Is a masters degree in IT worth it?
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
|
I have a bachelors and work in IT.
I don't have any desire to get a MBA, but found a Masters in MIS/IT program that interests me. I don't desire to be in management at this point, but maybe later on down the road, I might. Has anyone done this and thought it was worth it? Worthless? Has anyone done of the local programs (GWU or UVA)? Thanks! |
Freeman
Member Offline
Member Offline
|
I'm a big proponent of education, and I think it would probably be worth it. If you can get the company you work for to pay for at least a decent chunk of it, then there's really no financial reason not to pursue it.(My company picked up the cost of my Masters, so I'd have been foolish not to take advantage of it) If you don't have any kind of help with tuition, then it becomes a tougher choice that depends much more on your particular field of work as well as the cost of the program. In general, relevant and higher degrees are always better looking on a resume(Yes, there can be overkill, but not likely at the Masters level) and may give you a leg up on the competition if all other aspects are equal(Experience in particular) I look at it this way: Earning your Masters degree won't hurt beyond the cost of tuition and time, but it may help your career in the long run. If you think the cost is worth it, either for future benefit or just personal satisfaction, then go for it.
Edit: I got my Masters in Computer Science from GMU, and I think it was worth it just to increase my marketability. I had the experience as well, but every little bit helps, particularly when it comes to getting the attention of potential employers. There are several other good programs from the area schools, so I would go with the one that is the best fit for you personally. |
Anonymous
| Depends on what job you want, but for the most part you would be better off getting certification on the products you want to work with. |
Anonymous
|
My husband researched this fairly thoroughly because he works for a university and would get a huge discount...
Of course, things all depend on your current job and goals, but for him, the answer was a very clear NO. He felt he could do better getting more certificates and developing his expertise in his current job. Talk to someone who has the type of job you eventually want and see what they think. |
Anonymous
ITA. Tech is one field where, in general, degrees don't mean much... |
Anonymous
| If your bachelor's is not in IT, then I'd say yes. If it is, those Masters of IT programs are a waste of your time. |
Anonymous
| It depends on what you are doing with it. |
Anonymous
| Probably not. DH looked into and found that a top secret clearance was much more profitable. When his employers wanted him to get further certification, they sent him to school, usually during work hours and paid him to go as well as paid for the classes. |
Anonymous
| I got a Masters in IT as my undergrad was not related and I know I would not be doing as well without it. Within six months of graduating I got a job doing IT work for a big four accounting firm. I went to class at night at local university and my employer paid for half. Anyway, making 150K now and was at about half that before the degree...doubt I would have jumped as much without it. |
Freeman
Member Offline
Member Offline
| To clarify what I said above, certifications are likely to be more valuable in your current position and in seeking equivalent positions at other companies. However, if you eventually plan to move up to management, then the Masters will likely be more useful in making that move. |