MSIS from NJIT - good option? (school, university, live)

[dmeg]

Hi, I have been in IT for over 10 years now and my passion is in Data Analytics. I am a working mum so would like to do my Masters in Information Systems specialization Business Intelligence or Data Analytics online or through distance learning.

My employer would be funding my tuition depending on my grades. I am unable to decide which good reputable University to pick. So far I have,

NJIT - its here in NJ and is a National University will cost me nearly $30-32K
Colorado State University, Fort Collins - National University will cost me $23,400
Dakota State University, Regional University cost $9,800

I am hoping that this degree with help me add MIS degree to my resume. My undergrad was in Business Administration. I still have 3 decades before I can retire so hopefully one day this degree will help me succeed at work : )

Please can anyone suggest or any other school I can go for?

Many Thanks!!

[davenj08]

Data Analytics is a very specialized field. If you already have 10 years of experience in IT, I believe you are not trying to get into a entry level Analytics role. MS IS with Analytics specialization will hardly have 2-3 courses focused on Analytics - not enough to be a specialist. If I were you, I would rather opt for a course focused primarily on Analytics like the one offered at Stevens - Master of Science - Business Intelligence & Analytics | Stevens Institute of Technology

[dmeg]

Thank you Daavenj08. I really like your suggestion but wouldn't a specialized degree restrict my job options? I am working in Healthcare at the moment and trying so hard to get into Finance. As it seems every other well paying job in NY/NJ area is Finance related. Despite I have all the MIS related experience but no wants to give you a break if you haven't worked in Finance before.

Therefore I thought may be a MIS degree will open more doors for me. Confused :/

[pinkydapimp]

I would recommend Stevens as well. its more reputable in the area. In fact i would definitely recommend going with a local school over some place thats not near where you live. Only down side to stevens is its expensive. However, it may be worth it.

Regarding specialization. I would recommend MIS as its pretty broad. i think if your getting a masters in IT it is better to be broad than specialize since IT changes very frequently. I would only specialize in a field that you know is hot like Security.

[davenj08]

Originally Posted by dmeg

Thank you Daavenj08. I really like your suggestion but wouldn't a specialized degree restrict my job options? I am working in Healthcare at the moment and trying so hard to get into Finance. As it seems every other well paying job in NY/NJ area is Finance related. Despite I have all the MIS related experience but no wants to give you a break if you haven't worked in Finance before.

Therefore I thought may be a MIS degree will open more doors for me. Confused :/

You specifically mentioned Analytics so that's what I answered in the previous post. About using a MIS degree to get into Finance - that would be tough. I honestly don't see MS in MIS as a meaningful degree. I would instead go for a MBA in MIS. In either cases, there are hardly 3-4 courses and mostly very basic on database and algorithm that you can learn by yourself in 6-12 months. And after you graduate, you will directly compete with MS CS guys for jobs who are way more technical than you OR with seasoned Business Analysts who have the functional knowledge that may not have.

But if you are still thinking about getting into Analytics, I strongly recommend a focused degree like the one offered by Stevens. Yes, it is very focused but Analytics is a massive field with application in every industry imaginable - from healthcare to finance and from media to retail. You just cannot go wrong with a specialization in Analytics.