I am looking to go back to school and am stuck between a couple of options and unsure of what to do.
A little background on me.
I graduated with a degree in Risk Management and Insurance and minored in Management Information Systems. I have been out of school since 2013 and working in Insurance.
I am looking to get into Computer Science and have noticed that there are several online programs to choose from that could lead me straight into a Masters which is the ultimate goal.
Option 1- Drexel University.
I live in Philadelphia so Drexel is local to me. Drexel has an option for a certificate in Computer Science that would lead straight into a masters program assuming I get a B or better in all 4 courses.
The issue with Drexel is the cost. The entire program would cost over $60K, but I would come out of school with a masters degree in CS in about 2.5 years.
It is nice that the school is local so I can take classes online and in the classroom if I wanted.
Option 2 - University of Illinois Springfield.
- I would have to take 9 prereqs prior to applying into the masters program. The program is fully online and significantly cheaper. I think overall I would be at approximately $30k for the prereqs and the program.
I am worried that the program is fully online and 9 prereqs is a lot more than a 4 class certificate program at Drexel.
Looking for any and all opinions on what the best option is. Ultimate goal is to get a masters in CS and change my career.