double your earnings because you went back for your masters will clearly cover the cost of the degree itself. My advice is to go back, get it over with, and allow yourself future opportunities. That is what life is about, opportunity!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-06-2013, 10:40 AM	#40
ake53 New Member 7 Rep 11 Posts Drives: BMW X5 E53 Join Date: May 2013 Location: Springfield MA iTrader: (0)	___can someone give me some tips on what to do with my career?___ -I'm 19, just out of vocational technical high school. Graduated in 2012. I have cisco certs, since I was in the IT classes during high school. So i have certs from cisco netacad on networking. -I got a job as a computer technician assistant. small pay started at 30k a year. nonunion. attending online/night community college ( stcc ) major in computer security with associates degree in the fall of 2014 - already have my comptia A++ exam. __________________________________________________ ________________________ Where should I go and what should I do ? I'm from western Mass and thinking of moving to either hartford Ct or central mass or boston mass in search of a better and high paying job. thanks!
	Appreciate 0 Quote