The discussion revolves around the perceived value of a Computer Science degree from Western Governors University (WGU) in the job market and its implications for future graduate studies. Participants explore employer perceptions, the importance of skills versus degree reputation, and the experiences of graduates from WGU.
Participants do not reach a consensus on the overall value of a WGU degree. While some argue that skills and experience outweigh the institution's name, others remain uncertain about the degree's impact on employment prospects, particularly for recent graduates.
Participants note that perceptions may vary significantly based on geographic location and industry standards, with some regions placing less emphasis on the prestige of the educational institution.
Individuals considering a Computer Science degree from WGU, those interested in the job market dynamics for online degrees, and prospective students evaluating the importance of institutional reputation in their career paths.
I just simply wanted to know would having a CS degree from western governors will hurt my chances employment wise despite the fact that its a regionally accredited school?hutchphd said:Are you worth anything? I guess yes.
Seriously, if you don't have confidence in your abilities why should anyone else. If you are learning stuff you want to know what is the down side? What are the alternatives? Choose from what you have available and work hard.
The degree itself is a very small part of the package in my limited experience. But really capable people do often have degrees from top colleges by the nature of things.
As @hutchphd pointed out, a CS degree is not so important. Can you code? Can you understand the goals and the algorithms by which the goals are attained?KamenRiderTorbjorn said:I just simply wanted to know would having a CS degree from western governors will hurt my chances employment wise despite the fact that its a regionally accredited school?
I think that @KamenRiderTorbjorn is concerned about it being an online university, albeit an accredited one ##-## it seems to me that the consensus here is that what you can do matters much more than where you got your credential from.haushofer said:Fascinating topic. Here in Holland such a discussion would be unthinkable. Companies don't give that much about where you graduated, because all universities are good.
But then, Holland is small compared to the US.
They'll treat you better than if you don't bother to go! The real question is what are the experiences of WGS graduates? That shouldn't be too hard to find out.KamenRiderTorbjorn said:Lately I was considering getting a CS degree from Western Governors University. I was wondering how would employers treat me if I was to end up with a degree from there? How would other schools treat me if I decided to get a graduate degree someday?
Although I am phobic about all things Republican at this point in history, I believe that Mitch Daniels has done several good things. Prior to his assuming the presidency of Purdue U he helped found western governors, and I believe it has proved a success. So in addition to haranguing the OP about personal improvement, perhaps as a midwesterner I can assure him that western governors has a pretty good reputation and I would have no hesitancy in that regard.KamenRiderTorbjorn said:I just simply wanted to know would having a CS degree from western governors will hurt my chances employment wise despite the fact that its a regionally accredited school?
But that still leaves open the significance of the reputation and brand-name recognition of the school for a fresh grad with no work experience and no employment track record (which, as far as I can tell, will be the OP's scenario).Dr. Courtney said:The time constant on the name of the school on your BS degree is pretty short with Comp Sci degrees. Computer geeks have more confidence than people in other fields in discerning what you can do in a new job from your work experience and track record of what you've done in current and past jobs.