<p>I hope everyone is doing well, and if you are studying for final exams right now like I am--I wish you the best of luck.</p>
<p>Here is my question:</p>
<p>I am an undergraduate student studying Business Information Systems. I switched over from Computer Science because I feel I can better apply my strengths and talents in an environment that is both technical and business-focused. I am committed to continuing my education with a master's degree. I would like to get my Master's in Computer Science because I have a passion for the field, regardless of my career ventures.</p>
<p>I've looked at the curriculum for for an M.S. Computer Science, and it seems to have less course requirements than the B.S. Computer Science. Will I be getting less computer science education through the master's program? I know it is more research-focused, but I want to make sure I get a thorough education.</p>
<p>…
The Master’s program should require more advanced coursework. You should <em>not</em> try to get a second bachelor’s right after your first, especially since the fields are so similar. For my money, go Master’s.</p>
<p>How far into CS did you get before changing? An MS in CS usually expects you to have a certain foundation in CS and mathematics, so you may have to take several extra classes if you didn’t complete them earlier. The reason you see fewer requirements listed for the MS is probably because these earlier ones are prerequisites. Most MS programs will require:</p>
<p>Math: Calculus I-III, Discrete Math, Linear Algebra
CS: Programming, Algorithms & Data Structures, Theory of Computing</p>
<p>If you covered those already, it’s probably not an issue. It’s not uncommon to admit people with a missing course or two, either.</p>
<p>Also, it seems you’re more interested in the business applications of software and such. While a CS masters can certainly be helpful for industry, are you certain it offers what you want? The two majors are very different, and I don’t understand why you would change majors in undergrad then switch back in graduate school.</p>
<p>AuburnMathTutor, I am not contemplating between getting a second bachelor’s or an M.S., I’m just curious about the education differences between a B.S. CS and M.S. CS–as well as how it will affect me as an Information Systems major.</p>
<p>First off, I doubt that many CS programs will admit you without some sort of probationary status. Realistically, I don’t think you have enough of a CS background.</p>
<p>I know that most programs say they don’t require a CS bachelor’s, and this is for the most part true. However, they still usually require a fairly strong background in the subject. I don’t know about UCLA, but I can speak for my (much less selective / prestigious) university’s graduate program in CS.</p>
<p>Basically, the following courses (or the equivalent) will get you out of probationary status here:
Calculus I & II
Linear Algebra
Discrete Math
Data Structures
Algorithms
Computer Organization & Assembly Language
Operating Systems
Software Modeling & Design</p>
<p>Would you feel comfortable taking a comprehensive final exam in any of these subjects and getting a grade of C or better? I think that whether a grad program comes out and says it or not, this is more or less what they expect.</p>
<p>The differences between a BS in CS and an MS in CS? The MS in CS will teach you more about less. The BS will teach you less about more.</p>
<p>I’m unfamiliar with the UCLA program you mentioned, but if it’s intended to blend the two fields (business & cs) I think you’ll be fine. If you go for a traditional CS-only program I think you’ll be asked to take some extra math and CS courses.</p>
<p>To answer your question regarding a BS vs MS, I think AuburnMathTutor is pretty much correct. Your thesis will be focused on a particular topic within CS, so you will miss out on a lot of electives that undergrads have taken in their 4 years. If you’re focusing on networks, for example, you might miss out on computer graphics, game programming, cryptography, multimedia systems, computer vision, artificial intelligence, and so forth. There’s just not enough time to gain the breadth you would get as an undergrad. It might make it difficult to find a specialty when you haven’t experienced as much.</p>
<p>If you enjoy the theory behind computer science I say go for it!</p>