MS of Software Engineering/University of Maryland/Thoughts?

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Q. I've been thinking about graduate school, particularly getting a Masters in Software Engineering. First of all, I'm not entirely sure it is worth it - I mean, would a MS in Comp Sci be better? Secondly, I'm limited in where I would take in - Washington, DC and surrounding area. First of all, does anyone have any thoughts on the value of the MS of S/E or MS of Comp Sci? I'm currently a computer consultant, I guess you would consider me mid-level in my career. How valuable would this be to me? Right now my thoughts are 60% to get it for the knowledge, 40% because it may increase my earning potential. Plus, if I DO go into a management role, would not an advanced degree help? No, I do not want to get an MBA. :-) I like learning, and pursuing a MS would help me use some of my free time too. Now, specifically, any comments on the MS of Comp Sci at the University of Maryland (College Park)? Also, University of Maryland University College offers a MS of S/E - comments? It is my understanding that the MS of S/E at UMUC was a joint program between UMUC and UMCP, but no it is not. UMUC does not require GRE or GRE/CompSci tests to apply, but I beleive UMCP's program does. Thoughts?

A. As with any career planning, you have to ask yourself what you want to do and why, then choose the path you think will go where you want. As often is the case in life, information about paths is often unavailable, and when available it is frequently unclear, and when clear it is sometimes wrong. IMO the value of advanced degrees is getting more unclear with time. FWIW I just heard about a study that said unless one gets an MBA from one of the top business schools it does not pay for itself over time, so you can use that as additional justification for deciding not to get an MBA if anyone asks. ;-) I don't know a lot about MS in Comp Sci vs MS in SE vs MS in anything else, but I was raised with the ethic that education is a good thing that will help one stay gainfully employed throughout one's life. However, I'm not so sure that is so true any more, with regards to graduate degrees at least, although my evidence is mostly anecdotal. Certainly with little education one is more likely to end up flipping burgers, but these days it seems that people with many educational backgrounds and skill sets can be rendered unemployed almost overnight due to globalization, economic downturns (which granted have always been a threat), changing technology, etc. [aside: Before anyone starts ranting about "whiners not keeping their skills up to date", etc. I would suggest they read _Fooled by Randomness_ by Nassim Nicholas Taleb for some perspective about the difference between "winners" and "losers".] So the questions have to be asked, will the degree improve your long term employement prospects, how do you know, and how certain are you? If you want to go back to school just to keep mentally active (or "for fun" as I would say ;-) ) IMO that is a perfectly valid reason. Some people spend $$$ on a boat "for fun", why shouldn't you spend yours on tuition? Of course, that money could also be invested for retirement, etc. so as always there are tradeoffs which only you can judge for yourself. The only thing I know about the program is that I worked with a fellow who got his BS and PhD in the UMD Comp Sci dept. IIRC, and IMO he was well trained, although he's extremely sharp and if he didn't learn it in school he'd have taught himself whatever he thought he'd need to know.

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