Masters Degree Program: Is It Worth It?
Greetings Listers, I've been wrestling with a quagmire for sometimes now about pursuing a Masters Degree Program. As an Information Technology professional, would it more pertinent to seek vendor certifications as they instruct on what technologies the industry is using? In my humble observation, professionals of all fields pursue a Masters either because it is fashionable or they have no other choice but to do so. My question to my brethren: *What would your advice be in such a situation?* *Did you pursue a Masters because it was a means to an end or it enhanced your knowledge and passion in the field? * *Help a wandering young man out?* Warm regards, Michael Bullut. --- *Cell:* *+254 723 393 114. **Skype Name:* *Michael Bullut.* ***Twitter:** @Kipsang <http://twitter.com/Kipsang/> * *Blog: http://www.kipsang.com/* *E-mail:* *main@kipsang.com* * * *---*
Michael, A Masters is potentially a program that can teach you a broad set of skills including how to think critically, how to communicate effectively, how to teach yourself, and how to work with others. A certificate is going to teach you how to do a specific set of tasks in a certain domain (i.e. Window Server management). The thing with certificates is that they last for no more than 10 years and typically only 5. In addition, some people view certificates as an anti-credential and count them against the candidate with the theory that certificates aren't demonstrative of true comprehension of the subject matter. I would choose the Masters since it's a credential that lasts a lifetime but of course it's also far more expensive that just a series of certs. Cheers, Adam -- Kili.io - OpenStack for Africa: kili.io Musings: twitter.com/varud <https://twitter.com/varud> About Adam: www.linkedin.com/in/adamcnelson On Tue, Oct 15, 2013 at 1:44 PM, Michael Bullut <main@kipsang.com> wrote:
Greetings Listers,
I've been wrestling with a quagmire for sometimes now about pursuing a Masters Degree Program. As an Information Technology professional, would it more pertinent to seek vendor certifications as they instruct on what technologies the industry is using? In my humble observation, professionals of all fields pursue a Masters either because it is fashionable or they have no other choice but to do so. My question to my brethren: *What would your advice be in such a situation?* *Did you pursue a Masters because it was a means to an end or it enhanced your knowledge and passion in the field? *
*Help a wandering young man out?*
Warm regards,
Michael Bullut.
---
*Cell:* *+254 723 393 114. **Skype Name:* *Michael Bullut.* ***Twitter:** @Kipsang <http://twitter.com/Kipsang/> * *Blog: http://www.kipsang.com/* *E-mail:* *main@kipsang.com* * * *---*
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Hi Kivuva, I like the ‘bragging rights’ bit;-). Self-study is cheaper as you say, but perhaps more expensive in the long run. Going to class, be it an online or physical class, has some added value as you become part of a ‘community of enquiry’ where learners collectively construct meaning as they engage in collaborative learning activities of various kinds. This is why group work is encouraged in many learning contexts. Self-study in its purest form sets you on a lonely learning path and one definitely misses out on the added value that comes with the diverse abilities that will naturally exist in a more social learning context. I would choose Masters in a set up where I learn alongside others. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Betty Obura Ogange, PhD | Director | The eCampus | Maseno University Varsity Plaza, 10th Floor, P.O Box 3275 - 40100, Kisumu, KENYA Tel: +254 572 021 013 |Cell: +254 722-348 693|e-mail: bogange@maseno.ac.ke| http://ecampus.maseno.ac.ke/ | Facebook | Tweeter --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The eCampus of Maseno University places Education right at your fingertips by offering high quality degree, diploma and certificate programmes through eLearning. For more information, please visit http://ecampus.maseno.ac.ke/ On Tuesday, 15 October 2013, 14:14, Adam Nelson <adam@varud.com> wrote: Michael, A Masters is potentially a program that can teach you a broad set of skills including how to think critically, how to communicate effectively, how to teach yourself, and how to work with others. A certificate is going to teach you how to do a specific set of tasks in a certain domain (i.e. Window Server management). The thing with certificates is that they last for no more than 10 years and typically only 5. In addition, some people view certificates as an anti-credential and count them against the candidate with the theory that certificates aren't demonstrative of true comprehension of the subject matter. I would choose the Masters since it's a credential that lasts a lifetime but of course it's also far more expensive that just a series of certs. Cheers, Adam -- Kili.io - OpenStack for Africa: kili.io Musings: twitter.com/varud About Adam: www.linkedin.com/in/adamcnelson On Tue, Oct 15, 2013 at 1:44 PM, Michael Bullut <main@kipsang.com> wrote: Greetings Listers,
I've been wrestling with a quagmire for sometimes now about pursuing a Masters Degree Program. As an Information Technology professional, would it more pertinent to seek vendor certifications as they instruct on what technologies the industry is using? In my humble observation, professionals of all fields pursue a Masters either because it is fashionable or they have no other choice but to do so. My question to my brethren: What would your advice be in such a situation? Did you pursue a Masters because it was a means to an end or it enhanced your knowledge and passion in the field?
Help a wandering young man out?
Warm regards,
Michael Bullut.
---
Cell: +254 723 393 114. Skype Name: Michael Bullut.
Twitter:@Kipsang
Blog: http://www.kipsang.com/ E-mail: main@kipsang.com
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Skunkworks Rules http://my.co.ke/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=94 ------------ Other services @ http://my.co.ke
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Interesting perspective Betty. Members have come up with convincing thesis that can make any naysayer go back to class. I would not discount the great networking opportunities you get in a class setting. But remember many have done their Masters through distance learning. The best bit I liked when doing my Masters was the research techniques and knowledge you acquire. That is invaluable. It's a pity that most of us drop our research abilities after submitting that Masters project. Regards ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva twitter.com/lordmwesh google ID | Skype ID: lordmwesh On 16 October 2013 00:07, Betty Obura Ogange <ogange@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hi Kivuva,
I like the ‘bragging rights’ bit;-).
Self-study is cheaper as you say, but perhaps more expensive in the long run. Going to class, be it an online or physical class, has some added value as you become part of a ‘community of enquiry’ where learners collectively construct meaning as they engage in collaborative learning activities of various kinds. This is why group work is encouraged in many learning contexts.
Self-study in its purest form sets you on a lonely learning path and one definitely misses out on the added value that comes with the diverse abilities that will naturally exist in a more social learning context.
I would choose Masters in a set up where I learn alongside others.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * *Betty Obura Ogange, PhD | Director | The eCampus | Maseno University Varsity Plaza, 10th Floor, P.O Box 3275 - 40100, Kisumu, KENYA Tel: +254 572 021 013 |Cell: +254 722-348 693|e-mail: bogange@maseno.ac.ke<pkiprotich@maseno.ac.ke>|
http://ecampus.maseno.ac.ke/ | Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/MSU.eCampus>| Tweeter <https://www.facebook.com/MSU.eCampus>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * **The eCampus of Maseno University places Education right at your fingertips by offering high quality degree, diploma and certificate programmes through eLearning. For more information, please visit http://ecampus.maseno.ac.ke/*
On Tuesday, 15 October 2013, 14:14, Adam Nelson <adam@varud.com> wrote: Michael,
A Masters is potentially a program that can teach you a broad set of skills including how to think critically, how to communicate effectively, how to teach yourself, and how to work with others.
A certificate is going to teach you how to do a specific set of tasks in a certain domain (i.e. Window Server management).
The thing with certificates is that they last for no more than 10 years and typically only 5. In addition, some people view certificates as an anti-credential and count them against the candidate with the theory that certificates aren't demonstrative of true comprehension of the subject matter.
I would choose the Masters since it's a credential that lasts a lifetime but of course it's also far more expensive that just a series of certs.
Cheers, Adam
-- Kili.io - OpenStack for Africa: kili.io Musings: twitter.com/varud <https://twitter.com/varud> About Adam: www.linkedin.com/in/adamcnelson
On Tue, Oct 15, 2013 at 1:44 PM, Michael Bullut <main@kipsang.com> wrote:
Greetings Listers,
I've been wrestling with a quagmire for sometimes now about pursuing a Masters Degree Program. As an Information Technology professional, would it more pertinent to seek vendor certifications as they instruct on what technologies the industry is using? In my humble observation, professionals of all fields pursue a Masters either because it is fashionable or they have no other choice but to do so. My question to my brethren: *What would your advice be in such a situation?* *Did you pursue a Masters because it was a means to an end or it enhanced your knowledge and passion in the field? *
*Help a wandering young man out?*
Warm regards,
Michael Bullut.
---
*Cell:* *+254 723 393 114. **Skype Name:* *Michael Bullut.* ***Twitter:** @Kipsang <http://twitter.com/Kipsang/> * *Blog: http://www.kipsang.com/* *E-mail:* *main@kipsang.com* * * *---*
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The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
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The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
Kivuva: The answer to your question touches on the issue of the very existence of a university. One question that I often put to my students is why is the first degree called bachelors, the second masters and the third doctor? The answer can be found in the ancient statutes of the older universities such as Cambridge (Click here for original Statutes). Further, I usually ask them why is it that when you get your first degree the chancellor says “I grant you the power to read and write and do all that pertains to this degree..” Frankly, there are few fields where this power to read and write makes more sense than information technology. The changes in this sector within a short span of time are enormous. The ability to conduct continuing education and conduct self-driven investigations some based on some kind of thesis is essential in this area and indeed in all areas of study. Furthermore some undergraduate programmes are designed such that they should followed with some kind of postgraduate training to create a qualified professional. Have you ever wondered why we have low level bachelor of laws (LLB)? Generally a masters degree provide you ability to conduct independent thinking and critical analysis – skills that are necessary in many areas of IT including R&D, development and project management. It also allows you to specialize in areas which are not adequately addressed at undergraduate level. It can further give you the necessary foundation for PhD studies if you are academically inclined, and lastly it can provide you with opportunity to spring to entirely different professional area – something that is often necessary as many graduates enter the labour market in the traditional fields that are not growing in tandem or professional growth becomes limited. You will find more answers to your question at the following sites: Why a Masters Masters' degrees: Are they worth the bother? I hope that I have been of some use. Regards Prof. James A. Kulubi, B.sc 1st Class Hons (Elec Eng-Uon), M.Sc (Elec Eng-Uon), M.Sc (Biomedical and Clinical Engineering – Free University of Brussels), PhD (Telecommunications and Knowledge-based Systems - Free University of Brussels), R.Eng (K), MIEEE On Wednesday, 16 October 2013, 20:45, Kivuva <Kivuva@transworldafrica.com> wrote: Interesting perspective Betty. Members have come up with convincing thesis that can make any naysayer go back to class. I would not discount the great networking opportunities you get in a class setting. But remember many have done their Masters through distance learning. The best bit I liked when doing my Masters was the research techniques and knowledge you acquire. That is invaluable. It's a pity that most of us drop our research abilities after submitting that Masters project. Regards ______________________ Mwendwa Kivuva twitter.com/lordmwesh google ID | Skype ID: lordmwesh On 16 October 2013 00:07, Betty Obura Ogange <ogange@yahoo.com> wrote: Hi Kivuva,
I like the ‘bragging rights’ bit;-).
Self-study is cheaper as you say, but
perhaps more expensive in the long run. Going to class, be it an online or physical class, has some added value as you become part of a ‘community of enquiry’ where learners collectively construct meaning as they engage in collaborative learning activities of various kinds. This is why group work is encouraged in many learning contexts.
Self-study in its purest form sets you on a lonely learning
path and one definitely misses out on the added value that comes with the diverse abilities that will naturally exist in a more social learning context.
I would choose Masters in a set up where I learn alongside others.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Betty Obura Ogange, PhD | Director | The eCampus | Maseno University Varsity Plaza, 10th Floor,
P.O Box 3275 - 40100, Kisumu, KENYA
Tel: +254 572 021 013 |Cell: +254 722-348 693|e-mail: bogange@maseno.ac.ke| http://ecampus.maseno.ac.ke/ | Facebook | Tweeter --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The eCampus of Maseno University places Education right at your fingertips by offering high quality degree, diploma and certificate programmes through eLearning. For more information, please visit http://ecampus.maseno.ac.ke/
On Tuesday, 15 October 2013, 14:14, Adam Nelson <adam@varud.com> wrote:
Michael,
A Masters is potentially a program that can teach you a broad set of skills including how to think critically, how to communicate effectively, how to teach yourself, and how to work with others.
A certificate is going to teach you how to do a specific set of tasks in a certain domain (i.e. Window Server management).
The thing with certificates is that they last for no more than 10 years and typically only 5. In addition, some people view certificates as an anti-credential and count them against the candidate with the theory that certificates aren't demonstrative of true comprehension of the subject matter.
I would choose the Masters since it's a credential that lasts a lifetime but of course it's also far more expensive that just a series of certs.
Cheers, Adam
-- Kili.io - OpenStack for Africa: kili.io Musings: twitter.com/varud About Adam: www.linkedin.com/in/adamcnelson
On Tue, Oct 15, 2013 at 1:44 PM, Michael Bullut <main@kipsang.com> wrote:
Greetings Listers,
I've been wrestling with a quagmire for sometimes now about pursuing a Masters Degree Program. As an Information Technology professional, would it more pertinent to seek vendor certifications as they instruct on what technologies the industry is using? In my humble observation, professionals of all fields pursue a Masters either because it is fashionable or they have no other choice but to do so. My question to my brethren: What would your advice be in such a situation? Did you pursue a Masters because it was a means to an end or it enhanced your knowledge and passion in the field?
Help a wandering young man out?
Warm regards,
Michael Bullut.
---
Cell: +254 723 393 114. Skype Name: Michael Bullut.
Twitter:@Kipsang
Blog: http://www.kipsang.com/ E-mail: main@kipsang.com
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The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
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The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
_______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jkulubi%40yahoo.co.uk The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
*What would your advice be in such a situation?* *Did you pursue a Masters because it was a means to an end or it enhanced your knowledge and passion in the field? *
The most important thing is the reason for you seeking the new certification or qualification. Your aim should therefore dictate the choice. If you a playing in a field where you would like more vendor-based consultancy or work, by all means take the vendor certification. However, if your aim is to get the mastery required in scientific research, critical thinking, and problem solving the masters route is the most preferred. Like with the vendor certification, the choice of institution is as important. -- James Kariuki/@karitz E: jkariuki@gmail.com Skype: carice2
participants (6)
-
Adam Nelson -
Betty Obura Ogange -
James Kariuki -
James Kulubi -
Kivuva -
Michael Bullut