Masters in Softare Engineering without BS

College Majors Math/Computer Science Majors
1

I graduated last may with a BA in communication studies (liberal arts degree).

However, I am struggling to find a job. I want to return to school for computer science / software engineering.

The university, here in my hometown, offers a masters in software engineering. However, I have only taken an “intro to java,” course.

Can I take enough “deficiency” courses (undergrad level course) to get up to speed, or should i do a second bachelors instead?

I spoke to the advisor, and he said they have taken psychology students, etc. However, I am concerned I do not have enough background.

What should i do: second bachelors in computer science, or masters in software engineering?

My gut is the bachelors – i just don’t feel prepared for a masters despite the director that seemed to be pushing me more towards the masters.

The director is not american, so i felt we had some communication difficulties. I could not get a clear answer on how many courses i would need to take at the undergraduate level. He said one other course in java, but i don’t see how that could prepare me for a masters…

advice please. thanks!

2

Do you have a link to the software engineering program? A lot of those Masters programs are set up to handle students with degrees in other fields who want to transfer into software engineering, so my guess is you should go for the Masters. Often they’re similar to undergraduate CS programs, but with less math and theory.

3

http://catalog.ecu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=3&poid=558

4

The Masters program looks good to me. They may have you take a few prerequisite courses first.

5

You can try taking some of the undergraduate programming courses as a non-degree student first. Then apply for the masters program. Talk to an advisor to figure out if there is a certain “gateway course” which will help ensure that you have sufficient preparation for most graduate level courses. At umich, that course would be EECS 281.