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

jjwinkle
Thu, 27 Aug 2015 20:10:42 +0000

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.