Computer Science degree vs. WGU's BS:IT "Software Emphasis"
LunarSylph
Member Posts: 11 ■□□□□□□□□□
I'd like to read people's honest experiences with being able to get a decent software-related job if all they have is WGU's BS:IT;SE degree. No previous related work experience.
The more I look at positions out there, the more I see "Computer Science Degree" being a requirement. How come virtually no employers simply ask for a "Bachelor of Science in IT: Software Emphasis" as per what WGU offers?
I ask these questions because I've never had an IT-related job, but have mostly taught myself the technologies and some of the theory (Big O notation, Data Structures, MIPS Assembly, etc.) over the years. Can someone truly get a good job without a CS degree behind them?
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I admit I'm naive.
I honestly thought a BS:IT (Software Development) wouldn't be all that different from a BS in Computer Science (Software Engineering), considering that people in both areas end up doing what they love: programming. Or can they? Is WGU a big mistake for programmers?
Bottom line, I've been working through the WGU Software Emphasis program, and was surprised how simple the material has been. 35 CUs in one term was sort of a challenge only because I took so many in a single term. I need bigger challenges than that, if only for my sanity.
It is not my intention to sound condescending, but isn't it somewhat unfair to the people who do get CS degrees if we can get an equivalent job without struggling with the theory? Wouldn't we who only get BS:IT degrees be looked upon by our co-workers as "not true programmers"?
I ask this because being able to eschew Calculus, Discrete Mathematics, Statistics, Assembly Language, Computer Architecture, etc. and somehow land the same job (or at least a similar job) as someone who did take those classes also seems hard to believe... and I would like direction on whether or not it is wiser (not just for me, but for anyone else here at WGU wishing to develop software applications for a living) to transfer to a full-on CS program?
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Lastly, employers will often list "Computer Science or related degree" on their job requirements. So here is my main question: Do employers honestly hire people with a BS:IT;SE degree when they ask for "Computer Science or related degree"?
Here are some job listings that make it hard to know "where to draw the line," i.e., whether or not someone with a WGU:Software degree could apply or not.
Examples:
Careers
https://careers-sage.icims.com/jobs/8082/web-developer-ruby-on-rails-saas%2c-html%2c-css%2c-javascript%2c-jquery/job?mode=job&iis=Internet/Job+Board+(Specify+Job+Board+below)&iisn=Indeed.com
More examples:Computer Science or Related Jobs, Employment | Indeed.com
The more I look at positions out there, the more I see "Computer Science Degree" being a requirement. How come virtually no employers simply ask for a "Bachelor of Science in IT: Software Emphasis" as per what WGU offers?
I ask these questions because I've never had an IT-related job, but have mostly taught myself the technologies and some of the theory (Big O notation, Data Structures, MIPS Assembly, etc.) over the years. Can someone truly get a good job without a CS degree behind them?
----
I admit I'm naive.
I honestly thought a BS:IT (Software Development) wouldn't be all that different from a BS in Computer Science (Software Engineering), considering that people in both areas end up doing what they love: programming. Or can they? Is WGU a big mistake for programmers?
Bottom line, I've been working through the WGU Software Emphasis program, and was surprised how simple the material has been. 35 CUs in one term was sort of a challenge only because I took so many in a single term. I need bigger challenges than that, if only for my sanity.
It is not my intention to sound condescending, but isn't it somewhat unfair to the people who do get CS degrees if we can get an equivalent job without struggling with the theory? Wouldn't we who only get BS:IT degrees be looked upon by our co-workers as "not true programmers"?
I ask this because being able to eschew Calculus, Discrete Mathematics, Statistics, Assembly Language, Computer Architecture, etc. and somehow land the same job (or at least a similar job) as someone who did take those classes also seems hard to believe... and I would like direction on whether or not it is wiser (not just for me, but for anyone else here at WGU wishing to develop software applications for a living) to transfer to a full-on CS program?
----
Lastly, employers will often list "Computer Science or related degree" on their job requirements. So here is my main question: Do employers honestly hire people with a BS:IT;SE degree when they ask for "Computer Science or related degree"?
Here are some job listings that make it hard to know "where to draw the line," i.e., whether or not someone with a WGU:Software degree could apply or not.
Examples:
Careers
https://careers-sage.icims.com/jobs/8082/web-developer-ruby-on-rails-saas%2c-html%2c-css%2c-javascript%2c-jquery/job?mode=job&iis=Internet/Job+Board+(Specify+Job+Board+below)&iisn=Indeed.com
More examples:Computer Science or Related Jobs, Employment | Indeed.com