Fork in the Road - Switching to CS from...General Studies??

[C.Sn00b]

General Subject:  Best path for continued education in Computer Science

Point of Origin:

B.A. General Studies, Bemidji State University, zero Computer Science Coursework

Overall GPA: 3.20
 

Pertinent Completed Coursework:
Math 1470 - Precalculus - 5.00 Credits - Grade Earned: 3.00 (

MATH 2471 - Calculus I - 5.00 Credits - Grade Earned: 3.00 (

CS 235 - Introduction to Organizational Computing - 3.00 Credits - Grade Earned: 4.00 (A) (Purdue)

MA 224 - Introductory Analysis II - Integral Calculus - 3.00 Credits - Grade Earned 3.00 (  (Purdue)

STAT 511 - Statistical Methods - 3.00 Credits - Grade Earned 3.00 (  (Purdue)

STAT 225 - Introduction to Probability Models - 3.00 Credits - Grade Earned 4.00 (A) (Purdue)

POL 300 - Introduction to Political Analysis - 3.00 Credits - Grade Earned 3.00 (  (Purdue)

 

Working Full Time From Home – Business Partner, Print eCommerce Website

 

Objective(s):

Earn a M.S. Computer Science.
Increase earning potential.
Make / Design / Implement Awesomeness
Enjoy what I do.
Finish with the lowest common denominator for: Cost, Length of Study
Maximize Education Career Track Potential

NUTSHELL: Employment as ___________ (software engineer?), Equal Income+ ($65,000+ annual in Manhattan), Opportunity for Advancement Based on Performance & Ability, Diploma hanging on my wall at home.

Summary:

I have an extensive background in Sales.  I have been working in sales across multiple industries from automobile, hotel, retail banking, advertising, and print.  I consider myself to be very good at what I do.  However, I don’t enjoy it.  It’s just not me.

The parts of my jobs I’ve enjoyed usually involve an Excel workbook packed with complex functions to increase efficiency in sales tracking, or analyses of AdWords campaigns.

I’ve always been a computer nerd at heart, but was ushered in a different direction.  I have finally come to a point in my life where I have the opportunity and the means to redirect my life’s work.  And I absolutely love the idea of…well, the only way I know how to put it is “coding”.  The idea of sitting with my computer writing awesomeness into code.  Maximizing efficiency. Solving puzzles.

This is computer science to me, and from what I can tell, towards the field of software development / engineering.

Possible Directions: All my research into programs has kept in mind that I have zero experience CS-wise.

1)      Fast & Quick: There are a few programs, fewer even that are accredited, that offer “education you need to get the job you want.”  Although, this doesn’t necessarily hit the nail on the head for me, most of these programs tout accelerated (1-2 years) programs that require ZERO knowledge.  The best example of this category I found is the Master’s Program through the Touro College and University System Software Institute Online. With directions in “eCommerce Technology,” “Software Development,” and “Software Systems,” I am guessing that the best fitting program would be “Software Development.”  Fast & Quick because this program is claimed to be doable in 1-2 years with 38 credits for a total of $24,510.

 

2)      Jump Into the Deep End: The best program that fits this description is found at PACE University for their MSCS program.  For students without any CS background, “some or all of the following courses [and perhaps a few more] may be required”. 

CS 502

Fundamental Computer Science I using Java (3)

CS 504

Fundamental Computer Science II using Java (3)

CS 506

Computer Systems and Concepts (3)

I find it difficult to believe that, without any prior experience, these three courses would be sufficient to bring me up to speed quickly enough to keep pace on the remaining graduate level coursework.  What would most likely turn out to be at least 12 credits (part time) of undergraduate prereqs at the current tuition rate would be $12,156 plus $39,330 for all Graduate credits.

 

A superior program (and my overall favored program) is Columbia University’s MSCS Program.  On their FAQ page, they make a similar recommendation “If your undergraduate degree is in a different field, you are required to have completed at least four computer science courses covering foundations of the field and basic programming, and two mathematics courses,” going on to recommend:

COMS W1004 – Intro to Computer Science

COMS W3136 – Data Structures with C/C++*

COMS W3157 - Advanced Programming

COMS W3137 – Data Structures & Algorithms

( *FAQ Page states COMS W1007 which is Honors level intro, but states a title of “Object-Oriented Programming and Design in JAVA – course from current catalog substituted)

 

However, these courses are recommended prior to acceptance into the MSCS program at a Full Time Only tuition rate of $63,500 (after fees) for what would be the required 2 term length of study to complete prereqs before advanced courses.  This is risky business, in that the program requires a 3.30 minimum GPA for application and clearly states that on average students entering have a 3.50 with high scores in the subject GRE; moreover, that Columbia University does not offer an official post/second-baccalaureate for completed undergraduate coursework.

 

 

3)Slow & Steady: Going for gusto (and mostly likely broke) would be the recently acclaimed post-baccalaureate program in Computer Science through Oregon State’s Ecampus.  All told, 60 credits @ $450 per credit for $27,000 out the door with 1, 2, or 3 year tracks.

 

Up front, I’m digging this option.  I feel I could complete this program within 2 years while working full time, providing me with a degree that would get a foot in the door for finally jumping out of the sales business and into a programming role OR continuing my graduate education full time at a university higher up on my preference list with an improved GPA and ability to do at least moderately well on the subject GRE.

 

4) Jump Start for Cheap: Attend local CUNY Hunter College, completing as much of the BSCS major coursework as possible per semester,  taking the GRE & applying to desired programs after the first two semesters.

 

The tuition at CUNY Hunter College in state is $459 per credit.  The benefits here are that Hunter is the only local college that offers evening sections for all required coursework for the undergraduate program.  However, if ratings are true, education through previously mentioned OSU Ecampus would be a) less expensive, less difficult to get to…since it would be at home…which is already familiar territory being that I work completely from home.

 

Conclusion:

The two best options I have are #1 and #3.  In comparison, however, first glance shows that the thoroughness of education received would be greater through OSU than through Touro.  Both online programs require roughly the same amount of tuition, and it seems that that both programs would offer about the same level of clout when applying for a new position after completion.  Lastly, completing a program at OSU would allow the opportunity to do a MSCS….”right”(?).  It just seems to me that, when things seem too good to be true (complete your MSCS PT Online in 2 Years for $27k), they usually are.

OSU Ecampus.

My Request:

If you’ve stuck with me, THANK YOU.  I would appreciate any and all feedback you would be willing to give.

 

Best Regards,

C.Sn00b 

Edited February 14, 2013 by C.Sn00b

[rustledjimmies]

Hello, here are some of my thoughts on the topic. I am in my fourth year of undergrad so please take what i say with the fact that I have only my own research into these topics to speak from. I am applying to MSCS programs to begin this fall.

 

First of all, I wish you luck in your journey and I'm sure that you know that most of this is going to depend on how driven you are to accomplish it -- including the type of employment you find and your earning potential afterwards. I think that for the most driven people, programming offers some of the highest potential earning. 

 

I will keep this relatively short:

 

I think that if you want to receive an MSCS degree, you will need some good foundation in various topics in CS. I like the list of prereqs that Columbia lists - I agree with that list in that it will prepare you with the large majority of what you will need to enter grad school. I would recommend (if you don't want to go to Columbia) finding some courses online possibly even for free to learn this material. With these courses done you should be fairly well prepared for entrance into an MSCS program.

 

If you want to receive another, more industry-oriented, professional type of programming degree, I would recommend you dive right into programming because while many of the topics in a CS degree will help with your programming discipline, style, and overall knowledge, I know many people who are excellent programmers without the traditional (more theoretical, foundational) CS degree.

 

Here, I believe, is what it boils down to.

 

With an MSCS degree (perhaps preferably with a PhD) you may be more suited to flaunt your ability for innovative thinking to a company which values R&D, original ideas, and innovation such as Apple, Microsoft, or Google. These companies require extremely skilled programming as a MINIMUM requirement, and to really stand out you have to be an incredible problem solver and innovator.

 

With a more professional, less theory & research oriented degree you will be well suited to be working as a programmer in MANY areas, and in many of these (with your sales & business experience), you may find yourself climbing the corporate ladder quickly if you are driven enough. A lot of employers like programmers with business experience -- the best managers/leaders of a software project have extensive experience themselves with the software development process and can lead a team in the right direction.

 

Good luck to you, and again these are not concrete facts and definitely reflect some of my personal opinions.

 

Best wishes