BS in Computer Science and Math OR Masters in Computer Science?

Computer Science (BS) degrees used to be a mini-engineering degree back in the 80s and 90s but now they lead to largely dead-end programming or IT support type jobs. Most employers care more about certifications to be honest and covering their rear ends with HR in case something goes wrong. So it comes down to what you want to do with the degree in the end.

  • If you want to program or do infrastructure type jobs, You can get any degree at all and add certs. Math is a good catch-all since it shows high analytical skills and is useful when you want to eventually get another degree in technology, especially if you take physics 3 or 4 with the degree as that gets rid of most of the future core requirements.
  • If you want to be the manager someday or run your own firm, avoid CS and do something more business or IT management related. Add certs as required. This is a completely different career path than support, typically. IME, management in computers is a steel ceiling that is hard to breach once you start on the support/infrastructure path. If you do this, seriously consider getting a PMP certificate as well.
  • If you want to be more of a technologist and/or make/invent/fix things, go into math, physics, or engineering. Add some computer certs on top of that.

A masters if you want to teach is not a bad option. Still, it can set you apart from the other candidates and gives you a lot of career options/flexiblity later in life. The truth is, most places consider a Masters in just about anything as a litmus test to break into management, unless your initial path was in management.