The one attractive reason for pursuing a MS in compsci would be access to high-end equipment and the opportunity to work for people who were both (1) skilled in

The one attractive reason for pursuing a MS in compsci would be access to high-end equipment and the opportunity to work for people who were both (1) skilled in the use and theory of such equipment and (2) actually interested in serving as mentors for people just learning the ropes. Definitely a 'do your diligent research on the program you're interested in' situation, though, to see if that's the case. Having gone through one academic program (molecular bio/biochemistry at both BS and MS level), that was the real value, i.e. I was lucky enough to get and keep a undergrad job in a cutting-edge research laboratory and that really taught me more of real value than all my classes combined, and opened doors to future graduate research as well. Now I'm learning programming and compsci, having gotten a bit burnt out on underpaid lab tech work, and having gone through an intense year of school up through the basic data structures, algorithms, architecture and assembly, with networking and web programming on the side... kind of doubt that much more schooling of this type (online course work, etc.) will be all that beneficial. The cost factor alone is very off-putting. A two-year hands on program in cutting-edge robotics hardware and software development, though, that would be pretty worthwhile I think. P.S. Age isn't that relevant, I don't really feel any dumber now trying to learn new material and develop skills than I did in my early 20s. It's always an uphill struggle. Organization is much better now so that helps, and my mental flops don't seem noticeably different as far as I can tell.