Changing career to software development?

[Chankosumo]

MSCS at UC Boulder is $15k and 24 months or about 2 years, I've mentioned a few Applied Computer Science degrees for a bit cheaper from lesser known state universities that are around 11K total and just 1 year in length.  Essentially Applied Computer Science degrees at the Masters level bridge both students who are non-technical or have no experience.  As again, not many people need a degree specifically in that field to get into Coding, Data Analytics, IT or whatever else.

I just feel like I’d have a better chance at getting a job if I had a more technical undergrad over a liberal arts BA. On the other hand I could bust my butt learning to code now, get a job sooner and worry about a degree later.

That's what the MS Applied Computer Science does, as I mentioned, it bridges the gap for people who have a non-technical degree or have no experience with coding, etc.  These type of masters are basically the fourth year of a bachelors and first year of a masters combined into one year, and a second year of extras to customize it to the students concentration of choice (where you get your specific specialty if you wanted to go into IT, Software Engineering, whatever)

Could you please share more about this MS in Applied Computer Science? There is very little I can find online. Has any forum member ever completed this program and what is the feedback? 
Thanks.

[davewill]

If you're able to find work as a developer, then I think I'd concentrate on that for a few years. If you have enough experience, you can likely get admitted to one of these master's programs. If you find you are having trouble getting hired, then I'd probably look to the TESU BACS. While it's a bit more expensive than a couple of the other choices, someone who already has a bachelor's and is able to quickly master the CS coursework, could earn it fairly rapidly.

[origamishuttle]

Considering I already have a non-marketable Political Science degree from UMPI, what do you think would be the path of least resistance for breaking into software engineering...

You may be surprised by how many doors you've opened by just getting a degree. If I were in your position, I would focus on building my portfolio, getting any/all software development experience you can, and networking, both to learn about various positions available and, hopefully, to land your first job. You can also enroll at TESU and put the BACS on your resume as in-progress, but I would make it the lowest priority.

[bjcheung77]

Could you please share more about this MS in Applied Computer Science? There is very little I can find online. Has any forum member ever completed this program and what is the feedback? 
Thanks.

You can review these links from this post and for extra review, read the entire thread: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...#pid390874

[LevelUP]

Some Common Mistakes Software Developers Make

1. Stuck in the Basics
Learning that is a mile wide and an inch deep.

2. Skipping Projects
Start with small projects that can be completed in a few hours to a day. Later, work on more complex projects that would be beneficial to showcase in your portfolio.

3. Forgetting about Interviews
You need to know how to succeed in interviews.

[Jwheels27]

Considering I already have a non-marketable Political Science degree from UMPI, what do you think would be the path of least resistance for breaking into software engineering...

You may be surprised by how many doors you've opened by just getting a degree. If I were in your position, I would focus on building my portfolio, getting any/all software development experience you can, and networking, both to learn about various positions available and, hopefully, to land your first job. You can also enroll at TESU and put the BACS on your resume as in-progress, but I would make it the lowest priority.

Hey I appreciate the reminder. I think sometimes I overlook my degree because it’s considered “liberal arts” and not STEM. Sometimes I need the reminder that just having a degree checks the box and can get you through the HR gatekeepers, experience/projects are what really matter!

---

Some Common Mistakes Software Developers Make

1. Stuck in the Basics
Learning that is a mile wide and an inch deep.

2. Skipping Projects
Start with small projects that can be completed in a few hours to a day. Later, work on more complex projects that would be beneficial to showcase in your portfolio.

3. Forgetting about Interviews
You need to know how to succeed in interviews.

Thank you for the great advice! I’ll keep all of it in mind! I think 3 is more important than most developers want to admit. Soft skills matter

[Jwheels27]

If you're able to find work as a developer, then I think I'd concentrate on that for a few years. If you have enough experience, you can likely get admitted to one of these master's programs. If you find you are having trouble getting hired, then I'd probably look to the TESU BACS. While it's a bit more expensive than a couple of the other choices, someone who already has a bachelor's and is able to quickly master the CS coursework, could earn it fairly rapidly.

I take it the TESU BACS must be the easiest route to go with a previous bachelors? Must be faster than WGU’s BSCS or BSSE

[rachel83az]

If you're able to find work as a developer, then I think I'd concentrate on that for a few years. If you have enough experience, you can likely get admitted to one of these master's programs. If you find you are having trouble getting hired, then I'd probably look to the TESU BACS. While it's a bit more expensive than a couple of the other choices, someone who already has a bachelor's and is able to quickly master the CS coursework, could earn it fairly rapidly.

I take it the TESU BACS must be the easiest route to go with a previous bachelors? Must be faster than WGU’s BSCS or BSSE

Yes, because there are only a handful of courses that need to be completed for a second CS degree from TESU. Gen eds and electives are waived, leaving only the AOS. Meanwhile, WGU only waives the gen eds; there are no electives. You're essentially starting from scratch at WGU compared to TESU.

[Jwheels27]

If you're able to find work as a developer, then I think I'd concentrate on that for a few years. If you have enough experience, you can likely get admitted to one of these master's programs. If you find you are having trouble getting hired, then I'd probably look to the TESU BACS. While it's a bit more expensive than a couple of the other choices, someone who already has a bachelor's and is able to quickly master the CS coursework, could earn it fairly rapidly.

I take it the TESU BACS must be the easiest route to go with a previous bachelors? Must be faster than WGU’s BSCS or BSSE

Yes, because there are only a handful of courses that need to be completed for a second CS degree from TESU. Gen eds and electives are waived, leaving only the AOS. Meanwhile, WGU only waives the gen eds; there are no electives. You're essentially starting from scratch at WGU compared to TESU.

Sounds like TESU is the fastest route for sure! Though I do like WGU’s Software Engineering degree, far less math 

[Jwheels27]

If you're able to find work as a developer, then I think I'd concentrate on that for a few years. If you have enough experience, you can likely get admitted to one of these master's programs. If you find you are having trouble getting hired, then I'd probably look to the TESU BACS. While it's a bit more expensive than a couple of the other choices, someone who already has a bachelor's and is able to quickly master the CS coursework, could earn it fairly rapidly.

I take it the TESU BACS must be the easiest route to go with a previous bachelors? Must be faster than WGU’s BSCS or BSSE

Yes, because there are only a handful of courses that need to be completed for a second CS degree from TESU. Gen eds and electives are waived, leaving only the AOS. Meanwhile, WGU only waives the gen eds; there are no electives. You're essentially starting from scratch at WGU compared to TESU.

I should’ve asked you this in my last comment. What did you mean by only a “handful” of courses. I was looking at the wiki degree plan for the BACS from TESU, so would I essentially just have to follow that step by step? I read on another thread I found that it’s only 24 credits for a second bachelors at TESU. I guess what I’m asking is, how does my first bachelors affect the degree plan?