I am in 11th grade and working to narrow down my college list. One of the factors that I am considering is whether a school has a combined 5 year BS/MS program in computer science (or a similar MS like software engineering). Is this something that employers like Facebook, Google or, Microsoft look for? Or is it better to leave school sooner and begin work with a BS? One thing I should add is that I am also considering getting an MBA which would require work experience before going to graduate school. Which would be the best option? Thanks in advance for your input.
It’s best to get internships over the summer, side projects during the year, and not plan your whole life when you’re still in high school.
@mathandcs I’m simply looking to hear about the experiences other people have had to help guide me through the decision process. I would hate to get 4 years down the road and wish my current school offered a certain program that would have been cheaper or easier to attend had I chosen a different school. Of course my plans and objectives will evolve the older I get, so if you don’t have anything valuable to add to the specific situation I would prefer you not comment at all.
I just gave you the two most valuable tips for getting a CS job after graduation. Not my fault if you don’t want to see them. If you don’t know for sure what program you want, go to a large university with options. Do not under any circumstance waste your time or money at a tiny liberal arts college.
@mathandcs high school is the precursor to planning out your life so it’s actually good that he or she is ahead of the game and they don’t need snarky replies (even if you thought you were being helpful), @Hosley17 bs/ms programs are great opportunities and I’m planning on doing one as well though not in computer science. MBA is after you start working. When you get into college, if you have laser focus and networking skills you’ll be able to make the most efficient connections to get jobs/internships at the places your seeking. Concerning working with just a BS try asking a current college bs/me or bs student or calling up a corporation and speaking to someone to give you a general idea of where you want to head. You don’t need to plan out your entire life, but you do need to have a game plan which it seems like you do.
Best of luck and don’t let random discouragement deter you from your goals or aspirations EVER.
Peace, Love,and Bre
I would say focus on schools where you think you have a good chance of being admitted to the highly competitive major of CS. You can get employed at Google etc. with just a Bachelor’s degree. My son did and many co-workers there as well. It’s probably more important to focus on internship and research opportunities, and on building your coding skills. There is a disadvantage to the five year master’s degree program if you want to go all the way to PhD.
Most colleges don’t have separate admissions for majors, though - there are only some colleges where you have to apply separately to the CS major or the school of CS.
I think it’s fine to consider a BS/MS program in the field as a plus, but don’t rule out schools that don’t have them. Whether that program is attractive to employers depends on the quality of the program and what you do there; if you want to work at Facebook, Google, or MS the important thing is not going to be the MS so much as the experience. These places hire BA holders all the time that have internship experience. You might even get them to pay for your MS later on.
I actually think @mathandcs gave good advice, and honestly he’s already in the field - those are the kind of people you want to get advice from. He’s right in that trying to plan everything out in HS can lead to frustration particularly since college students change their major and career plans all the time! I don’t agree, though, that you should rule out small LACs altogether. Instead, check the small college’s catalog and see what kind of coursework is available, and also see what kind of opportunities CS and other tech-minded students get themselves into. Harvey Mudd, for example, is an excellent small LAC to be at if you want to be in STEM.
@juillet Thank you for the input. I am definitely looking in to schools like Harvey Mudd. However, I am eliminating small LACs in the mid-west and east coast because of their lack of course options and distance from my target market.
but don
t rule out CMU, SCS program.