Currently in Information Technology. Which degree do I pursue next?

I understand there is a big stigma to prefer Computer Science, but my college didn’t offer that major. I originally majored in Chemistry, but decided I should have a backup plan so I’m going to double major in Information Technology.

As of now, I’m not confident on the job outlook of either but I worry about losing my financial aid so I’ll probably have to stick it out and finish.

As of now, I’m considering these paths and reasons.

  1. Second Bachelors for Computer Science. As far as technology goes, this may be a sturdier major.

  2. Masters in Information Technology. A masters degree can boost me to a higher role in the future.

  3. MBA-Accounting. Accounting is stable. This choice is probably risky.

  4. Masters in Chemistry. The job market is grim, but maybe I can teach in high school.

I can’t help but feel trapped, hearing about nothing but endless outsourcing and wasted years. I didn’t have any advice for college so I followed the STEM mantra with whatever was in my grasp. I would really appreciate some advice.

Information technology has, overall, great job prospects (they vary somewhat by job sub-category), and accounting has good job prospects (http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_table_102.htm). There’s higher salary associated with a computer science degree than with an information technology degree (http://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/technology/blog/computer-science-vs-information-technology-outlook-and-salary/), and software development (that a computer science degree can readily lead to) has great job prospects.

Master’s degrees in Information Technology/Computer Science often don’t require a bachelor’s degree in that field of study. (UC Berkeley requires “working knowledge of fundamental concepts including: data structures, algorithms and analysis of algorithms, and linear algebra, programming proficiency as demonstrated by prior work experience or advanced coursework” - "for example: “Python, Java, or R” - but the applicant’s bachelor’s degree doesn’t have to be in a computer-related field.) It seems reasonable to suppose other programs expect less. MBA-Accounting does not require a bachelor’s in business, although it may require specific coursework and/or knowledge (UC Berkeley’s MBA-Financial Engineering requires, among other knowledges, C, C++ computer programming.)

Another constructive approach is an MBA with an Information Technology concentration (such as at http://www.marymount.edu/Academics/School-of-Business-Administration/Graduate-Programs/Dual-Degree-Programs/Business-Administration-Information-Technology-%28M). The combination of business knowledge and information system knowledge is very good to have.

A master’s in chemistry I see as the least promising of your proposed paths. In my 30-year career as a (bachelor’s degree) chemist, I never had a problem getting permanent jobs in chemistry (working in analytical laboratories), though the pay was low compared to what I see on the Bureau of Labor Statistics sites for most professionals. If you can get a few months of experience operating a GC/MS competently, you are (currently) certain to have employment. HPLC experience is almost as good.

In my experience, a chemistry degree greatly improves the ability to think, which can be applied to all manner of things.