Already a software engineer, degree worth it?

[Pats20]

Again. IMO If the op has the experience and desires a degree , why waste time and money on  a liberal studies degree when they already have  the knowledge to cruise through a cs degree ? Makes no sense to me.

Except that calculus isn't a "cruise" for many.  Most people in IT don't need a CompSci degree, which is quite different than an IT degree - CS is much more theoretical, while IT is much more hands-on.  But looking at TESU, someone decided a person getting a CS degree needs calculus but no actual science, while for some reason, getting an IT degree requires Physics I & II with labs or Chem I & II with labs.  There's not a real great reason for that as far as I can tell.  None of that makes any sense.

For many (most?), a BLS degree with tons of computer courses and credits for certs will be fine, as will a business degree, as will anything else.  My husband doesn't have a degree, but if he was to get one, it would NOT be a CS degree as that is not considered necessary in the area he works in (IT Sales - a degree in cybersecurity or cloud would be much more useful for him).  He said that it has literally NEVER been an issue.  If nobody cares about a degree, then there is no reason to get one in something you don't want to.  So if you WANT to get a CS degree, great, go ahead.  But if you have a burning passion for history, then for goodness sakes, get a history degree.  It will make you more interesting in job interviews.

Okay. A bs in cybersecurity than. Lol. I’m just saying why recommend a bals degree just because the op has software engineering experience and doesn’t need a bacs ( he/she apparently doesn’t need any degree. Its a personal thing for he/she).  The op as far as I know isn’t in IT. He/she is a software engineer. There’s a difference.  Your husband may very well not  pursue bacs and that’s his prerogative. I’d bet though you wont recommend a bals degree for him. So why recommend it for someone else in “IT” ?

[LevelUP]

Speaking of Calculus, Pat20, where are you at with Calculus?

Going from Algebra to Calculus is like trying to read Spanish text to trying to read Chinese characters.

You need a battle plan like you are going to war to get through Calculus. lol

[dfrecore]

Again. IMO If the op has the experience and desires a degree , why waste time and money on  a liberal studies degree when they already have  the knowledge to cruise through a cs degree ? Makes no sense to me.

Except that calculus isn't a "cruise" for many.  Most people in IT don't need a CompSci degree, which is quite different than an IT degree - CS is much more theoretical, while IT is much more hands-on.  But looking at TESU, someone decided a person getting a CS degree needs calculus but no actual science, while for some reason, getting an IT degree requires Physics I & II with labs or Chem I & II with labs.  There's not a real great reason for that as far as I can tell.  None of that makes any sense.

For many (most?), a BLS degree with tons of computer courses and credits for certs will be fine, as will a business degree, as will anything else.  My husband doesn't have a degree, but if he was to get one, it would NOT be a CS degree as that is not considered necessary in the area he works in (IT Sales - a degree in cybersecurity or cloud would be much more useful for him).  He said that it has literally NEVER been an issue.  If nobody cares about a degree, then there is no reason to get one in something you don't want to.  So if you WANT to get a CS degree, great, go ahead.  But if you have a burning passion for history, then for goodness sakes, get a history degree.  It will make you more interesting in job interviews.

Okay. A bs in cybersecurity than. Lol. I’m just saying why recommend a bals degree just because the op has software engineering experience and doesn’t need a bacs ( he/she apparently doesn’t need any degree. Its a personal thing for he/she).  The op as far as I know isn’t in IT. He/she is a software engineer. There’s a difference.  Your husband may very well not  pursue bacs and that’s his prerogative. I’d bet though you wont recommend a bals degree for him. So why recommend it for someone else in “IT” ?

I absolutely would advise him to get a BLS degree (thinking UMPI with MIS concentration/minor).  100%.  Since he doesn't NEED a degree, it would be for the same reason this person is getting one - just because.  Personal goals.  Whatever.  Check-the-box for a possible future job.  So I'd advise him to get the cheapest/easiest possible degree he can.

[Pats20]

Speaking of Calculus, Pat20, where are you at with Calculus?

Going from Algebra to Calculus is like trying to read Spanish text to trying to read Chinese characters.

You need a battle plan like you are going to war to get through Calculus. lol

I paused my study.com acct and I’ve been playing with Kahn academy for about a month. Funny you should ask because I followed your roundabout advice and registered with Straighterline this evening and bought the calc 1 course. I’m going to purchase the ti inspire tonight online. Wish me luck.

[posabsolute]

Sorry, I am a bit late to the game here, but I am also a software engineer that started his career with no degree and wanted to add my cents..

and you do you of course, but for your career, I certainly think there is a good value add to have a computer science bachelor. It can make a difference in multiple ways, from impressions to HR point-based systems. However, IMO, any other bachelor's degree won't help your career as a software engineer, besides maybe a management master's if you move to management in the future.

If it's only about personal goals, many options, it started this way for me too; I kind of sense there was a bit more behind the question! It's a lot of effort and money, especially if you get a bachelor's in an unrelated field; people won't look at you differently, so be sure it's what you want!

[Tedium]

As someone who has struggled with getting their degree since 2007, I do have some thoughts.

1) I don't think there will be a lot of value added to OP's career by any sort of degree. They are in a field like mine, Hospitality Management, where experience reigns supreme. I don't see them becoming unemployed due to a lack of a CS degree. It is possible that they may run into an employer down the line that insists on the requirement of a Bachelor's, but honestly, in this job market, what are the odds? Mayhap it is, mayhap it ain't. I'd wager that a strong batch of certifications and any sort of degree will take them where they need to go. I'd also wager they don't really need the degree. Just my opinion and it's not my future I'm gambling with here. OP should keep that in mind, and do what works best for them in the long run. Will a CS/LS/Whatever degree hurt them? I don't think so, unless it pulls money away from where it's needed more. Ten years from now those CS credits are going to be worth less than nothing, anyway. Keeping up to date with the latest certifications will do a lot more for them in the long run and keep them relevant.

2) From what OP has said, they are suffering from a motivation problem. If they're suffering from a motivation problem then it doesn't matter a tittle or a tat if the CS degree is best for them. They will drag their feet and have a miserable time. They may not even finish, wasting a lot of time and money.

So, the situation as I see it is this:

OP really does not want to sit through a lot of boring CS classes, which I understand, and so they might not be successfully complete the CS program. That would make the CS degree a bad call for them even if it might be the best for them down the road. So, we're left with two choices: degree in anything else interesting or no degree at all. My vote is that OP does not need a degree, but if they want to try and hedge future bets and get one anyway, they should get a degree in a subject that will actually interest them. An interesting subject will increase the chances of completion. A degree you finish is better than the one you don't. If I had learned that lesson sooner, I would have graduated in 2007.

Anyway, just my two cents. You fine folk carry on.

ETA: In regards to your existential crisis which my answer above didn’t adequately address: I have struggled with feelings of incompleteness and doubt since I dropped out of my first university in 2009. I spent a lot of time and money alternating between trying to make it work and telling myself I didn’t need to finish because I didn’t need the degree anymore once I fell into my hospitality career to make myself feel better about failing to achieve my goal. That’s no way to live.

You may not need the degree for your career, but if you just want to finish and grad school doesn’t matter then just get the damned thing done. Do it as cheaply, quickly, and painlessly as possible. Find a subject that won’t bore you to tears and knock it out. If it’s bothering you after all these years then it’s important to you. Knock it out, breath deep, and move on to the next chapter of your life knowing that you finally finished what you started.

That’s exactly what I’m doing. Liberal Studies will not help me with my hospitality career, but it’s very important that I finish. It’s important to my pride of accomplishment, but it’s also important that I be a good role model to my wife and two kids. My wife just started her academic career again because I wouldn’t shut up about mine. And college may not be right for my kids, but I want them to know the importance of perseverance and not letting anything keep you from fulfilling your dreams.

I’m finishing so I can sleep at night and I’m finishing for them. It’s important to me, just like it seems important to you, so just do it. Liberal Studies, CS, whatever. Just. Do. It.

Uncle Ted out!

[mahaganapati]

As someone who has struggled with getting their degree since 2007, I do have some thoughts.

1) I don't think there will be a lot of value added to OP's career by any sort of degree. They are in a field like mine, Hospitality Management, where experience reigns supreme. I don't see them becoming unemployed due to a lack of a CS degree. It is possible that they may run into an employer down the line that insists on the requirement of a Bachelor's, but honestly, in this job market, what are the odds? Mayhap it is, mayhap it ain't. I'd wager that a strong batch of certifications and any sort of degree will take them where they need to go. I'd also wager they don't really need the degree. Just my opinion and it's not my future I'm gambling with here. OP should keep that in mind, and do what works best for them in the long run. Will a CS/LS/Whatever degree hurt them? I don't think so, unless it pulls money away from where it's needed more. Ten years from now those CS credits are going to be worth less than nothing, anyway. Keeping up to date with the latest certifications will do a lot more for them in the long run and keep them relevant.

2) From what OP has said, they are suffering from a motivation problem. If they're suffering from a motivation problem then it doesn't matter a tittle or a tat if the CS degree is best for them. They will drag their feet and have a miserable time. They may not even finish, wasting a lot of time and money.

So, the situation as I see it is this:

OP really does not want to sit through a lot of boring CS classes, which I understand, and so they might not be successfully complete the CS program. That would make the CS degree a bad call for them even if it might be the best for them down the road. So, we're left with two choices: degree in anything else interesting or no degree at all. My vote is that OP does not need a degree, but if they want to try and hedge future bets and get one anyway, they should get a degree in a subject that will actually interest them. An interesting subject will increase the chances of completion. A degree you finish is better than the one you don't. If I had learned that lesson sooner, I would have graduated in 2007.

Anyway, just my two cents. You fine folk carry on.

ETA: In regards to your existential crisis which my answer above didn’t adequately address: I have struggled with feelings of incompleteness and doubt since I dropped out of my first university in 2009. I spent a lot of time and money alternating between trying to make it work and telling myself I didn’t need to finish because I didn’t need the degree anymore once I fell into my hospitality career to make myself feel better about failing to achieve my goal. That’s no way to live.

You may not need the degree for your career, but if you just want to finish and grad school doesn’t matter then just get the damned thing done. Do it as cheaply, quickly, and painlessly as possible. Find a subject that won’t bore you to tears and knock it out. If it’s bothering you after all these years then it’s important to you. Knock it out, breath deep, and move on to the next chapter of your life knowing that you finally finished what you started.

That’s exactly what I’m doing. Liberal Studies will not help me with my hospitality career, but it’s very important that I finish. It’s important to my pride of accomplishment, but it’s also important that I be a good role model to my wife and two kids. My wife just started her academic career again because I wouldn’t shut up about mine. And college may not be right for my kids, but I want them to know the importance of perseverance and not letting anything keep you from fulfilling your dreams.

I’m finishing so I can sleep at night and I’m finishing for them. It’s important to me, just like it seems important to you, so just do it. Liberal Studies, CS, whatever. Just. Do. It.

Uncle Ted out!

Thanks very much for your thoughtful and detailed reply. Your own story very closely relates to mine as you point out - that it's an internal confidence and motivational problem. I appreciate your perspective, that's very helpful!

[davewill]

...

So, the situation as I see it is this:

OP really does not want to sit through a lot of boring CS classes, which I understand, and so they might not be successfully complete the CS program. That would make the CS degree a bad call for them even if it might be the best for them down the road. So, we're left with two choices: degree in anything else interesting or no degree at all. My vote is that OP does not need a degree, but if they want to try and hedge future bets and get one anyway, they should get a degree in a subject that will actually interest them. An interesting subject will increase the chances of completion. A degree you finish is better than the one you don't. If I had learned that lesson sooner, I would have graduated in 2007.

Anyway, just my two cents. You fine folk carry on.

...

All good points. I would point out that one of the reasons for using alternative credit the way we do is to accomodate other learning styles besides "sit[ting] through a lot of boring classes". If someone doesn't want to do that, they can opt for test-based or self-paced courses.

[ArielB74]

I was making a similar decision back at the end of 2020. I went to college right out of High School, but never finished. At this point, it makes absolutely no difference for my career or job prospects; I'm already a senior executive at a software company and I have over 20 years of experience. However, I decided that I'd really like to get an MBA; might help me break in to the C-level. The only way to do that is to finish the BA that I started so long ago... so, I decided on ASU, transferred in my credits, and I'm finishing it up this semester. I feel such a sense of accomplishment too - I never thought I'd earn a degree, but here I am, just a little over a month away (with a 4.0 GPA to boot).

My advice - just go for it, even if it's not going to make a difference in your career (and you never know, it might).

[mahaganapati]

I was making a similar decision back at the end of 2020.  I went to college right out of High School, but never finished.  At this point, it makes absolutely no difference for my career or job prospects; I'm already a senior executive at a software company and I have over 20 years of experience.  However, I decided that I'd really like to get an MBA; might help me break in to the C-level.  The only way to do that is to finish the BA that I started so long ago... so, I decided on ASU, transferred in my credits, and I'm finishing it up this semester.  I feel such a sense of accomplishment too - I never thought I'd earn a degree, but here I am, just a little over a month away (with a 4.0 GPA to boot).  

My advice - just go for it, even if it's not going to make a difference in your career (and you never know, it might).

That's awesome! How close were you to finishing already? ASU is a great school! And expensive!