I need to go back to college to get a CS degree and would love some input.
I graduated in 2013 with a BS degree in an unrelated field from a school in Ohio. Since getting my first job I started to teach myself how to program. I really enjoyed this and wanted to pursue a programming job. I eventually made a simple Android app, uploaded it to the Google Play store and started to apply for programming jobs. I have interviewed for 3 Entry level programming jobs (two were Chase and IBM) but my lack of CS degree has become an issue.
I have two options: get another BS degree or go straight for the MS. I know I’m not the first person in their mid-twenties that needs to go back to school, but it’s hard to find any information on which steps to take. I have no debt from my first degree, parents, but this one would be on me.
If I take the MS route I would need a program that helps me fill in the gaps. I have heard bad things about people jumping into MS programs without the proper background. If I take the BS route I’ve heard I will get zero funding since it’s my second degree. I have checked out post-bacc options, but they only offer a “certificate” or are online, I would prefer a physical location.
I’m really in a great situation, I can do anything, I just need some advice!
What was your first degree in, anything quantitative? What is your highest level in math? When you taught yourself what skills did you learn and how? There are a lot of people working as programmers that don’t have a CS degree, while it is a lot easier if you do. The trouble is to present your knowledge in an organized way and get that first job. People make github accounts. So another path is to do one of those bootcamp deals in the area you are interested in so you avoid a 2nd BS. Less money, much faster and some of them don’t make you pay until you start working. I think some guarantee you placement if they accept you to the program.
In any event you could prepare by doing some of the prereqs at a community college to make up for math deficiencies, take calc, discrete math. CS is so broad and often overkill on what you may need if you have identified a specific area you want to program in. That’s where the boot camp can help. Or if you do the MS, you will have the breadth classes and use electives for just the area you want.
A good friend of mine has degrees in Chemistry but had to leave that first career due to a lab accident. So she didn’t go and get another degree, she just took classes she calls ‘retraining’ and is about to retire from her 2nd career as a programmer. But more recently I read pretty good things about these bootcamps. And my thinking is that you might get a good job out of it so it pays itself, then you can get the MS on the employer tuition reimbursement possibly. At least you would know if you need one or if it is a good idea. But I have also read about some of the MS designed for people without the BS and you have to complete some prerequisites with a very rapid learning curve. Your question only comes up from time to time here as this site has been more for HS students. But there is a grad forum and discussion has come up many times on MS for people who don’t have the BS. You can search there. I think I linked one time to a discussion board where a guy chronicled his joining the MS program at DePaul in Chicago and had to take prerequisites but he landed a really great summer internship in Chicago. He was older, maybe 30’s and had other good work experience too.
Anyway, not an answer, but just some noodlings. I’m not in the field but my kid is.
Since you are new, there isn’t a forum for 2nd BA, but there is reading material
Grad school forum - look here first for the MS threads
College Majors, Math and Computer Science
Internships, Careers and Employment
Non Trad Students - mostly for 1st degrees, but older than usual college age
Thanks for the input.
My first degree is not related to programming, it’s more on the Photoshop and design side of things. I know I’ll be judged for this, but I did not take any math classes in college.
I’ve been using websites like Udacity to learn programming. I want to get on track with something more organized, and will help fill in my learning gaps. I know you don’t need a CS degree to get into the industry, but it’s pretty hard from what I’ve experienced.
I’m aware of the bootcamps and still a little skeptical about them. Though I suppose it doesn’t hurt to see what’s in my area.
I’ll go check out the Grad School forums.