How many CS courses do non CS-majors need to get into graduate programs in CS

[billrach]

Hi everyone, I recently graduate from UCLA with a degree in Economics.  I'm interested in doing graduate work in Computer Science.  I haven't taken a single computer science class.  Is it possible for me to get into an MS program for computer science or even a PHD program?  

 

I know there are programs such as Carnegie Mellon and Georgia Tech which allow non-CS majors to apply to their MS programs.  But do they still expect to see that you took intro to programming or something like that?

 

I have a 3.4 GPA, but my major GPA was very low.  My Economics GPA was only about a 2.9.  

 

Is a second bachelors a better choice for me?

[gnufoo]

First off, why do you think you want to do graduate work in computer science?

I only ask because you haven't taken any courses in it yet. As for your question,

it may be a tough road for you. They generally allow it for people with a closer

discipline, such as mathematics, or those who can show aptitude for computer

science. The second option is traditionally done via the Computer Science 

GRE, but it has recently been discontinued (http://www.ets.org/gre/subject/about/content/computer_science).

So, a second bachelors may be a better option. 

[dat_nerd]

Non-CS majors can always apply, but each program generally has a list of prerequisite courses, including operating systems, compilers, CS theory, and computer hardware. Intro to programming just won't cut it.

Edited June 8, 2013 by dat_nerd

[Guest Gnome Chomsky]

I'm a non-CS major planning on applying to grad programs in computational linguistics (which is an interdisciplinary field that mixes CS and linguistics). The prerequesites for the programs are knowledge of at least one language in (Java, Pearl, Python, C++) and core courses such as Intro to C, Foundations of CS (which uses C++ on a Unix system), and Data Structures & Algorithm Analysis. On top of that, I'll be completing the CS minor, which also consists of three electives out of: Formal Languages & Automata Theory, Design & Analysis of Algorithms, Principles of Software Engineering, Intro to Database Structures, and a few more. Also, on top of that, I need to take a minimum of the following math classes: Discrete Math, Calc 1, Calc 2, and Probability & Statistics for Engineers (also they prefer that you've taken a Logic class as well). 

 

Keep in mind, this is for computational linguistics. I'd imagine CS would have even more prereqs. I doubt you could jump into a CS master's program with no knowledge or ability to program. 

[gamabuntax]

It is actually quite easy to get in CS master program if you don’t mind state schools. I have a degree in Structural Engineering at UCSD. I don’t like what I am doing right now and I really enjoy programming. Thus I applied to CSU Fullerton, Long Beach, Pomona, and LA for fall 2013 and got accepted to all except Long Beach. I only need to take 4 extra CS courses since I have an extensive background in Math and a bit of CS.

 

My friend is also in the same situation as you. He got in Fullerton and LA. He had a degree in Psychology at SDSU. However, he has to take at least 8 additional courses (5 CS and 3 Math).

 

I recommend you to take at least a Java/C++ class at community college to see whether if you like it or not.   

[Guest Gnome Chomsky]

It is actually quite easy to get in CS master program if you don’t mind state schools. I have a degree in Structural Engineering at UCSD. I don’t like what I am doing right now and I really enjoy programming. Thus I applied to CSU Fullerton, Long Beach, Pomona, and LA for fall 2013 and got accepted to all except Long Beach. I only need to take 4 extra CS courses since I have an extensive background in Math and a bit of CS.

 

My friend is also in the same situation as you. He got in Fullerton and LA. He had a degree in Psychology at SDSU. However, he has to take at least 8 additional courses (5 CS and 3 Math).

 

I recommend you to take at least a Java/C++ class at community college to see whether if you like it or not.   

Yea there's no way you can get in with, say, an English degree and having only taken College Algebra. I'm sure the OP has taken some math classes with his/her economics degree. I'd imagine you need some programming knowledge beforehand too.