I've been bouncing on this thought for a while i have BS in Computer and Network security. I've been struggling with should I get a MS since I have several certifications from Scrum Alliance. GIAC, and Comptia. My TC is 220k. I've been debating GATECH for Comp Sci via their OMSCS or going for their MS in OMSCS Cyber Security. I have 6 YOE. 4 in systems programming and 2 in systems engineering. Do you guys think i should get a MS in Com Sci? I personally think my getting a masters in something similar to my BS isn't worth while but I may be wrong. I would also love to hear from some of you who have a MS and how it has affected your career (career advancement or TC bump) i'm in my early 30s. Thanks for any info in advance.
Wow didn’t know defense contractors could actually pay that much. Is your TC from Mantech? Location?
Not from mantech with a different company currently
I got a FAANG offer already but it didn't feel right. I got a L6 Systems Engineer which paid 210k or 235k it was last year dont remember which. The company I got into paid me more and it is remote.
If your company offers some reimbursement or you do an affordable online program, it will only add value. I’d use a degree as a way to learn a new skill rather than something you already are proficient in. So if you think you’re lacking in coding then comp sci masters could help you learn in a structured way. Cyber security masters I wouldn’t personally go for since they rarely give you skills you need to do actual security work. Personally, I’m a security engineer with an undergrad in comp sci. I saw security going the route of big data and that was something I didn’t have much experience with so I pursued a masters in data science. The degree itself probably doesn’t do anything but what I’m learning can be applied to my work.
My whole career has been in security too. I do want to do data science but I definitely don't have the math background for it.
Wonder if you had made any progress?
My understanding is that Masters helps very early in your career (higher initial TC) and very late in you career if you are really good (executive level positions). Between these two an MS is not very worth it, especially the OMSCS program that is know for being a cheap masters with low quality instruction.
Hmm I hear the very different story from people taking it OMSCS
Don’t get me wrong, the OMSCS is worth the money which is so low that it gets a ton of praise. But the program also has a very high dropout rate as well.