I got a bachelors degree in communications in 2004. It has been four years and I can only get administrative work. I can't get a masters degree because my GPA isn't high enough. I want to get an associates degree in computer science from a community college. I was wondering if this would be a waste of time? Would it be easier for me to get a computer science job with an associates degree because I already have a BA or do I need a BA in computer science to get a decent job?
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4 responses so far ↓
1 mwcritt // Jul 7, 2008
For the computer science degree you need to be good at math. If you are not, then this may not be the way to go. You might be better off pursuing an MBA. You can get a data processing job or entry level computer science job with the associates, but you may not like these any better than the administrative jobs you have had.
Something to think about, if you get an administrative job in the human resources or public relations department, you may eventually be able to use your communications background.
2 Jen // Jul 7, 2008
A lot of times it is easier to get a well paying, stable job with a Bachelors. Depending on where you want to go, you can get another Bachelors without having to take all the core courses (most schools will transfer in about 70 credits from your previous degree). It equals out that you would do about the same amount if you went for your associates (though you might actually do more…but only a few credits more). Call around to a couple of schools and see what their transfer policy on credits or go to their websites. With a little hunting, you'll find all the answers.
3 jungman59 // Jul 7, 2008
If you do a Associates in CS, you will probably only have to take a few pre-reqs and the core for the Associates. With that you will probably be able to at least make a lateral move to a computer related job because you've demonstrated to them that you are committed to the industry.
I would suggest committing past that to a undergrad degree to complete your education. You need that base to be able to advance in your career and to understand all the concepts and technology that you will encounter. Once again, since you already have a degree and some of the work will be out of the way from the Associates, the upper division classes will only take a couple of additional years and your company may help you with the expense.
Also, don't forget technical certifications such as Network Certifications, and Microsoft Specialist Certs, these can be learned through shorter courses and are often time just as valuable as your college education. Good luck!
4 LlamaZorz // Jul 7, 2008
It depends on what type of computer science you want to do. Programming, theoretical, systems, security, ,,,,etc…
CS degrees are hard to get, but that's because the material is hard. The entire curriculum for a B.S is not that long. My school is only requires 70+ credits, which is not much at all.
So I wouldn't recommend the associates, id just go for the degree, as its not to many more credits.
You need to know that CS is a degree in applied mathematics. You will need to be prepared to take real science(calculus based physics) and a lot of math, Calculus 1,2,3, Differential equations. Linear Algebra. and Calculus Based Probability.
I must also tell you that CS has the second highest drop out rate in the world, only second to Electrical Engineering.
BTW, you dont need a degree to program if thats what you want. There are plenty of folks who never graduate from hs and have top programming jobs. But they are that good.
If you GPA is low, go back and take a few classes over again. Maybe there are a few classes you did bad on, and if you were to get A's in them, you may dramatically raise your gpa, then apply to graduate school.
Good Luck.
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