MCAD, MCSD, MCPD, IT Project+ vs. Computer Science Degree

I have 5+ years experience and I am about to pass my final exam for the MCSD.
I already have the MCAD and I am going to get the new MCPD certification. My
question is having those 3 certifications are they worth more than a
bachelors or is having a degree more valuable in the IT field? I am also
planning to get the Comp TIA IT Project+ certification as well as
EC-Council’s Certified Secure Programmer and Certified Secure Application
Developer certifications. The reason I am asking is because I dropped of
college to obtain theses certifications, and I am now planning to move to san
jose, ca with a software consultant buddy but I have notice that a lot of
jobs out there would like the degree vs. the certifications.

Someone with at least 5+ years exp. please help
Thanks

 

A lot of big companies would like you to have a bachelor (any type) before
they move you to PM.

Egghead

 

having those diplomas from microsoft and elsewhere shows that you have
knowledge of he specific technologies, that you are up to date and your
passion with technologies.

having a degree implies you have a strong fundamental basis, ethics and
ability to learn.

these are said generally speaking. you might find exceptions etc.

to answer the question if a uni degree is necessary or/and if the
certifications can replace it, my answer is that yes a degree is
important and necessary and offers a broader view (you can see the
whole picture).

 

I will add from personal experience with college recently in Information
Systems (although not CompSci our degree plan has more web development
classes less OOP classes).

When it comes to Resume sex appeal, HR managers desire for PM position etc,
yes. Degree is extremely nice to have.
When it comes to pure knowledge base? The following will answer that.

I took a database class where the teacher was still talking about primary
keys during MID semester! I had a co-student ask for my help because he
didn’t understand the concept of right click on a table name to change its
name and he was making a B in the class! I joke not!

 

Free MCPD Study Guide & Degrees with credit for Microsoft Certifications

Hi,
If you want to continue the Microsoft route, refer to my Free study guide for MCPD.

It is very useful, but not essential to have a CS degree to progress in a career in IT.

In order to grow to management cadre any Bachelors (such as mentioned below) and then an MBA is more useful than a CS degree.

In order to grow in technical cadre, following are some degrees that can be done long distance which provide credits for Microsoft Certifications -

1) Bachelors - BS in IT from Excelsior College

2) Masters - Masters of System Development (Microsoft Stream)

Thanks,
Certguru

For free help with MCPD - Free study guide for MCPD.