ComputerWorld has a great post on the usefulness of certifications and master's degrees in the IT field.
Would an A+ certification in networking, along with a master's degree, be useful in moving one's career along? And is an online master's degrees worth much in the job market? Getting A+ certification in networking with a master's degree in a related IT field does somewhat help, but it must be backed up with professional on-the-job skills and experience. With respect to online master's degrees, one from an accredited university does carry weight. In fact, in this network-centric world, online and self-paced educational opportunities to help you balance your professional and personal activities are becoming more common.
The takeaway: while education can help you get your foot in the door, it's experience and on-the-job skills that will have the most impact on your upward career movement.
Read the full article or learn more about IT Certification Online and Online Computers & IT Degrees.