Hi folks
Recently I’ve been thinking about pursuing master’s degree program. I’m particularly interested in computer science or software systems engineering.
I’m posting this thread as I’m not really sure where to start, and I’m really looking to get some advice and help.
Please allow me to provide a bit of my background info, please bear with me as this is quite lengthy.
I graduated in 2011 with a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from University of Maryland College Park, with ‘almost’ 3.5 gpa (3.445 to be precise … so it is technically 3.4). At first my major was aerospace engineering, but then I switched to mechanical engineering in my sophomore year. But ever since I took Robotics class in my senior year my interest changed from mechanical things to computer programming and systems. After I graduated I worked in the Robotics lab for about 8 months, the work involved doing proof of concept testing and programming for a small autonomous ground vehicle.
I really loved the work but I ended up getting a job in large IT consulting firm where I stayed for about 3 years. Then recently I moved to New York to work for a different company, basically similar IT position involving IT operation and a bit of system automation using python.
Given this background and current situation, I’d like to get your thoughts on whether I should pursue MS degree in computer science, without thesis.
My only option will be evening or online classes since I’ll be working during the day (I usually get off around 5 or 6pm).
I want to stay in industry but want to gain more knowledge and learn new things, which can hopefully help me grow both intellectually and professionally.
Since I’m in New York, I was looking at colleges like Columbia, NYU, and etc.
First of all, do I stand a chance at these schools for graduate programs (MS without thesis in Computer science or software systems) ?
Secondly, is it worth doing online/evening classes for MS program?
I’d really love to hear your thoughts and appreciate any advice on this matter
Thanks
James
