Masters in Computer Science - Potential

[Monte_Carlo]

Hi guys,

I'd like to know your opinion about a potential of masters degree in Computer Science for an individual's career in U.S. industry - along the track of data analysis, IT project management etc. Does it make a difference if it is a M.S. or M.A.? What about threat of outsourcing? What kinds of roles does a masters holder fulfill within an organization?

Do you have a similar credential and what - in your opinion - did it do for your career? Any ideas are welcome, and do mention some external sources if you think they are relevant.

Thanks,

Monte

 

[CyberShot]

Hi guys,

I'd like to know your opinion about a potential of masters degree in Computer Science for an individual's career in U.S. industry - along the track of data analysis, IT project management etc. Does it make a difference if it is a M.S. or M.A.? What about threat of outsourcing? What kinds of roles does a masters holder fulfill within an organization?

Do you have a similar credential and what - in your opinion - did it do for your career? Any ideas are welcome, and do mention some external sources if you think they are relevant.

Thanks,

Monte

To be honest, the IT field is one in which you don't even need a bachelors, let alone a masters to be successful in. Go learn a couple programming languages, basic debugging, and pick up some coding internships and you should be fine. I think, especially in this economy, that it's rather wasteful to spend $40k+ on 2 years of grad school for a negligible salary increase.

 

[AsianSensationK]

It really depends. I myself went into a local universities master's program after having only been able to find retail jobs after my bachelors. My grades were average (3.1 gpa) and I didn't have any specific technical skills or significant internships during my bachelor's degree.

I made up my mind to do terrific the first two terms in the program after I joined. Joined clubs, went to job fairs, networked with people. After all that I finally picked up an internship at a local hospital's network staff and eventually wound up joining full time (at 47K) after a year there. I went from basically below 20k a year to a decent wage for my area of the country.

If you're really stuck with no prospects, a master's in a technical field might help, but you really have to get involved with the program and know what you want. In my case, I lacked a resume and used the extra time in school to develop one. But that's not something I really needed the master's for. I just needed the extra time.

 

[Monte_Carlo]

Hi Asian Sensation,

Yes, your response sounds much like what I had in mind. This option - masters in comp sci - seems to generate some very controversial opinion. I would even say more controversial than when people are asked about doctorate degree (there is more consensus there.)

I'm curious - was it M.A. or M.S. that you pursued? You mention hospital network staff - are in you the technical field or computer science (and would you say there is a difference)?

Finally, did you do thesis as part of masters or took exam?

Thanks,

Monte

 

[AsianSensationK]

It is an M.S. degree and I'm in my final term.. There's not really an option for an M.A. in computer science anywhere I've seen. My program had an option for a thesis, but many people opt to take the exam. Our exit exam is different. It's more like a smaller research paper than any kind of specific test.

The networking job I have doesn't really require any advanced computer science knowledge by any means. It's just in this case, the hospital was looking to hire students from a local comp sci program. It was more a job I found by by attending school and having good grades. I hate to say it, but it's a lot like being a plumber. Pays well though.

It is very expensive regardless of where you go. I go to a terrible school and tuition is still 5000 a term. So I've spent 20k. I'm assuming better schools are much more. Didn't really matter where I went though. I just wanted a better job. This is what I assume a lot of people are really looking for when they ask about if a master's will help or not. For me it did, but if you're still a bachelor's student use your time wisely. That way you won't have to spend more money.