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>But if I did want to actually learn something, say by pursuing education at the graduate level, I have to get that credential rubber-stamping my existing knowl

>But if I did want to actually learn something, say by pursuing education at the graduate level, I have to get that credential rubber-stamping my existing knowledge. Most universities will let you audit a course, even graduate courses (if you can convince the professor you have experience in the area) just by paying a fee for that one class. You don't need a credential to do this.

giraffe_lady 5y ago
I also didn't go to college but did a pretty solid set of online CS and math classes while working as a software developer. I'd love to get a masters degree, and it would benefit my career quite a lot. Auditing classes is fine¹ but probably not enough value for me on its own to be worth the time and opportunity cost. I'd want the degree and I'm fairly sure I have the skills and knowledge to begin a CS masters. But I can't get one without doing a BS first, which makes it overall just not worth the effort. ¹ Actually is it? I hear this recommended a lot but I don't know anyone who has audited a university course while not being a student. I tried it once at my local state school but it was an amazingly complex process to get signed up, and then I was told I could have a slot if there was ever an open one. There never was.
- triyambakam 5y ago
  > and it would benefit my career quite a lot. How? I have quite a few colleagues with Master's in CS who are no more competent or well paid than me with no degree at all.
- barry-cotter 5y ago
  > But I can't get one without doing a BS first, which makes it overall just not worth the effort. Oxford Software Engineering and Coursera Colorado Electrical Engineering will take people without Bachelor’s.
- prewett 5y ago
  1: don't go through the administration, that will be a hassle. Just ask the professor if you can sit in on the class, and if they say you can (which they probably will if there are empty seats), do so.

giraffe_lady 5y ago

I also didn't go to college but did a pretty solid set of online CS and math classes while working as a software developer. I'd love to get a masters degree, and it would benefit my career quite a lot. Auditing classes is fine¹ but probably not enough value for me on its own to be worth the time and opportunity cost. I'd want the degree and I'm fairly sure I have the skills and knowledge to begin a CS masters. But I can't get one without doing a BS first, which makes it overall just not worth the effort. ¹ Actually is it? I hear this recommended a lot but I don't know anyone who has audited a university course while not being a student. I tried it once at my local state school but it was an amazingly complex process to get signed up, and then I was told I could have a slot if there was ever an open one. There never was.

triyambakam 5y ago
> and it would benefit my career quite a lot. How? I have quite a few colleagues with Master's in CS who are no more competent or well paid than me with no degree at all.
barry-cotter 5y ago
> But I can't get one without doing a BS first, which makes it overall just not worth the effort. Oxford Software Engineering and Coursera Colorado Electrical Engineering will take people without Bachelor’s.
prewett 5y ago
1: don't go through the administration, that will be a hassle. Just ask the professor if you can sit in on the class, and if they say you can (which they probably will if there are empty seats), do so.