<p>I am debating between a Masters or a phd in computer science and i have a few questions.</p>
<ol>
<li>How do job oppertunities differ?</li>
<li>Difference in pay?</li>
<li>Advantages or Disadvantages of either one?
4.How many years after college do they take?
5.Give me your thoughts on the programs in general?</li>
</ol>
<p>Thanks in advance for your response!</p>
<p>You don’t need a MS/PhD for the computer industry, unless you want to teach or something. There might be a better pay increase, but for the most part the computer industry looks at your skills (programming, coding, software stuff). So don’t feel like you have to get a graduate degree to do something cool. </p>
<p>BS = 4 years
MS = 6 years
PhD = 8 years</p>
<p>You wont really be sure if you want a MS or PhD until you get farther in your BS.</p>
<p>Unless you plan to get into research, I personally do not see the advantages of a MSCS. Many graduate CS programs are going to require you taking the “graduate versions” of at least 4 CS courses that you had as an undergrad. I mean how much deeper can you discuss “data structures” and use it in a practical sense for an employer?</p>
<p>Personally, I would use the graduate credits on either an MBA or a Systems Engineering/Engineering Management type of degree which gives you some management courses along with some selected CS/IS courses…that will prepare you more for senior positions.</p>
<p>I don’t know if it’s true for all schools, but at my school, I’ve heard that the PhD program is more selective, so a lot of students choose to enter grad school as MS students before applying for the PhD programs. Almost all of my friends who earned PhDs in CS (or are about to earn their PhDs) did it this way, although I do know a few who applied straight into PhD programs and got in.</p>
<p>If you’re a full time MS student, you should be able to finish it in 2 years. After that, a PhD will take another 4-5 years. All together, most of my friends took around 6-7 years (after they earned their BS) to finish.</p>
<p>If you’re undecided about whether you want to pursue a phd, I think the best thing to do is just to apply as master’s student and decide later.</p>
<p>If you have a passion for research and the subject, then a research oriented degree such as a M.S. or Ph.D. is what you want to pursue. If it is a job you are interested in, then a professional Masters (not a research M.S.) is what will give you the biggest salary boost. However, before you jump into the Masters degree, get a job and work for a while. It will be much more clear to you what will be able to further your career, an MBA or a degree in CS/IS or something else, and your employer might even pay for some of it.</p>
<p>Just to add, you’d be pretty lucky to finish a PhD in 4 years, IMO.</p>