Masters after TESU BA in Computer Science

[msa145]

Hi there everyone, 

It has been a while since I haven't been active on the forum. I have been working towards finishing my BA in Computer Science. I wanted to ask fellow members about the chance of being admitted to a reputable computer science master's degree after the BA. Also, can you recommend some Master's programs to which I can get admission after graduating from TESU?

Thank you.

[dfrecore]

Your best bet, if you want to go to a "reputable" school for a master's degree in anything - find out what they want, and then make sure you give that to them. So, if you look at 5 schools, and all of them want a 3.5 GPA, you're going to need sure you have a 3.5. If you look and one wants 30 graded credits and 4 want 60 graded credits, I'd get 60 graded credits.

My best advice here: begin with the end in mind. So look at your ultimate goal and then go about doing the things that you need to make that goal happen.

[fmsoa]

I was accepted by both MS CS programs at Georgia Tech and Illinois with a BA Math from TESU. A caveat being I did earn an engineering degree from a "traditional" brick-and-mortar college but it was 15 years ago. The purpose of this TESU degree is to show that I am STEM-current. Choosing BA Math over BA CS was simply because I only need to take one class (LIB-495) for my BA Math degree and don't mind paying the residency waiver as my employer reimbursed all other tuition expenses

[davewill]

One thing to remember is that your application is a package. What school you attended is only one factor. Your GPA, work experience, essays, and recommendation letters all weigh in.

[msa145]

Thanks for the input, guys. I have seen some get admission into Georgia Tech, including @dfrecore and
https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...line-OMSCS

How many graded credits does Georgia Tech require? I am currently planning to do 30 graded credits for my BA. I have some working experience and community service / startup that help kids learn how to code, which might be an advantage in my portfolio.

[dfrecore]

Thanks for the input, guys. I  have seen some get admission into Georgia Tech, including @dfrecore and
https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...line-OMSCS

How many graded credits does Georgia Tech require? I am currently planning to do 30 graded credits for my BA. I have some working experience and community  service / startup that help kids learn how to code, which might be an advantage in my portfolio.

I absolutely have not gotten into GT, as I was a SAHM for 20 years and got my degree in business - so not sure where you got that info.  But I've never claimed it (nor have I ever WANTED to do such a thing).

[msa145]

My bad, apologies. I wanted to tag @fmsoa . He mentioned above that he got accepted.

[MNomadic]

To my knowledge, Georgia Tech's OMSCS, while being a very reputable program, is pretty relaxed on admissions requirements. I've seen a LOT of WGU grads gain acceptance with zero graded credits. Don't get me wrong, IMO it's worth it to take steps to be more "competitive" like getting a high GPA with graded credits, but I wouldn't stress it too much. I've also seen a good amount of people with minimal CS backgrounds get in(as long as they displayed the necessary skills in other ways like work experience or moocs).

Another strong but inexpensive program to consider would be UT Austin's MSCS or if you want something tech focused but differently targeted, GT also has inexpensive online programs in in cybersecurity and data analytics.

[fmsoa]

Thanks for the input, guys. I  have seen some get admission into Georgia Tech, including @dfrecore and
https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...line-OMSCS

How many graded credits does Georgia Tech require? I am currently planning to do 30 graded credits for my BA. I have some working experience and community  service / startup that help kids learn how to code, which might be an advantage in my portfolio.

30 graded credits look good, but for me the most important is what courses you take for grades. Data Structures, Algorithm Analysis, Java programming, Python programming, Operating Systems, Computer Architecture, Software Engineering, Linear Programming, and AI are concepts you can't get by with SDC or some other easy ways out. The average for GT's Graduate Algorithms and Machine Learning classes are in the low 50s, I've known some students retook and re-dropped those courses and eventually quit the program for good. TESU does not offer any algorithm analysis above the basic data structures course, you might want to take a course or two from Oregon State, Colorado State, or Florida to get yourself prepared.

[jsd]

The average for GT's Graduate Algorithms and Machine Learning classes are in the low 50s

I agree with your overall point, but just wanted to point out that this is a bit misleading without context:

50%-70% in the Graduate Algorithms course equates to a C for that particular course, so it's not that unusual that students in a harder course average a C grade.

I don't know the scoring breakdown for ML, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's similar.