Computer Science Masters programs for non-Computer Science majors?

Graduate School
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<p>I graduated last spring with a degree in philosophy. I got a job in market research and soon realized that this was not the career path for me. I did however discover that computer programming is something I really enjoy and I would like to pursue that as a career. Given my undergraduate background I cannot really compete in the computer science job market, and so I would like to get a masters to not only give me a shot at getting a job but also to expand my knowledge base. From looking at most programs however, a BS in computer is most often required or in the very least taking several semesters worth of classes over the course of a few years. I am taking a few programming classes right now but I would really like to get started with a CS program as soon as possible. Does anybody know of any programs that would be good for somebody in my position, either that accept non-CS majors, and/or have a catch up portion to get perquisites taken care of?</p>

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<p>Its more than the programming classes that are needed. You need the math, and natural sciences to go along with it. If you had a degree in Physics, then it wouldn’t be so bad off. </p>

<p>I would suggest that you go and get a 2nd degree. Philosophy and Computer Science are not related in any way, and regardless of the classes you take, when you apply to a MS program, your transcript will not be comprable to people with degrees in the sciences and engineering. It would be unlikely that a program would admit you, unless you get a degree in the subject, rather than take classes. I suggest that enroll in a community college, and get an Associates in Comp Sci, and transfer to a 4 year college and complete your degree. You can go at night.</p>

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<p>Look into IT programs. Many of them are basically undergraduate computer science majors in a Master’s degree format, structured so that they can be completed in <2 years of full-time study. Here’s one such program: <a href=“Master of Computer and Information Technology”>Master of Computer and Information Technology;

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<p>NOT TRUE!</p>

<p>One must be extremely cautious about “IT” degrees. The one you link to is rare in that it is fairly close to some of the courses one takes for an undergrad CS degree. Most IT degrees are about technology and business, not computer science; they’ll will get one nowhere in applying for an MS in CS, let alone a serious software engineering type of job.</p>

<p>For the OP, you might be able to get into a MS in CS without a CS undergrad degree, but you would have to have taken around 6-8 core CS courses already. If you’ve not taken a single course, you might as well do a second degree (BS), which would take 2 years.</p>

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<p>I agree with everyone here. With the amount of prerequisite classes you would need to take in order to apply for the MS, you would probably be ably to easily confer a second BS in CS, which would strengthen your application. Here is a list of prerequisite courses I found from the site of a local California State University (link: [General</a> Information](<a href=“http://www.csun.edu/~lorentz/gradprog/GeneralInfo.html]General”>General Information) ) </p>

<p>Units Course Number Course Title
4 Comp 110, 110L Introduction to Algorithms and Programming
4 Comp 182, 182L Data Structures and Program Design
4 Phil 230 Symbolic Logic I
10 Math 150A, B Mathematical Analysis I and II (Calculus)
3 Comp 222 Computer Organization
3 Comp 232 Concepts of Programming Languages
3 Comp 282 Advanced Data Structures
3 Math 326 Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics (Discrete Math)
3 Comp 310 Automata, Languages and Computation
4 Comp 322, 322L Introduction to Operating Systems and System Architecture
3 Comp 380, 380L Introduction to Software Engineering
3 Math 482 Combinatorial Algorithms
47 total units maximum</p>

<p>As you can see, once you complete all of these courses, you are basically getting a second degree.</p>

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<p>^ by the way, I’m kind of surprised at the lack of a requirement for linear algebra. You can usually count on having to take that class as well.</p>

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<p>I’m in absolutely the same boat as you.</p>

<p>Here are some of the California State Universities I applied to:</p>

<p>San Jose State University
CSU Northridge
CSU Long Beach
CSU Fullerton
CSU Los Angeles</p>

<p>These are other CSUs you can apply to; but, I didn’t because I didn’t feel like soliciting my professors for recommendations. -.-</p>

<p>San Francisco State University
CSU Dominguez Hills</p>

<p>These are the CSUs that I crossed out for whatever reason. I think a CS BS may be a prerequisite or they may not offer a MS in Comp Sci but I don’t want to say that in case I’m wrong:</p>

<p>CalPoly SLO
CalPoly Pomona</p>

<p>Humboldt State University</p>

<p>

The requirements across CSUs vary greatly. Some CSUs REQUIRE Linear Algebra. I know this because I’m in CC checking prerequisites.</p>

<p>Also, some require GRE and some do not. San Jose State, probably the best of the lot that will accept non-CS majors, wants non-Comp Sci majors to take the CS GRE but it isn’t mandatory.</p>

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<p>Look into CMU, they just launched a new program.

[CMU</a> launches new computer science masters program - Pittsburgh Business Times](<a href=“http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/blog/innovation/2011/10/cmu-launches-new-computer-science.html]CMU”>http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/blog/innovation/2011/10/cmu-launches-new-computer-science.html)</p>

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<p>SentimentGX4 and rock_on,
Did the two of you wind up getting accepted? I’m in the exact same situation as the two of you</p>