Working in software is all about practical programming skills and work experience in general(how to communicate with coworkers, how to deal with deadlines etc.) I have a BA in Philosophy. When I went back it was with the plan of going undergrad again for a career change. I'm currently the lead developer in charge of a number projects for a very large tech company. This left my choice to being self-taught. Press J to jump to the feed. After graduating (with the BS), I quickly got a job offer at a good software company, and recently switched to a bigger company making an additional $15k. Outside of a few particular companies that are heavily invested into the bootcamps, they're not considered to be as good of an education as a quality computer science program. From what I've heard, the certificate on it's own means almost nothing to employers, except maybe to give you a bit of a lead on self-taught applicants. The UBC Department of Computer Science, established in May 1968, is one of the top computer science departments in North America. Pros: Obviously if i had 2 identical candidates, one with MS one with BS, i'd favor the MS, because MS usually means this guy is "smarter" because he went thru more schooling. Does my line of thought make sense, or am I completely off? I'm doing the certificate > masters path because it is less time and less money than if I got a second bachelors. The M.S. However, in my opinion understanding design is better than just being a line coder. According to Associated Press Style guidelines, using the lowercase form with an apostrophe for bachelor’s degree is proper English. Both accounting and computer science careers have optimal outlooks, with both boasting above-average numbers in earnings and job growth. When speaking with my advisor he suggested I do their certificate program into a master's program. If the Computer Science Bachelors Degree is academic in nature and has an accompanying Master Degree, make sure you do both. I now work at a college in IT and teach some adjunct classes on the side which is a nice income supplement. I'd think if your first BS was Computer Engineering then Masters is a no brainer. http://www.reddit.com/r/cscareerquestions/wiki/faq_masters, New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the cscareerquestions community. Degrees in this field include a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts and Master of Science… If you are interested in Computer Science and have a bachelor’s degree in this field that you are not sure exactly what to do with, then we suggest you take your education one step further to develop better career opportunities and increase your knowledge in the field. Bachelor's vs. Master's in Computer Science. Computer science is, put simply, the science of computing. Not to mention that you get almost zero federal funding as a second degree seeking student, but you will qualify for funding as a grad student. US News and World Report Graduate Computer Science Program Ranking I would pick a candidate with 2 more years of experience over a candidate with MS degree. Recognized internationally for excellence in research and teaching with a conscious focus on interdisciplinary programs, the Department encourages diversity both within its community and areas of study, and plays a leadership role in research, I'm going to consider everything you guys have said. I went through the same questions and challenges that you have. Thanks so much to everyone who takes the time to answer questions. How long did the BS take you? I had learned to program as a hobby in college and because I'm lazy I used scripting languages to automated the majority of day to day work during my day jobs / undergrad course work. I've also considered self-teaching instead of a bachelors, but I really want to make sure I have all my bases covered and ensure the longevity of my career, because I've read that some companies, although not all, only hire people who have a bachelors in CS, and the bachelors should help open doors for the career search. While there is quite a bit of overlap between MCS and MSIT degree programs, there are some clear differences in the MCS program in terms of scope, program curriculum and career paths. Would the online and internship-less nature of my degree be too much of a disadvantage? I interview candidates quite often and I hire the candidate who can show work they've done. But if you have a liberal arts degree? I am currently enrolled facing the same question. If its a choice between the two, go with the Bachelors. Would I be able to get a job once I have the certificate and then do the master's or should I just go right into the master's? Big companies like formal credentials, because those credentials are going to be detailed formally or informally to other companies, potential partners, potential investors, etc. So I had a choice, go back to school for a bachelors in CS / electrical engineering or maybe take the pre reques for the MS program and go that direction. Also, I attended a tech meetup where a previous recruiter for both amazon and microsoft advised I take the masters path over second bachelors or self-teaching, which I gave a lot of weight to. Computer Science is a very difficult major. It's just the way the world works. I'm in a similar situation as OP. degree in Computer Science is intended as a terminal professional degree and does not lead to the Ph.D. degree. Candidates with an undergraduate degree in computer science looking to advance their career. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. From someone who went straight for the Master's in a non CS field, the Master's is stronger earning power and cheaper to obtain (I skipped the certificate, not sure price on that). While in some industries, associate degrees and certifications can get you in the door and help you secure entry-level positions, investing in a bachelor’s degree or master’s … I had a masters in an unrelated field already. Bachelors in Computer Science provided by top tech schools focus on studying coding languages and programming theory for Information and Computer Systems. But you can earn more or less than this amount as an IT manager with a computer science degree in different cities. You should probably go for the bachelors. I'm sort of in the same boat but my bachelor's was in chemical engineering, minor in physics, and several courses in CS..... and I still feel like I may need to go the bachelor's route, if that tells you anything about how important it is to get the foundations. The masters won't add anything and like you said you might miss something important. But when you look through potential degrees, you can’t figure out the differences between From what I've heard in informational interviews with my colleagues, bosses, or other higher-ups in the software industry, getting another Bachelors doesn't do a whole lot. Undergraduate computer science students at Pomona complete several upper-division courses at Harvey Mudd and Claremont McKenna colleges, both members of the Claremont Colleges consortium. I spent the past two years at least six hours a day working on programming learning everything. I ended up completing a second bachelors degree (in computer science) online last year, and was then accepted into the GT OMSCS program. One strategy for determining which path is right for you is to consider your career goals. MSCS, the certificate is probably going to be worthless but the MSCS will give you an advantage. Computer Science Associate vs. Bachelors Degree: What's the … My salary went from $35,000 (pre-CS) to $60,000 (CS-grad), and just recently went up to $75,000 (CS-grad, one year of experience, OMSCS student). One of the fantastic things about software development / programming jobs, is that you don't actually need to have any formal education to get ahead. Should I stick with my original plan of getting another undergrad degree? (Which should totally be a unit of measurement for education.). From the research I've done and from what I've seen on this thread, it seems getting a masters in CS is not always a great idea, especially if one didn't get a bachelors in CS. Computer Science Geographic Location. Computer scientists study computers, determine what they can do, and then create new software to take advantage of their capabilities. The demand for qualified computer science professionals is increasing rapidly. Yeah, the loans are quite a hurdle, but it is an investment in your future. If you don't have any sort of degree you're still fighting against luck, though. If money isn't an issue and you're doing it because you want to be a good programmer, go for the undergrad. To them, the masters degree is the golden standard for getting a job. But of course, you're going to be relying on experience as the main selling point on your resume going forward. Compulsory modules include programming, data analytics, software development, … I've been spending almost every minute of my spare time practicing coding and learning as much as I can from online resources. The masters program at my school has time set aside specifically to allow their masters students to do an internship. Most students planning to obtain the Ph.D. degree should apply directly for admission to the Ph.D. program. Accounting vs. computer science: Salary & job outlook. I've discovered my passion for coding and CS over the past few months. Just remember a master's program will require "bridge" courses in fundamentals, so before you even begin the grad program you will have taken some cs theory courses including data structures, computer architecture, operating systems, discrete math, calculus, etc. As far as whether a second bachelors degree doesn't do a whole lot for you -- it depends largely on your first degree. "Our project leader actually graduated from Georgia Tech's computer science program a few years ago. I'm in the same boat. However, the BS will give you a stronger programming base and give you more opportunities for internships and other career oriented stuff. I had a similar choice at one point. Same boat. Ashford University – Ashford University features five world-class universities. The number of online CS degree holders in both is low, but they're generally well regarded. I'd look into your worry that the certificate/masters route wouldn't let you do an internship. If you'd like to ask me a bunch of questions, messages the MODs and let them know. Throughout everything I focused on languages, tools and programming topics that were either required/preferred by job descriptions as well as topics that are either asked in technical interview questions or used daily on the job. I was kind of a self taught but went back for a master's recently, and so far nothing has been really beyond me. The company I worked for 5 years ago had a great tuition reimbursement program in which I got a masters degree for basically free (I already had a BS). If I go undergrad I'll have time to find an internship hopefully. Yeah but if you have the skills to excel in one language, everything else is a cake walk. You have a BS in mechanical engineering. A BS in CS is definitely more "complete" or "rounded out" than an MS in CS degree. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the cscareerquestions community. You live and breathe computers, and you can’t get enough. And obviously, more money. Yeah it was a little weird telling people I was going back to school for a BS when I already had a masters but I'm happy I did because I would have been in way over my head if I had gone straight for a masters in CS. Easy path (though not really easy) would be undergrad, hard path Master's. Thanks so much for the helpful advice. I disagree with this. You're not advancing your education (per se). For instance, if you are looking to work in cybersecurity or as a systems administrator, computer science may be a good fit for you. I have 67 hours left of math and cs courses left and since I'm enrolled at the school where I got my first degree, everything will transfer seamlessly. I have a bachelors in Political Science and Economics. Taking all of the required courses would have taken me about 3 years (due to needing things like more science, university specific requirements, etc.). I am currently still in the OMSCS program. If possible a program that's slightly longer and would allow you to take an internship would be better though. Cons: But if you pick 2 years of masters over 2 years of work experience, that would be a no-no. But I got a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering and just got accepted to Georgia Tech's Online Masters in Computer Science program. I finished my first year in May. My hope is that in two years when it's finished, it will allow me to move into a higher supervisory / leadership role. I am not in Georgia Tech's OMSCS program, while also being a full-time applications programmer. On a personal note, I love the theory and this lets me stay in it a tad longer. I can't speak to a certificate program. So you can take them and proceed on to the master's, or take them and get the 2nd bacc. And then include them on your resume. I was actually told by one that doing a bootcamp was preferable to a second bachelors. I graduated with a BA in philosophy back in 2007. Press J to jump to the feed. The computer science field has many various subsections: Information Assurance, Cyber Security, Information Systems, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, and the list goes on. I want someone will love the job. I just finished my first year finishing some pre reqs at a city college and I'm worried I'll have trouble being accepted to a university because I already have a bachelors. Will I have the same chance of getting a job with either degree or is one better than the other. It's not that crazy though. Throughout the computer science bachelor's degree, learners attend bi-weekly colloquia to learn about current research and career options in the field. The system offers a wide variety of degrees, with the online division offering over 80 Another potential downside to my program is that it is an online program, and I’m not sure if some employers would look down on that. Both will get you a job. Some programs may admit students who have not taken necessary prerequisite courses, as long as they complete them before beginning master's-level coursework. My family, however, has been pressuring me to get a masters in CS. I recently graduated with a very fulfilling yet very useless bachelors. My first degree was in philosophy. It fits my needs very well because it is intended for people such as myself who have already completed a bachelors (thus no need to re-take GEs that don't transfer), is very affordable compared to getting a second bachelors at another institution, and can be completed in one (very intensive, 60 credit) year. A master's degree usually takes about two additional years to complete, which means you might run up student debt or have to work overtime to pay for your classes. I have a Bachelor's in History and Master's in Non-profit Management. I'll come out on the other end with a B.S. I really appreciate you guys giving your input. At 2.5-3.0 years for a bachelor and 3.5 for a masters, it was an easy choice for me. This will be my second degree. Thank you everyone for your advice! The small amount of programming experience you get from grad school is equivalent of a few months practicing algorithm problems. Students who wish to develop computer programs and find new applications for computing technologies often study computer science. I've seen this question asked over and over, here is my take with 5 years into the industry at silicon valley and "silicon beach". And while I've heard it's very difficult, there is still the possibility of getting an internship in the summer between the certificate's completion and the beginning of the masters program. I've been following this thread for a while now and have learned a ton. Maybe even Electrical Engineering. MS itself doesn't improve too much of neither because grad school is mostly research. A master's degree can boost your earning power, with the National Association of Colleges and Employers reporting that the average starting salary for a master's degree in computer science is $80,400. I can't speak to a certificate program. I already paid for my second BS, and pay for GT's OMSCS program out of pocket, without breaking a sweat. Our Computer Science Masters/MSc programme is different to IT programmes, in that it is a technical degree with a significant programming component. There are many masters students in my classes. I say this comparing an online BS in CS that I earned (graduated 2015) with online OMSCS courses (two semesters, Georgia Tech). I did only the Bachelors and then switched to a Masters in Business Administration with specialisation in IT and Management in case I ever wanted to start my own business, start-up or move up the corporate ladder. Knowing what you have an affinity for is probably the most important factor in determining what kind of computer science degree to pursue, because they all have the potential to find high-salaried employment. I've read that completing a side project independently, putting my code on github, and possibly working for open source projects is a good way to offset the disadvantage of not having completed an internship, although maybe that's not a feasible alternative in some people's eyes. Thank you so much for reading, and I appreciate your help! I made a post about it on this subreddit (that I actually still receive PMs about every couple of weeks), and ended up following my intuition and earning a second BS. Part time or full time? A masters also might be too specialized. However, the master's would be the way to go if you wanted a steeper learning curve but care more financially. Your resume may not pass the "HR filter" at many companies, and you may not be offered a supervisory or leadership role without more substantial formal education or certification. The result of my work has been a job working as a programmer for a AAA studio in the games industry. It seems from what I've read that, contrary to fields in the humanities, a bachelors in CS is usually the standard in this field. From what I've heard in informational interviews with my colleagues, bosses, or other higher-ups in the software industry, getting another Bachelors doesn't do a whole lot. A certificate in CS + some experience or personal projects will get you a good paying job, but it won't be as easy of a sell as a formal, completed degree, and it won't be a strong sell for leadership or managerial positions down the road. The program does offer the flexibility of slowing down to the 2 year track (2 classes a quarter instead of 4), and your comment has got me thinking that maybe I should do the first half of the program full-time and the second half of it part-time, so I can focus on those difficult classes more intensely. Choice is really up to you. Create some projects, create some websites, create some apps, and make them public. But I would think the 2nd bacc would be cheaper since the courses usually won't count towards the grad program and the bacc costs are usually lower than grad costs. I want a passionate developer. Everything about them fascinates you, and you dream of the day you’ll get to play with them all day, every day, for a living. I want a github page. Now, reason why a lot of people seem to have MS degree is bc they 1. like it 2. are foreign and use MS to transition from a student visa in america. Since computer science positions require strategic thinking, capstones and thesis projects often aim to solve a real problem, like fixing a security breach or enhancing a system’s performance. But an MS degree is more in depth. A bootcamp is not nearly as highly regarded as a second bachelors degree. I went for a Masters since I can do it while working full-time, and it will also further my job prospects and open even more doors than a bachelors would. Computer science-related jobs are expected to grow 16 percent between 2018 and 2028, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics —substantially higher than the five percent growth expected for all occupations. Masters in Computer Science degrees are typically offered as a Master of Science (MSc) and are one or two years long, depending on the country of study. From the research I've done and from what I've seen on this thread, it seems getting a masters in CS is not always a great idea, especially if one didn't get a bachelors … Consider: Qualifying for many top jobs requires a degree. I had no programming experience and the most math I had taken was like pre-calculus so I signed up for a bachelors degree in CS. And I also want to be able to argue cogently to my family why I am making the best possible choice for my future, because, after all, they are footing the bill! Without a doubt, I would like to pursue a career in CS. I do have to say that I am a very hard worker who is used to putting in many more hours than is necessary for class into side projects, which is what I did during my bachelors. Computer Science Degree vs. Software Engineering Degree I'm about to enter college and I was wondering which one of these degrees is better at preparing me for/ helping me get into industry. The courses you mentioned are heavily clustered in the 3rd and 4th quarters of the program, which students have lamented to be incredibly difficult quarters with 60+ hours of work a week. I was Pre-med before I eventually graduated with a BA in International Affairs in December of 2012. One of the big things I definitely took away was to start a portfolio and work on projects to present employers during potential interviews. I was accepted into an online post-bacc CS degree program. Computer science encompasses many disciplines, such as software engineering, artificial i… I obviously want to ensure my future success by laying the foundations of my education properly. My issue is that I'm worried about not having any experience in the industry (internships) if I go certificate/master's route. I had the same debate as you: BS or MS. 3 The BLS also projects jobs for accountants to increase by 11 percent through 2024. It will be a challenge though. He said it would take around the same time as a new undergrad degree. If you can get accepted to a masters program at a good institution you can always take some undergraduate courses. One potential downside to the program I'm entering is that because it is completed in 1 intensive year (4 quarters, including summer), I do not have a summer break with which to complete an internship, and even while I'm studying, I'll be living in a smaller town that doesn't have CS internship opportunities. A few months after graduating, I got inspired to learn CS, looking to go back, but I may have to spend 3ish years getting a BS in CS. It is designed to give you a grounding in both the fundamentals of computer science and practical software development skills with a choice of in-depth optional modules. In 2012, I decided that I would complete a second degree in computer science. The last major factor that influences salary with a computer science degree is where you live in the United States. Computer Science vs Computer Engineering: Roles and Responsibilities. This program is for. In your opinion, would a post-bacc second bachelors or a masters be preferable for my situation? The Computer Science Field 1. Also, from what I can tell by looking at job posting, the Masters seems to count for about 2 years work experience (ie 4 years work experience or 2 years + master). Those that stick with it often may take longer than 4 years to complete their Bachelors degree and struggle keeping their grades up in the 3.5+ GPA range many employers look for. A portfolio is extremely valuable, if you're doing it the right way. I know that at many schools (atthe very least at UCLA, I am sure others) undergraduate classes apply toward masters degrees. Generally of course MS is valuable experience, but its cost in time and money is not worth it at all. Science careers have optimal outlooks, with both boasting above-average numbers in earnings and growth! 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