4 ms·

Is a masters degree actually useful in any profession? Many of the CS/data science/machine learning masters programs I've seen are basically 2-year data structu

Is a masters degree actually useful in any profession? Many of the CS/data science/machine learning masters programs I've seen are basically 2-year data structures and algorithms programs with a few flashy-named electives thrown in, for people who already have a semi-technical bachelors. I work in engineering for a multibillion dollar industrial/IT company and we don't have any policy to give employees a raise if they get a masters. It's always seemed like a scam to me.

mrDmrTmrJ 5y ago
Two situations were it might make sense: 1) Person with non-programming stem degree who really learns a lot from what you describe. Basically a fancy 2nd bachelors. 2) Connections with jobs/employers. A good programmer from a 'no-name school' may struggle to find a good first job. Two years at Stanford's CS program and suddenly they'll have tons of offers. Not saying the 2nd case is 'fair' or 'good' - but it's super useful to the individual who goes in knowing what they're doing.
auto 5y ago
I’ve been a professional dev for a decade, full-stack, backend and database all the way down to firmware, which is where I sit now. I finished a two year online MS in Comp Sci. last year, and I often tell people it’s really a Master’s in Self-Discipline with a focus on CS. I definitely had primarily challenging classes, more so for the content amount and work expectations than understanding the material, but that’s to be expected with a program targeted at professionals. I went into getting it because I knew I had some holes in my knowledge, and I felt like I needed something to really stir up my career. I funded it entirely myself, to the tune of ~50k, but halfway through completion also switched companies for a ~30k raise. I can’t necessarily make an objective argument that it has paid for itself, as I might have been able to get the new job without it, but I without a doubt have a different level of self-confidence and time management discipline that I would not have without going through the program, especially considering my first-born came a month after that job switch, with 4 classes to go!
deleted 5y ago
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mrDmrTmrJ 5y ago

Two situations were it might make sense: 1) Person with non-programming stem degree who really learns a lot from what you describe. Basically a fancy 2nd bachelors. 2) Connections with jobs/employers. A good programmer from a 'no-name school' may struggle to find a good first job. Two years at Stanford's CS program and suddenly they'll have tons of offers. Not saying the 2nd case is 'fair' or 'good' - but it's super useful to the individual who goes in knowing what they're doing.

auto 5y ago

I’ve been a professional dev for a decade, full-stack, backend and database all the way down to firmware, which is where I sit now. I finished a two year online MS in Comp Sci. last year, and I often tell people it’s really a Master’s in Self-Discipline with a focus on CS. I definitely had primarily challenging classes, more so for the content amount and work expectations than understanding the material, but that’s to be expected with a program targeted at professionals. I went into getting it because I knew I had some holes in my knowledge, and I felt like I needed something to really stir up my career. I funded it entirely myself, to the tune of ~50k, but halfway through completion also switched companies for a ~30k raise. I can’t necessarily make an objective argument that it has paid for itself, as I might have been able to get the new job without it, but I without a doubt have a different level of self-confidence and time management discipline that I would not have without going through the program, especially considering my first-born came a month after that job switch, with 4 classes to go!

deleted 5y ago

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