Have a BS in non-CS field; would like an MS

[p***@comcast.net]

I have a BS degree in Telecommunications Management. I am thinking of
going back to school for an MS degree in Computer Science. Question:
Since I have not taken the math or programming requirements that an
undergrad would take, what would I need to do in order to enter into a
graduate program? Would I have to go back to school as an undergrad to
get a BS degree in CS?

[salil]

Similar to the problem I am facing (see my previous posting for
reference). I think if you are still from an engineering background
(any discipline), some of the make-up courses such as Maths courses
could be waived ... else ... you would essentially have to repeat most
of the courses again. It also depends on your specializiation in MS, if
you specialize in computer science, you need not take many electronics
and/or computer hardware courses.

For programming, if you could always display work experience (if any)
in the IT field, as a substitute.

[salil]

Similar to the problem I am facing (see my previous posting for
reference). I think if you are still from an engineering background
(any discipline), some of the make-up courses such as Maths courses
could be waived ... else ... you would essentially have to repeat most
of the courses again. It also depends on your specializiation in MS, if
you specialize in computer science, you need not take many electronics
and/or computer hardware courses.

For programming, you could always display work experience (if any) in
the IT field, as a substitute.

[George Chac]

Thank you for the reply Salil. I did not take any high level math,
electronics, or programming courses for my current BS, therefore I know
I will have to take them as a prerequisite to entering into an MS
program. What I am not too clear on is the best path to take. Should
I go back to school as an undergrad to get a BS in computer science, or
should I simply take the required courses at a community college
(junior college) before applying to an MS program.

[Randy]

Post by George Chac
Thank you for the reply Salil. I did not take any high level math,
electronics, or programming courses for my current BS, therefore I know
I will have to take them as a prerequisite to entering into an MS
program. What I am not too clear on is the best path to take. Should
I go back to school as an undergrad to get a BS in computer science, or
should I simply take the required courses at a community college
(junior college) before applying to an MS program.

MS programs in CS rarely specify math skills other than discrete math.
It's not at all unusual to have taken little or no calculus as part of
your BS, and then earn an MS in CS without taking any more math. But
each MSCS program varies, so check around to be sure.

In general, you should already know:

- discrete math
- intro data structures
- sequential and combinational logic (basic architecture)

And you'll need to be proficient in a programming language like C++ or
Java.

Of course, you can get these courses out of the way anywhere, like at
your local community college. That's what I did. I had a BS in zoology
before I began my MS program in computer science. The MS took me 2 1/2
years part time. It's definitely possible.

IMHO, do NOT bother earning a BS in CS. Here in the US, it's
unnecessary for admission to a MSCS program.

Randy

[George Chac]

Randy,

Thank you for the inspiring information. Where did you earn your MSCS?
Even though it might be possible to enter into a MSCS program without
the math prerequisites, I am not sure if I would want to earn an MS
without the math background and knowledge.

[Randy]

Post by George Chac
Randy,
Thank you for the inspiring information. Where did you earn your MSCS?

Johns Hopkins:

http://www.epp.jhu.edu/
http://www.epp.jhu.edu/05_06_catalog/cs.html

The second link describes the MSCS program's admission requirements.

Post by George Chac
Even though it might be possible to enter into a MSCS program without
the math prerequisites, I am not sure if I would want to earn an MS
without the math background and knowledge.

Probably wise. A lack of math skills will be an obstacle in learning
the more advanced CS topics which I have found often use use calculus,
for example:

- machine vision
- algorithmic analysis
- neural networks
- scientific/parallel computing
- advanced AI algorithms (ILP, learning, statistical approaches)
- digital signal processing
- performance modeling
- network queuing theory
etc

Randy