<p>Hi, </p>
<p>I graduated in 2009 with a degree in economics. I'm currently working a dead end job, and it seems like that's the only thing that's going to be available to me at this point.</p>
<p>The only way for me to move forward is to go back to school. I have an interest in computer science, and at this point it seems like the most interesting field for me to pursue a career in... because, well, I'm not interested in much.</p>
<p>If it weren't for my $30k debt from undergrad I wouldn't be so hesitant to do this. </p>
<p>I know Ill either have to or should take some pre reqs to see if I can hack it, and if I really enjoy it. I have the choice of a couple local state colleges, which I can start taking classes at in the spring (missed the fall deadline), or I can just start with community college courses in the fall.</p>
<p>Will most master programs prefer to see all the prereqs taking at the state school? Will the community college courses be looked down upon? Assume I'm going to devote all my free time to getting a 4.0 in these classes, so that I can hopefully get into a good graduate program.</p>
<p>Any other tips/pointers are welcome.</p>
<p>I’d suggest that you apply as a postbaccalaureate and possibly earn a second bachelors in engineering before you apply to any master’s program. Because any graduate program worth anything will be competitive. The baseline requirements usually indicated in the admissions info is almost always (universally) far exceeded by entering grad students.</p>
<p>A lot of graduate students have had real world work experience before applying to grad school. And just about everyone has a degree in engineering or computer science. </p>
<p>Science and engineering programs are not like other fields. A lot of the courses are quite sequential…and build on top of one another.</p>
<p>You may find that with a bachelors in engineering, you won’t need a masters for a new career.</p>
<p>BTW I used to be in the same boat as you. I got a bachelors in business administration. Not liking my career choices I eventually acquired a second bachelors in molecular biology as a postbaccalaureate student. I then used my newfound knowledge to develop bioinformatics software for awhile; which eventually led me to a job as a quality assurance engineer at a game software company. Go figure. </p>
<p>In a couple of years, I may want to work for a biotech company:)</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>I have also thought about this. The only thing is, pursing a bachelors in engineering or comp sci would take me about 2.5-3 years. Taking a few necessary undergrad classes and going directly into a master’s program would probably take around 3 years. This is assuming I take ~30 undergrad credits and 30 graduate or about 60 undergraduate credits. If masters programs are willing to accept me without a bs in comp sci or engineering, it seems like I’m wasting time.</p>
<p>I could be horribly wrong.</p>
<p>I appreciate the input.</p>
<p>2009 was a horrible year for Econ grads. I know several that wanted to go to ibanking and such, but couldn’t get jobs or even interviews in some cases. They were lucky to get into great funded grad programs, but that was competitive too. I may be a bit better no.</p>
<p>Have you recently looked at the job market for banking, ibanking, consulting and other such firms that take you entry level but have a career path? You ought to give it another fair try before taking on more student debt.</p>
<p>I’d guess that taking the intro math and cs classes at the CC won’t hurt, but you’ll want to take the core classes at the state U and get a GREAT gpa. I’m not an expert on that approach, though.</p>
<p>I would love to avoid debt if possible. I think the problem is those jobs just aren’t available to me. I graduated 2 years ago and have been working, so I imagine convincing anyone to hire me in an entry level position would be difficult.</p>
<p>I also only had a 3.5 GPA at a state flagship (gpa would have been higher but I went through some things)</p>
<p>I always keep my eyes peeled for any even remotely interesting / relevant job postings, but don’t get any responses.</p>