Hello everyone,
I am looking into transitionig from a biology background to computer science and need some help and advice for the same. I have an MS in Biology and Bachelors in the same field too. I have been working in the biotech industry for the past 3 years, and have reached a point where I see myself doing something in comp sci in the future.
I have NO background in computer languages or any other formal education in this field other than knowing how to handle MS Office. I contacted GATECH for their online MS CS program [coz I felt this was a great online program with great value] and this is what they told me too. They wanted me to be very familiar with some computer language and some advanced fields like algorithms, networking etc to name a few before I could even apply. Now, I would like to know would anyone have any inputs as to how I can start preparing for my prerequisites, should I look into community colleges or online univs if at all they offer computer languages ? Is there any other reliable source that a non trad student like me can utilize to learn languages or advanced topics in computer science?
OR, am I better off earning some computer degree from a community college that I can utilize right away and start looking for jobs?
Is the pay very different for a student graduating from a college than from a university?
I would appreciate any honest and useful suggestions!
Thanks in advance!