<p>I'm going to Penn Engineering and I just was wondering about the reputation of the BAS degree in, say, Computer Science. I really like how it combines a liberal arts education with engineering, but the programs are not ABET accredited like the BSE programs are. Will this be viewed as a negative when applying for a job? It seems like an interesting degree but I don't want to pay $200,000 for a degree that is viewed as 'worse' than a BSE...</p>
<p>It's a tough call. After 4 years at Penn in CS, I'm getting a BSE and many of my friends are getting the BAS. I couldn't really tell you if it's worth it or not.</p>
<p>I'll try to write up my more detailed thoughts on the issue later tonight.</p>
<p>Job-wise I don't think it would hurt you at all. However, if you plan to get a CS-oriented job (e.g., work at Google), then maybe your weaker CS foundations may show in an interview. I'm not too familiar with the BAS degree, but my overall opinion is that it's not really worth to get the BAS if you can get the BSE. You can get the BSE even if you're doing a dual degree (I am doing that), so why would you not get it? If you like the combination of liberal arts, then just do BSE and take a lot of classes in the College (with possible minors), or just do a dual degree with the College.</p>
<p>1) The BSE is fairly harder to get than the BAS. You need operating systems, processor design, and 2-semester rigorous senior design, which are some of the harder classes in the major. You also need more electives in the major, and your tech electives need to be from engineering courses, not just a minor.</p>
<p>2) It's tough to say which is better for getting "jobs". Depends a lot on where you want to work. If you want to work in CS, and CS is your only major, go for the BSE (or do BAS with lots of grad-level classes). If you've got another degree/major, and you have no intention of working in computer science, you can get the BAS.</p>
<p>As a side note, ABET accreditation doesn't really mean anything at a place like Penn. Companies/grad schools will look directly at your transcript, and expect BSE level work.</p>
<p>Under the BAS, where it says concentration courses can be a math or science or an APPROVED minor? Does that mean the minor has to be from a certain list or can it be anything?</p>
<p>I believe that means it has to be an official minor, not just a random collection of classes. They want you to either specialize in math/science/engineering breadth, or depth in another field.</p>