Ask HN: Is a Master's in CS worth it?

#1

Post by Karsteski » Tue, Mar 09, 2021, 11:39 PM UTC

So I'm currently a chemist with a B.Sc. in Chemistry. I've been programming as a hobby for ~2 years now. I started off with Arduino, realized I knew absolutely nothing, then went down the rabbit hole by learning how to code in C++, followed by Python with some SQL. I've written some hobby projects for my portfolio but nothing too special or difficult.

I've gotten a few software developer interviews through networking, but ultimately nothing has come of it. I still feel like I know nothing. I am very much interested in software engineering, focusing on the Virtual Reality field. I'm only now looking to start learning about GPU programming, and graphics in general. Hopefully in a few years I'll be able to start my own business related to this field, but that's an aside.

Given that background and my goals, does it make sense for me to do my M.Sc. in CS? I recognize that there are other options but bootcamps seem to mainly focus on web development, which I have zero interest in. Similarly there are college programs that I can take, but I'm not too sure about those... It would be nice to hear from someone that has attended a CS/SE program in Ontario. The M.Sc. would probably take ~3 years as I'd have to take some undergraduate CS courses as well.

Note that I live in Ontario, Canada. I'm currently on a work permit but I've applied for PR which will come sometime in the next 12-18 months. I was an international student and I'd rather not pay international fees again, so I would wait until I actually got PR to attend university.

Any feedback welcome, thanks in advance :)

Re: Ask HN: Is a Master's in CS worth it?

#2

Post by forgotmysn » Wed, Mar 10, 2021, 12:22 AM UTC

a masters in CS would probably help if its from a brand name school - Waterloo, Harvard, MIT, Stanford, etc.

Otherwise, you're probably better off working on side projects and contributing to open source projects to develop your resume.

Re: Ask HN: Is a Master's in CS worth it?

#3

Post by yuppie_scum » Wed, Mar 10, 2021, 12:30 AM UTC

Frankly, no. Sharpen your skills via YouTube and Udemy for a fraction of the cost and time commitment. Get an entry level job, hone your skills more, and you,, be off to the races.

We just hired a fresh graduate for 80k a year.

Re: Ask HN: Is a Master's in CS worth it?

#4

Post by giantg2 » Wed, Mar 10, 2021, 12:36 AM UTC

I have one and it hasn't really helped me.

Re: Ask HN: Is a Master's in CS worth it?

#5

Post by gltchkrft » Wed, Mar 10, 2021, 1:10 AM UTC

It can be worth it if you use your time wisely. Think about a good topic for a final project and start working on it. Taking the time to do a large scale project and gain experience can definitely make a difference. I know that my final project had a lot to do with me getting hired in a different industry, so it can be really useful for that. Also, if you ever need to emigrate to a country with a more restrictive visa system, having a MSc. can be a factor.

See if you can work part-time (in the industry, web development or something that's still programming, but not necessarily your desired area) while enrolled. Then you don't take that much of a hit for starting your career later and you still get the benefits of having the degree. You don't have to maximize your test scores, focus on the final project and your work and put in just enough effort to pass.

Re: Ask HN: Is a Master's in CS worth it?

#6

Post by isubasinghe » Wed, Mar 10, 2021, 1:14 AM UTC

I'm going to go against what the majority of people have said here at this point in time. I am currently undertaking a Masters and I love it.

Each subject is like a small window into a deep research area.

I've become aware of TLA+, Paxos, Raft, distributed algorithms in general, branchless programming, how to implement various compiler optimizations, etc. I'm okay within these fields, I still have a lot to learn, as I said before the subjects have only been windows into much deeper fields/topics.

I'm not saying that you wont eventually come across these things without a Masters but it helps accelerate the time it takes.

I can gladly say that my programming skills have increased substantially as a result of my Masters.

For you, I cannot give any specific advice unfortunately, since I do not have that much knowledge on GPU programming. I know enough that that field is quite math heavy.

I hope this helps in making a more informed decision. Feel free to ask me any other questions.

My experience is at the University of Melbourne in Australia.

Re: Ask HN: Is a Master's in CS worth it?

#7

Post by anta40 » Wed, Mar 10, 2021, 1:19 AM UTC

Are you interested in academic work/research? If yes, I think a M.Sc suits you. And perhaps continue till you get a PhD.

If not, hmm probably not. You can learn most of practical knowledge via Udemy/Coursera/YouTube etc these days. And by books as well. I assume taking a M.Sc is not cheap, as well.

I know some people take M.Sc not because their jobs require graduate degree, or so they can brag "hey I have a master degree in bla bla bla". No. They simply enjoy the learning process, having their mind challenged. More power to them :)

Re: Ask HN: Is a Master's in CS worth it?

#8

Post by chunkles » Wed, Mar 10, 2021, 1:37 AM UTC

I have a bachelor's and masters in mechanical engineering and currently have a software engineering role that I've been in for 5 years. Since July 2019 I have been applying to entry level, mid-level and senior positions trying for a new role. I've had 3 interviews out of 170 applications.

Because of this, I've applied to a master's program for computer science because it seems to me that my lack of a CS degree is holding me back. I have degrees and work experience, but no one wants to hire me. Just my personal experience not having a CS degree at all.

Re: Ask HN: Is a Master's in CS worth it?

#9

Post by the_only_law » Wed, Mar 10, 2021, 1:40 AM UTC

chunkles wrote: post #8

I have a bachelor's and masters in mechanical engineering and currently have a software engineering role that I've been in for 5 years. Since July 2019 I have been applying to entry level, mid-level and senior positions trying for a new role. I've had 3 interviews out of 170 applications. Because of this, I've applied to a master's program for computer science because it seems to me that my lack of a CS degree is hol…

Eh, I'm not going to tell you not to get a Master's, there's sure as hell some cool programs I've sen out there personally.

But the entry level can be hell, especially if you're mass applying. It can be a numbers game sometimes.

Re: Ask HN: Is a Master's in CS worth it?

#10

Post by rootusrootus » Wed, Mar 10, 2021, 1:43 AM UTC

I think it makes the most sense for someone whose undergrad degree is not in CS. Aside from that, I see it more of something you do for your own satisfaction rather than as a career boost.

I'm going to finish OMSCS this term, and while I'm pretty burnt out and ready for it to be over already, I do not regret the experience. I'll be proud of sticking with it and I'll definitely frame that piece of paper on my wall. I don't expect it to make a bit of difference in my career, honestly. But I knew that going in. I did it for me, not for an interviewer.