Programs Similar to Penn States MCIT

[Ghaleon]

Hello Everyone,

This is my first post. Thank you in advance for your time.

Penn State's CIS Master of Computer Information and Technology Program that is geared towards those without experience in computer science has sparked my interest. Are there many others similar to it? I have not been able to turn up anything in my searches.

Thanks again.

[CreamandSugar]

I'm assuming by Penn State, you mean Penn. Unless both have the same program. If that's the case, look at Penn. Another school to look at is University of Chicago. Their MS program is strictly geared towards people with little to no experience. As long as we're on the subject, though, what do people here think of programs like these? I was admitted to both, and need to decide on Penn in a couple days. Do you think they're worth the money?

[Ghaleon]

You're correct, I was thinking of Penn. Thanks!

Good luck with your decision.

Edited February 22, 2011 by Ghaleon

[sam84]

Apart from MCIT at UPENN and CSPP at UChicago...are there any other masters courses for people with no back ground in computer science?

[CreamandSugar]

I'm sure there are some, but you would open the door to a lot more programs if you just took a few (3-5) foundational courses. Some of the best CS schools (i.e. UIUC and I think Princeton) are very lenient with required CS classes for their masters applicants. The other thing you can do, if you're interested in a subfield, is see if any schools offer a specialized degree in that subfield. I think those admissions committees are much more forgiving of a weak CS background if you can just prove you have strong technical skills. For example, I'm interested in security. I wanted to apply to Purdue CS, but I didn't have all the prerequisite CS classes. So instead I decided to apply to Purdue CERIAS. They didn't demand all the CS background that the CS department did, and I still get access to all the CS classes I wanted to take anyway.

I should probably add a disclaimer, though. I'm only about three steps ahead of you in this whole process. I still haven't been to any graduate classes, much less tested the degree in the job market. I could easily see employers being turned off by degrees that are too specialized.