<p>Hi, I am working as a Senior Software Engineer for Infosys Technologies Limited (India) with little less than 3 yrs of experience in the IT industry. Last month I was deployed at Chicago on H1B visa as a consultant in the client office (Chase Bank).</p>
<p>I have a Bachelor of Engineering (Electronics & Comm.) degree from a reputed university in India with good grades and now I want to pursue MS in IT & Management in US. I want to opt for higher studies in order enhance my knowledge in the field and hence boost my career prospects in the IT industry.</p>
<p>I would prefer a 1yr MS program but I am confused if I should choose a full-time class room program or a part-time program. Personally I am more inclined towards a part-time program as it would allow me to keep working and hence take care of the expenses. However, I am not sure if the part-time MS can be completed in 1-1.5yrs and if it would add good value to my profile to interest the future employers.</p>
<p>Kindly suggest if it is a good idea for me to go for part-time program over a full-time course and if it is practically possible to complete a part-time MS in less than 1.5yrs.</p>
<p>If you are working full-time, it will be almost impossible to also study full-time. Look for a program that you can pursue on a part-time basis. Try to find one that includes the option of completing some of the coursework through distance education (on-line). That way if your consultancy ends and you leave the US you will still be able to complete the degree.</p>
<p>In the US, many working people study part-time. This is very, very, common. Just be certain to ask if there is a maximum number of years (usually 5 for a master’s) that you can take to complete your degree.</p>
<p>If you have to work full-time, you should only do a part-time MS program. I don’t think that you could physically fit both into your schedule. The other option might be to do a full-time masters program and possibly work part-time either for the university or for your company. I agree with happymomof1 though - many students work FT and attend class PT - often with the company paying the expenses.</p>
<p>Realize that the amount of work required is the same regardless of whether the degree is part-time or full-time. Completing a “part-time” degree in 1.5 yrs is simply taking a heavy full-time courseload and calling it part-time.</p>
<p>In general you can do one thing part-time, the other full-time, just pick which one. If you work part time you will finish school faster but will be poorer during that time. If you work full-time it will take ~2x as long to finish your degree but will be richer - especially if your company reimburses tuition (like mine!). Either way you will not be doing much else during that time!</p>
<p>My son is doing dual masters degrees and taking 5 classes FT while working PT. His friend is working FT but taking 2 classes at night. No spare time either way.</p>