<pre><code> I have already read a few post regarding this topic already; however, my situation is a little different and I hope someone can provide me some advice. I graduated from UCSC with a B.A. in History, I was set on attending Law school until I realize that the legal market is not a golden ticket out of poverty. After digging myself a large hole, I realize that going back and obtaining a degree in Computer Engineering might be a better bet; I was always very good with computers and math.
Locals school that I have called--I live in San Francisco-- encouraged that I apply to their Master's program instead of another Bachelor. They also said I need to complete pre-req courses to demonstrate my ability. My G.P.A is pretty average...3.0. I contacted San Jose State University and Santa Clara University. I'm looking to attend schools close by to save money.
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<p>List of Questions:
Is SJSU, SF State, or Santa Clara's graduate program recognized by companies?
What classes should I take to demonstrate my ability?
Is there other Universities I can attend that provide a Masters in computer engineer?
What's the next step to take? (School Advisors will only meet with their own students)
Will employers penalize my resume for not completing a B.S. in Computer Engineering?</p>
<p>Thank you so much! I look forward to your replies.</p>
I don’t see why they wouldn’t be recognized by companies although their name recognition certainly would be weaker than schools with stronger programs. But Silicon Valley hires many SJSU grads so you won’t be in a bad position. A friend of mine from CSULB (MSEE) got a decent Silicon Valley job at a great company.</p>
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<p>You don’t need to take particular classes to demonstrate your ability. Honestly, it sounds like a poor idea to take overloaded semesters just to show employers that you can handle lots of work. There are lots of people who can work hard. Your GPA and school attended along with work experience are key. You take classes that interest you and are aligned with your professional goals.</p>
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Do some Google research. If you are willing to move out of the NorCal area, you can find many other schools with similar admissions profiles. You can also try applying to more competitive institutions (I don’t know about your chances) or enrolling at a more competitive program as a nondegree student and try to get funding and admissions into an MS program, although this may be hard.</p>
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Try discussing your options with companies and faculty or students at schools that you are considering. It is important to know the experiences of other students in the program so that you can objectively determine the quality and job placement of the program.</p>
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<p>Probably. I mean, people who majored in CompE have 4 more years of experience in computer engineering and a stronger underlying background in the theory. But you may be able to overcome this disadvantage.</p>
<p>penalizing is a strong word and is not an appropriate diction in that context. I think an alternative is caring.
Will they care if you have not complete a B.S. in CpE?</p>
<p>If you can demonstrate your work ability with a B.A. in history and M.S. in CpE, the employers probably don’t even care how many degrees you received. If you are weak at performing the work, yes.</p>
<p>But you can really only demonstrate work ability after you get that first job. And the first employer may be more confident to hire someone with a B.S. CompE.</p>
<p>Employers know that if you completed a Masters in Computer Engineering WITHOUT a Bachelors in the same field…that either:</p>
<p>1) The university required you to take prerequisite courses…and/or
2) You have done some equivalent work experience that allowed you to take the graduate courses without prerequisites.</p>
<p>You may have to prove yourself a little more because you did not have a “technical” undergraduate degree, but that is it.</p>