HACKER Q&A
📣 throw11092019

Should I Go for an MS in Computer Science? Having Doubts


Background: I have a BS in Computer Science (graduated Spring 2018) but have been out of a job for a few months now. I'm in my early twenties, US citizen and have no debt whatsoever.

I got accepted into a few master's programs, but now that I need to make a decision, I'm questioning myself whether I really should be going for this. It seems like a lot of people in the industry are against getting a master's degree as it can be expensive and of questionable value. As for myself, I have a few reasons that are motivating me:

1. Better employment opportunities outside of web development work: I am aware that some positions e.g. AI, ML are pretty much restricted to those with master's or PhDs.

2. My undergraduate school was not the best in terms of education, and I would like to learn from a much better institution. Ideally, I would also assist with some research should my schedule permit it.

3. Self-interest: I enjoy computer science and would love to go deeper into several sub-fields (will likely do a thesis).

4. Reputation / family: Growing up, my family did not really put much emphasis on education and intellectual curiosity, nor were they themselves relatively educated. I'd like to be one of the very few in my family to hold an advanced degree. It's almost like a challenge to myself to see how much I can grow from my circumstances and previous self.

So, HN, what's your take on this? Should I pull the trigger and go to grad school?


  👤 drallison Accepted Answer ✓
I would suggest that you do the Masters degree at a quality recognized institution. (full disclosure: I teach at a major university.) Undergraduate computer science cannot cover the range of topics which one skilled in the computer arts needs to know. Also, read your own post--it is pretty clear what you want the decision to be.