[markshead]

A decade ago Harvard Extension School's ALM in Software Engineering was a good match for what I was looking for as a self taught programmer with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in another field. There was a good blend of computer science fundamentals along with classes in modern (but not necessarily trendy) technologies. At the time it was also fairly inexpensive relative to other comparable options.

Programs vary widely, but if you can find one with a degree plan that aligns well with your goals it can be valuable. While there are definitely ways to learn everything on your own, I've found the credential helpful as a foot note to a track record demonstrating skills.

My biggest recommendation would be to work on a Master's degree part time in order to be able to do "real" work while studying. A Master's degree with 4 years of real world software engineering experience is going to be so much more valuable than a Master's degree from two years of just focusing on school.