<p>Hello guys, I'm in a bit of a dilemma. You see I've been taking classes in IT (Cisco, Microsoft, Comptia, etc) at a local CC and I like it, however I also got accepted into a MS Computer Science program at my local university for this coming Fall and I'm confused. I'm working right now at an entry-level helpdesk job. I can either forgo the ms computer science and get into IT or vice versa. I am turning 28 years old so age is going to factor into my decision. In IT I have the potential for a career now where as getting an ms computer science would delay this well into my 30's. I am lost, scared, and confused all at the same time. I only wish I was at least 5 years younger than this wouldn't be an issue because I would probably go for the ms computer science. This decision can make or break my life. Not to the mention that I'm broke so going to grad school would be a huge sacrifice for me. Also I barely have a work history so now I'm going to have to explain this to employers. I really do want to attend my local university for the ms computer science but I fear of age discrimination, looking awkward at my age, no career, no money, time-wasted etc. It was painful to get my bachelors degree but I really want the ms computer science. Oh and by the way I don't have a bachelors in computer science but in communications long story =(. </p>
<p>What do you think I should do? Any tips or advice would be appreciated. Thank You =).</p>
<p>Well I can tell you if you finish a MS in CS, you will have great job prospects and a great starting salary, which would make life easier. Are you able to get a TA or RA position with a professor to help cover the MS degree so you don’t have to stress about the financial aspect? Also, don’t worry about your age. I guarantee there are many people that are older than you getting their MS degrees. Just work hard and you will stand out in a great way! </p>
<p>Also, checkout coursera.org and try taking some computer science courses now and through the summer! They are free!</p>
<p>1) You get the “academics” in order to command the salary at market rate</p>
<p>2) You get the certifications to keep you employed</p>
<p>The M.S./M.Eng degree will allow consulting companies to bill you out at a higher rate and will allow you to be eligible for higher technical positions.</p>
<p>Note: I was in my early 30’s when I was in grad school.</p>
<p>I think you answered the question yourself several times in your original post. You really want to go for the M.S. degree and so you probably should. If you can afford to make the sacrifice then it should pay off eventually, however, is there a possibility to do the M.S. program part-time while working? At least for the first part of the program? This might put less strain on your finances.</p>
<p>Age discrimination ?? You are 28. People of all ages go back to school. Plus this is Grad school. You are not going to be in class with a bunch of 18 years olds. I’m a 51 year old mom that started back to school last year. I was in class with a bunch of 18/20 year olds. Nobody cares how old you are. If they are going to care about anything it’s ,will this person be someone I can talk to, do a group project with or help me if I don’t understand something. Don’t let your age be the reason you don’t go to grad school.</p>
<p>Thanks guys for your responses. You’re correct that I really do want to go for my masters in computer science and I have let the fear of age discrimination not specifically in college but in the working world. I’ve always thought that ageism existed in the computer world and that is what I fear the most; I won’t be finish until at least 35 years old. I’ll probably be a full-time student living next to campus like a 18 year old freshmen =). </p>
<p>I’ve made my decision to go for my masters in computer science this coming fall at the gripe age of 28; wish me luck guys =).</p>
<p>OP, i was a CPA in my 20s. Went back to school for a master in CS after 1st son was born at age 28. Received a master when son #2 was 4 months old. it took me 4 years to get my master as i had to take college level pre-req courses and going to school only on part time basis. (my BA was in Economics)</p>
<p>i have been working as a software developer for over 12 years now.</p>
<p>have you checked with your current employer to see if they offer tuition assistance program?</p>
<p>That’s is great that you’ve earned your ms in computer science. The main difference between me and you is that you had a career prior to attending grad school where as I haven’t just jobs really so tuition assistance is out of the question. It may take me a little longer than 4 years possibly 4-6. All of this is coming out of my pocket with a lot of loans and hopefully scholarships. I’m planning on attending full-time. </p>
<p>I’m going to have a lot of obstacles and uphill battles but this is what I really want and I cannot let anything or anyone get in my way not even myself. Thank You =).</p>
<p>i paid for my master degree out of pocket also. i am not sure i’d advise you to quit your day job. how could it take you 4-6 years for master in CS with a full time course load?</p>