Thinking about going back to school part time. Either MS information systems or BS computer science. Tuition is about the same for each program. What things to consider before deciding?

How about an MS in CS Cs is the fundamental skill that all IT is built on

Don’t bother with either. The ROi doesn’t make sense

Go for MSIS. As a holder of BS and MS in CS, I would say always go for the higher degree. Unless going for pure algorithmic research at FANG or the likes or an eventual PhD, you can pick most CS concepts on the go. In consulting, people are not trying to solve complex CS problems in the most optimized way possible, they are just trying to solve some basic problems and mostly just doing functional implementation of some systems, for all of which MSIS is great. Data Science consulting is probably one outlier which is more complicated and more niche, probably most highly skilled work too. I think MS IS makes sense, maybe MS Data Science/Analytics if you want to go that route given the current surplus of data jobs and pay around data roles but that would require some level of CS knowledge already.

Why would you do bs again? What’d be the benefits?

I have MS information system with minor in database management. I am still asked if I am certified in whatever. Get certified in whatever interest you

From a practical standpoint, it’s a lot of debt and work for not a substantial difference in salary. I would encourage you to go back to school for your own enjoyment and love of learning but if you’re doing it for career advancement or salary, do the cost/benefit analysis.

MS! You can always learn more about computer science by reading & completing application exercises. It's about giving yourself a good foundation for career growth. Get your masters! Get lots of certs!

What degree(s) do you currently hold? What do you want to do next with your career? If the only motivation is more pay, then I'd say neither. More degrees does not equal more pay in tech. If there's a certain career shift you're trying to make and your current career path doesn't seem to have opportunities for that thing, then get a master's in what would best position you for the shift. This is of course assuming that you also really just want a MS. If you don't have the right background, you can always take pre-reqs at community colleges to supplement. There are also professional/graduate certificate programs offered by universities that will basically get your feet wet for a fraction of the cost and time. There's also industry certs too. So the question I'd be asking if I were you is "How to secure a position as a X , with a professional and academic background in Y"

Factor Coursera in your decision making. Great place for cutting edge courses and degrees from elite universities around the world. Specializations are very popular, and a possible alternative to a graduate degree.

MS, no reason for another 4 year degree if you really want to go back to school. However, I’ve found in IT software certifications far outweigh any degree you can get and are significantly cheaper. All the large software companies have them- AWS, Microsoft, Salesforce, SAP, etc.

Depends on what you want to do with it and what you do now

Yeah why get another BS if you already have one? Go for your masters

Bs CS hands down