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Masters in Computer Science

Started by zeis97, 2008-03-19T14:20:51-05:00 (Wednesday)

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zeis97

I need some advice as to whether or not to pursue a Master's in CS.  I currently hold a B.A. in Communications from another university, and working towards a B.A. in CS.  The reason for the B.A. is because of financial reasons and because it's been almost 10 years since i've had any math, and the thought of retaking CalcI & II irks me, and would slow me down.  After reading the Master's program (3+2), I see that I can still pursue the Master's with a B.A.    I've read some of these forums and looked at job postings, and most say a B.S. in CS is best.  Are the extra 2 years worth the time and money to get the Master's?  My biggest priorities are graduating as soon as possible, getting a job and paying off debts, then becoming rich. 

Does a Master's really open that many more doors?
Is there a pay increase having a master's that makes up for the extra financial aid I'll need and extra time spent in school?

any advice would be really helpful,

thanks,

Andy

Gregory Bartholomew

If you aren't crazy about math, I doubt that the Master's program would be a good choice for you as 1) it is much more math intensive, and 2) the "doors" that the degree would open up tend to be into jobs that require more math intensive work (which if you don't like math, I'm guessing you wouldn't enjoy).  As for the money, I don't know.  I more than get by on a Bachelor's degree.  I started to go for the Masters because I though I might have some interest in teaching some basic classes someday.  After about 4 or 5 classes, I decided that I wasn't that interested in being able to go through that "door" (and I used to like math).
......

Kit

From what I have learned, you really don't need a Masters/PhD in CS unless you plan on teaching.

If you plan on being a manager (aka not coding), you could go for an MBA. Otherwise, a BS/BA is more than enough to get a great job.
SIUe Computer Science Graduate

zeis97

Awesome advice.... I too used to be in love with Math... but now.. math and i have had a fallen out.  I don't plan on teaching CS (but how many times have we had plans in life and they work out like we expected? lol) 
I kinda figured that the Bachelors degree would be able to support my life, until i develop a massive drug or gaming habit... or both? 

thanks for the advice guys... appreciate it!!!

andy

Bryan

QuoteMy biggest priorities are graduating as soon as possible, getting a job and paying off debts, then becoming rich. 

I'm in the middle of step 4 of your process. I got an entry level job right out of college with a B.S.  I got somewhat lucky and got a much better job 2 1/2 years later.  In my opinion (which some around here don't trust, I'm sure) a Master's degree will simply speed up the process.
Bryan Grubaugh
Quickly aging alumni with too much time on his hands
Business Systems Analyst, Scripps Networks.

zeis97

I have another question...
I am pursuing the BA in CS... rather than the BS
Reason being; I already have a degree from another college (a BA) and it has been a very long time since I took CalcI or II, and I attempted calc III up until the very last drop date and did horrible...
I was told by a friend that the pay rate for a BA is about 25K less than a BS

does anyone know the validity of this?  or what the actual numbers are?

thanks in advance for your advice.



Jerry

Quote from: zeis97 on 2008-09-10T17:18:18-05:00 (Wednesday)
I have another question...
I am pursuing the BA in CS... rather than the BS
Reason being; I already have a degree from another college (a BA) and it has been a very long time since I took CalcI or II, and I attempted calc III up until the very last drop date and did horrible...
I was told by a friend that the pay rate for a BA is about 25K less than a BS

does anyone know the validity of this?  or what the actual numbers are?

thanks in advance for your advice.


I don't have any hard numbers. You might be able to find them at the US Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/

However, I can tell you the difference in pay comes from the different types of jobs available to BS degree grads. Because of the additional math preparation, BS preparted students can get more technical programming positions as opposed to more business oriented positions. Boeing for example will hire some of our BS grads to program in their R&D positions, though they have told us they perfer to hire MS grads, they will take BS grads with Math or Physics Minors.
"Make a Little Bird House in Your Soul" - TMBG...

zeis97

what about a BA with a math minor?  am i SOL if i want to work for companies like Boeing?


Tony

#8
As for getting your masters, it really all depends on where you want to work.  Some jobs don't care what degree you have as long as you wow them in the interviews.  However, I am sure having the right degree will help your chances of getting these initial interviews. 

Now, if you are getting a government job or a job with some company that has most of its contracts with the government (i.e. Boeing, Lockheed, etc...), then a Masters Degree will help a lot.  At Lockheed it is a matter of a whole level which can mean 10k to 30k more a year.  At Boeing when you get your masters in CS you are worth about 100k+ if you have 2 years of experience.  Also, if you are already working for them, if you get another degree (say MBA but any degree that applies to your job will do), then you get a 10k bonus plus a promotion (whatever that pay increase is).

So, really it comes down to how good you feel you are.  If you think you are a mad genius and belong to Google or something like that, then I don't think your degrees or grades will matter much.  If you want to work for the government (regardless of how good you are) then I believe the more education the better.  They love degrees, it helps them win contracts.  If you want to teach or anything like that, a PhD is the way to go if you want to get 10-year.

Hope this helps.
I would rather be hated for doing what I believe in, than loved for doing what I don't.

William Grim

Quote from: zeis97 on 2008-03-19T14:20:51-05:00 (Wednesday)
My biggest priorities are graduating as soon as possible, getting a job and paying off debts, then becoming rich. 

Does a Master's really open that many more doors?

I thought step 3 was to get rich?!  I'm in the middle of your current step 3 and should be moving out of that phase in about another year or slightly more.

You will definitely get more opportunities with a M.Sc., but you should do it because you enjoy doing it, not because of the cash.  The M.Sc. is all about becoming focused at what you do and mastering it.  If you don't like the idea of concentrated studying but just want the money, you aren't going to be happy.
William Grim
IT Associate, Morgan Stanley

zeis97

i didn't mean to sound greedy or just concerned about the money.. i really enjoy programming.. but i want to make sure that after all the debt i've accumulated (and it's still growing.. exponentionally i believe) that when i'm finished, i will be able to support my family and myself as i pay off  my debts...

maybe i'll just fake my own death and have my debts wiped clear... ????

William Grim

If you work hard throughout your M.Sc. university career, then I wouldn't worry too much about money.  You'll have plenty of opportunities, and you should be able to make the right decision on what company to join.
William Grim
IT Associate, Morgan Stanley