<p>Hi does anyone have any experience with the MS in Computer Science program at U of C?</p>
<p>I was an accounting major, and I have worked for 3 years in audit, and I absolutely hate it. I'm interested in pursuing a career as a software developer.</p>
<p>I have 2 questions.</p>
<p>1- How selective is this program for non-CS majors?</p>
<p>2- Is this program sufficient in the sense that it can help me land a job as a software developer? I'm a little skeptical because it only requires 9 courses and doesn't require a BS in computer science for admissions.</p>
<p>Since graduate CS programs require only a few “Core CS” courses, a B.S. in CS degree is not required. With the right selection of electives coupled with regular computer course requirements, a CompE, EE, Applied Math, Physics or even Information Systems undergrad degree holder can qualify for admission.</p>
<p>The “CS Core” areas are Data Structures, Algorithms, Theory of Programming Language and Operating Systems. Without these courses at the undegrad level, it will be mighty hard to get admitted into most graduate CS programs WIYHOUT “bridge” programs.</p>
<p>Some schools have graduate CS programs with a “bridge component” that will admit non-CS grads (or grads with very little undergrad CS courses) by having those students take a few pre-req courses (in addition to the 30-36 credits for the master’s degree) in CS foundations. The CS foundations will pretty much focus on those same “CS Core” areas mentioned above.</p>
<p>I do not know if U-Chicago has this option in their graduate CS program BUT for a school that very elite in its MBA programs, I would doubt that U-Chicago would have this.</p>
<p>Hi GlobalTraveler,</p>
<p>The program does have a bridge component, which is consist of 2 courses. A catch-all math course and an programming course. This would bring the total to 11 courses for me.</p>
<p>This program is called CSPP (Computer Science Professional Program). I’m a little skeptical because Professional Program sounds like those gimmicky “software engineering” degrees. And also because I’m not sure if a 1 year, 11-course program is substantial for me to get a developer job. </p>
<p>Is this program just a cash cow program, using hte Uchicago name to sucker people?</p>
<p>Edit: Just to be clear, the degree is still MS in Computer Science. And all MS students take this program regardless of whether or not you have a BS in Computer Science. But my problem is that while a 9 course program may be sufficient for someone who already holds a BS in computer science, it may not be sufficient for non-tech person like me.</p>
<p>After looking at the curriculum and graduate courses, I would say that the master’s program at U-Chicago would sufficiently prepare you for software development. What “I” would recommend is to tailor your M.S. program to cover what a undergrad CS degree would cover. So in addition to the 5-course requirement covering the 4 areas of:</p>
<p>Programming
Algorithms
Databases
Systems (2 courses)</p>
<p>Make sure you select Operating Systems (possibly the most practical course in any CS program and Programming Languages (22100). I saw the pre-reqs for the database course and only programming was required. I would make sure to take the “algorithm” course that talks the most about data structures.</p>
<p>GlobalTraveler,</p>
<p>Thanks so much for your help! You have been very helpful and informative</p>