Thanks for the Hospitality Secure Yourself: The Three Most Stable Careers Why School Psychologists Get Up in the Morning 38.4 Billion Reasons to Work in the Pet Industry The Truth about Teaching

Technically Speaking: an Advanced Degree in Computer Science Changed My Life!

By Mary Hobson
Learning & Life Columnist

For ten years I worked as a computer programmer and analyst with no more than a Bachelor's in marketing. Although, I had valuable on-the-job experience, I did not have the in-depth knowledge or familiarity with the generic theory behind what I was doing. This limited more strategic thinking regarding software applications and how to most usefully apply new developments that come so thick and fast in the industry.

I decided to study for a master's degree in computer science to broaden my knowledge and because the kudos of a master's degree would look good on my resume! Academic study is challenging, especially if it's part-time, although I was lucky in that a fair amount of my course was presented online. The flexibility this gave me was a lifesaver. These days, schools like University of Phoenix Online, Kennedy-Western University and ITT Tech offer complete programs online and this is certainly something I would consider if I were to take another course. In addition, ITT Tech and University of Phoenix offer great campus-based degrees. Apart from its campus degrees, University of Phoenix also offers its combination campus and online 'FlexNet' format which is a must-consider for would-be students who have to work, too! These schools not only offer graduate degrees, but undergraduate degrees as well.

Was taking a higher degree worth the effort? I received an instant pay raise on graduation and promotion within the year. Soon after, I started my own profitable business using the generic knowledge I had gained to find a niche market for a particular technology product. Without the degree, I am not sure I would have realized the significance of the product. I can truly say that studying changed the whole direction of my life. Was it worth it? You bet!

For further information on graduate and undergraduate technology degrees check out:

Campus:

• University of Phoenix
• ITT Tech

Online

• University of Phoenix Online
• American InterContinental University Online
• Kennedy-Western University
• ITT Tech Online Programs

About the Author
Mary Hobson is the Head of IT School at a Polytechnic in New Zealand. She also works as a freelance writer.

More Career Tips Articles

Add to My Favorites

	Location: --- All Locations --- Online ------------------------ Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico ------------------------ Alberta British Columbia Manitoba New Brunswick Newfoundland Northwest Territories Nova Scotia Nunavut Ontario Prince Edward Island Quebec Saskatchewan Yukon Territory London Degree: --- All Degrees --- Associate Bachelor Master Doctoral Diploma Certificate Coursework Subject: --- All Subjects --- Architecture Arts and Design Beauty and Cosmetology Business Communication and Media Computer Culinary Education Engineering Health and Clinical Legal and Law Enforcement Liberal Arts and Humanities Other Science Social Services Travel and Hospitality Vocational/Technician Program: --- Select a Subject ---

	A.A. in Accounting A.A. in Communications More Programs Associate's (AABA) - Criminal Justice Administration Associate's (AABA) - Information Systems More Programs Game Art & Design Graphic Design More Programs

	Get the training you need to succeed. Find a school in your region that can help you advance your career.