MechE BS looking to apply for Comp Sci MS

[twi5t3d]

I graduated with a MechE BS in 2011 from a top 5 school, but with a low GPA. I have no programming experience other than an "Intro to C" online class (for credit). I have been working full time since graduation, however I want to explore my options in computer science. I considered going back to school for a BS in CS, but that seems like a huge sink of time/money.

 

I am thinking about going to community college full time to complete prerequisites for MS programs, while studying for the CS Subject GRE and working on independent projects to build up a portfolio. Does this seem like a plausible course of action? I intend to email professors about their programs and recommendations, but any input/feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

Also, what prerequisite classes would you recommend?

 

Thanks for reading!

[ssk2]

This might be a good starting point re: pre-requisite courses: http://www.cs.cornell.edu/grad/MEngProgram/MEngAdmissions/Prerequisites/index.htm

[Mecasickle]

I finished my B.S in MechE in southamerica. I've just applied to a PhD program in CS and Brain Science to 11 universities in the US.

 

I already have an offer from a professor at Virginia Tech and am also accepted at UCSB.

 

Doing a research internship boosts your chances a lot. You should go for that, I've come from a "no-where" place in the world and already have 2 premature offers from those two schools, thanks to an internship I did at UCSB. Not only will you get an extra strong letter of reccomendation, you might also end up publishing, as well as expanding your connections and meeting other professors from other institutiions that you might work with (I met the Virginia Tech Professor at UCSB, while she gave a talk, and we've stayed in touch and liked my research and is inviting me their for a full-ride PhD) .