Earning a Masters Degree in Computer Science via Distance Education

One thing I’m going to be focusing on in this blog is my effort to earn a masters degree in CS (Computer Science). I’m currently working on a Bachelors degree from the Harvard Extension School. So far, my experience has been great. After suffering through endless classes at traditional universities with other unmotivated students and instructors, I find the instruction method at Harvard refreshing. So far, I haven’t found a better program for non-traditional undergraduate education. The classes are rigorous and relevant. Many of my courses have focused on the theory of computer science but a few classes focus on more practical aspects of computer science, like programming in a particular language or working within a particular development environment.

Yet despite my positive experience at HES, I’d like to earn a Master of Science in which the Computer Science aspect is front and center. That isn’t the case with the ALM in IT. Even though the requirements for the degree are all derived from a CS-focused curriculum, the title of the degree is Master of Liberal Arts. Furthermore, the IT part isn’t really my focus. I’m already employed in the IT sector. I’m more interested in the theory underlying the methods we use.

For these reasons I’m taking a hard look at the Columbia CVN program. At Columbia, I can earn a complete master’s degree from an Ivy-League university via distance. Their program has the same admissions requirements and results in the same degree as the traditional on-campus program.

For me the ability to pursue the degree while simultaneously remaining employed is a BIG plus. The opportunity cost of leaving a career to pursue a graduate degree is why I waited this long to begin with. With the rise of non-traditional education, this need be a concern no longer.

Of course, an education that doesn’t challenge the student isn’t really worth the time or money. Non-traditional education had a bad rap for a while because too many outfits operated as degree mills and issued degrees to people for “life-experience” or other difficult to define metrics. So far, that isn’t problem for me. I feel that the connection with a well-established traditional university is a good indicator of the value associated with a non-traditional program.

I’ll be posting more about my experiences as things progress. I still have one year left to earn my ALB degree and I haven’t applied to any graduate school programs yet. It may be the case that another program will present a better option. If it does, I’ll discuss it here.

Stay tuned.