Going Back for a Comp Sci Bachelors?

DoubleNNs

What are people's thoughts on going back to school for a Computer Science BS, after already completing undergrad for general IT? I'm assuming completing an undergrad BS (i.e. WGU) would waive most of the gen eds and you'd essentially just take the Programming and Math/Physics classes.

I know many people generally view a Comp Sci degree as the gold standard in this industry. Additionally programming and an analytical mindset would help in any IT position. However, would it even be worth it?

the_Grinch

I know when I was looking at it, it really came down to cost. Depending on the school you might be spending a lot of money to get the second bachelors. Because yes you have the math and sciences, but you also have all the computer science courses that must be taken. So the breakdown is this (with the assumption that all the gen ed (except math and science)) were counted:

120 Credits
33 Credits Gen Ed
87 Credits CompSci/Math/Science

Say $200 a credit and your talking $17400

That isn't terrible, but at that point you could just obtain your Masters in Computer Science and that would probably be more valuable to you in the long run.

That was the reason I am going to DSU. I wanted the computer science background, but just didn't make sense to do a BS all over again.

DoubleNNs

I think I read one of your threads where you did the pre-req classes and are starting on your Masters instead.

Do you think that is a particularly difficult route for others to replicate? To go from almost no Comp Sci/Soft Development background to starting a Comp Sci Matsers?

Danielm7

I think going for a 2nd BS is overkill, especially if you already have on in IT, just to get one in CS. You could do an MS as the earlier poster mentioned, but what are you actually trying to accomplish? Do you want to be a programmer? Were you actually held back by an IT degree?

mjnk77

What is it you want to do? Programmer, administration, networking, etc? If you have a bachelor's in IT, I don't see any reason you need to get one in computer science, unless the position you want only takes people was a a bachelor's in computer science. You could always go for your masters, but before you do anything, figure out what you want to do career wise.

DoubleNNs

At the moment I'm interested in DevOps/Automation.

My short term goal is to land a Linux Administration role & to polish my bash/sed/awk shell scripting. Then I want to move on to Perl/Python/Ruby while increasing my Linux skills. Whichever of the three languages is more prevalent/useful in my next role, I'll learn and master before moving on to anything else.

However, after that I want to learn actual programming. I'm not too sure how useful the skillset will be as a Linux Admin, but if anything I think it would be cool in a few years to get into Software Development on the side, outside of work.

Mutata

I play a bit in the DevOps space.

I do not have a Bachelors in CS -and I'm not sure investing all that time, money and effort in a CS will give you as high of an ROI as really cementing your understanding of the Tech used.

srj

I actually have a BS related to the health field. For me, it made more sense to go for the MS in Computer Science. It is more difficult to find a MSCS program that doesn't require you to have a BSCS, but they are out there. The investment for me is 14 courses - equates to just under 5 years with taking one course at a time. Four of these courses are pre-requisites. I've completed 2/14 so far.

You don't need a degree in CS, but I think it does look more favorable for many Dev Ops type jobs. They're looking for the skills, but a CS degree certainly never hurt anyone. Before you go too far, you should make sure that you're ready for the course load. Some people aren't crazy about the math component of the CS track. To be honest, I am pursuing the degree partially because of the benefit to my career, but also because I am genuinely interested in learning about EVERYTHING. If my work would not be paying for $5k a year, then I might not be pursuing this degree at a brick and mortar school, however. You do have to assess the cost and figure out if it makes sense. I end up paying around $500 a year, so I'll have the degree for about $2,500 (assuming nothing changes with employment). To me that is a no-brainer.

I've debated this to the end, but this is a paraphrased version of what someone I respect very much asked me:

"You can think about the pros and cons forever, or you can just starting taking one class at a time. Five years seems like a long time, but it will be over before you know it. At the end of those five years, you can have a degree, or nothing."

GForce75

For the next level. Your degree is what gets you the interview, your certs and experience is what will get you the rest. (in most cases)

twodogs62

My thoughts.

you have already invested in BS degree.
find the Masters that would compliment your BS.
in the end all that matters is you have a BS.

after your Masters you can then pursue other courses in programming.
or other certs.

N2IT

If you have the aptitude, drive, finances, and time I think the move is brilliant.

PS Sounds like you are taking your career seriously. PS CS > all IMO

TechGuru80

Why go back for a BS? You might as well do a master's at that point, which will require some undergrad classes but will look better.

N2IT

A bachelors in CS is much more valuable than a MIS or CIS, it's not even really close.

I find it comical how people just say "get your masters in CS" instead of the bachelors. I don't think these people really have a clue of how much effort goes into the bachelors alone.

Not to mention the interest rate on bachelors loans are lower than on masters and it sounds like he could get the CS in relatively short order since he has a lot of the general education out of the way.

Either way good luck on your decision.

the_Grinch

Note that I have not started my Masters yet. But for me, four pre-req courses isn't earth shattering. I think if they are willing to put in the effort then anyone could replicate what I am doing. The biggest thing is having a reason to want to make the switch. For me my work now will be a lot easier if I had a programming background. When you look at the costs, it just makes more sense to go for a Masters then to try for another BS. I'll point out that your looking at 87 credits (give or take) to complete another Bachelors degree. Now break that down and say you do 12 credits a term and do three terms (including summers) you're talking two years and a term of full time course work. With a full time job that could be a lot of work. Could a person do it? Sure. But be prepared to have no life and to basically be working two full time jobs.

I also look at it this way. If you're going to go back for the Masters eventually, then your best bet is to complete the pre-reqs and start a Masters program. To me completing 16 classes is way better then completing 29.

Khaos1911

I'd go Master in Comp Sci and just take the pre-reqs. Just makes more sense for many reasons...that I don't feel like typing, because I'm lazy.

anoeljr

There are many masters programs that you can get into that only require about 5 prerequisite classes. I looked up UT Dallas just for reference and you only need to take about 5 classes.

jdancer

And if you really want a bachelor's in CS, I suggest Oregon State University's program which you can complete in 1, 2, 3 or 4 years. You decide how fast you want to complete it. Computer Science -- Undergraduate Degrees Online -- Online & Distance Degrees | Oregon State Ecampus | OSU Degrees Online