Masters in CS - Without CS bachelors?

[LDF85]

Hello -

I graduated from a US university (US citizen) with a non-technical degree, but with a good GPA (3.7). I am finishing up the CS foundation courses that are typically required by MSCS programs (Discrete math, data structures, operating systems, etc) and I have a good GPA in those courses as well (3.6, should be higher by the time I finish). I do not have any publications or research experience.

I do have a few years experience as a Systems Administrator and a few years writing code © on a contract basis.

If I perform well on the GRE (70% or higher in each section), will I be competitive for the terminal degree Masters programs? I'm interested in programs such as Cornell M.Eng, UIUC's professional MCS, Washington University MCS and others like them. I do not have any interest in earning a PhD. My concern is that my lack of technical bachelors degree, even with the post-bachelors CS courses, will cause my application to be rejected.

Any comments?

Thanks

[finknottle]

Not at all. You would have a good shot at professional Master's programs. You would have to do better than 70th %ile on the GRE though. Better than 90th %ile at least in the quantitative section. You should also consider writing the CS GRE. Since you don't have a formal degree in CS, the CS GRE in addition to the CS courses that you have taken should help you quite a bit. However, don't choose complimentary recipients for the CS GRE if you aren't confident about your performance. It isn't offered very often, and its not easy to write it again in the same season. Also, if you can get a more stable and recognized development job than coding on a contract basis, that would help a lot too. Professional Master's programs are relatively easier to get in to compared to their conventional counterparts. Keep in mind though that you wouldn't get any financial assistance in a professional program.