Computer Science Major

[Raion]

Is MBA the equivalent of what we refer to as "Masters Degree"? If so, I was planning on going down that road after my Bachelors degree.

What's my point in all this? simple. I love what I do now. I didn't like programming, didn't like surveying, so I kept at it until I got the job I wanted. Don't limit yourself to anything. Take whatever steps neccessary to aquire that job you really want. Career switching can be a good thing (IMO) if in the end, you like what you do for a living.

I actually might take you up on that advice. I'm usually that person who sets their mind and gets that done, then explores other possibilities. Question, I noticed you live in NJ, a lot of people I know in NJ have ended up in colleges in NY, if so, which one did you attend and how good/bad was it? (I don't want to pay out-of-state tuition)

[JohnHarten]

I am a current computer science major switching to computer network administration.

Like mentioned above, you better like reading is not an understatement, same with math. If you are not good in math, CS is not your thing (like me)

My introductory C++ class is a 750 page book. My next object oriented and data structure class has even more pages. It is not neccessary to be good at math, but it if you are looking at a software engineer, you best be at your best.

After my first C++ class i realized that being a programmer was not for me. Reading 150+ pages a chapter and having a different program due each week is not fun in my book. Not to mention trying to balance 4 more classes into my schedule.

If you are good at foreign languages then programming may grasp easier to you, because that is what it is.

Once you have a good understanding of the C++ or any other programming language you will know, because your english spelling sucks! haha

Conclusion is it all depends on what you want to do after you are done with college. No knowledge is wasted knowledge just remember that.

[Raion]

I am a current computer science major switching to computer network administration.

Like mentioned above, you better like reading is not an understatement, same with math. If you are not good in math, CS is not your thing (like me)

My introductory C++ class is a 750 page book. My next object oriented and data structure class has even more pages. It is not neccessary to be good at math, but it if you are looking at a software engineer, you best be at your best.

After my first C++ class i realized that being a programmer was not for me. Reading 150+ pages a chapter and having a different program due each week is not fun in my book. Not to mention trying to balance 4 more classes into my schedule.

If you are good at foreign languages then programming may grasp easier to you, because that is what it is.

Once you have a good understanding of the C++ or any other programming language you will know, because your english spelling sucks! haha

Conclusion is it all depends on what you want to do after you are done with college. No knowledge is wasted knowledge just remember that.

Well actually, I HATE reading. But wouldn't you agree that the reading would depend on the teaching method being used? In my Java Class, which is taught by a teacher who knows as much Java as I and is re-learning as we go along, and we're suppose to be reading but I grasp the content without reading much except the example program and reading for explanations. Might be a good time to mention that we just got into while loops since September...very frustrating, I want to learn this. I usually stay a step ahead of my teacher since I've had minor programming experience but understand the logic of it.

But yeah, I like hands on learning :-) But I think I could adjust to reading.

[kryptonic]

there deffinately is alot of reading. In every class i take (HTML-only because its required,Programming logics, and SQL) we have to read 1 chapter a week, do all the review questions and examples. Its alot of work but in the end it should pay off. Plus i only have to go to 1 lecture a week for each class and the rest of the time im sitting at a computer doing the work from those classes

[Evil Moo]

Well actually, I HATE reading. But wouldn't you agree that the reading would depend on the teaching method being used?

Make sure you research what your school offers in the realm of CS teachers then. Nearly all of my CS roomate's teachers are abhorant. Most seem to hate their job, and barely pay attention to any of the material that they teach and assign. Ironically, the school we go to is primarily a very good engineering school, where just about everyone has at least 1-2 levels of CS classes. Beware.

[Negative]

Is MBA the equivalent of what we refer to as "Masters Degree"? If so, I was planning on going down that road after my Bachelors degree.

An MBA is indeed a Master's degree (a Master's in Business Administration) - it is not an IT-related degree (although you'll probably do a fair share of IT), though (it is more a general management degree, and MBA's usually end up in accounting, HR,...). MBA simply is the most-recognized Master's program...

There are plenty of IT-related Master's programs - I'm finishing up my Bachelor's in CIS, and starting my MISM (Master of Information Systems Management) early next year, for example. My school also offers the Master of Network & Communications Management program when it comes to IT-related Master's programs - I assume that other school may offer different/more options.

[nihil]

Well, Negative is spot on, with one glaring exception (over here at least)..... HR!!!!!.............."Human Remains" is the prerogative of failed lawyers, not MBAs

It is a business and management qualification that is recognised across disciplines and understood by them. Finance, Sales, Marketing, Logistics, Manufacturing and so on................

It certainly has a better "shelf life" than a lot of specialist degrees in IT. In that respect it is more like a CPA or MD..................it will open doors long after you have gotten the bit of paper

I think you need to start thinking about what area of IT you want to go into. If you want to be a tecnical type in a software house, consultancy, computer hardware/software vendor etc. then a master's in a more technical IT area such as Negative has suggested would probably be your best route.

If you are more interested in business and management on the IT front, then the MBA will be your best bet. Once again as Negative has pointed out, it is one of the most widely recognised Master's Degrees.

As such it is highly portable, should you choose to make a change in career in later life

[chizra]

An MBA is indeed a Master's degree (a Master's in Business Administration) - it is not an IT-related degree (although you'll probably do a fair share of IT), though (it is more a general management degree, and MBA's usually end up in accounting, HR,...). MBA simply is the most-recognized Master's program...

There are plenty of IT-related Master's programs - I'm finishing up my Bachelor's in CIS, and starting my MISM (Master of Information Systems Management) early next year, for example. My school also offers the Master of Network & Communications Management program when it comes to IT-related Master's programs - I assume that other school may offer different/more options.

I'd say, an MBA can be quite helpful in IT as well. Please refer to the below link.

http://www.iimahd.ernet.in/placements_2006.html

Sector work experience-IT & Systems-26%

Educational experience-IT-4%

Engineering/Technology-75%!

New recruiters

Adobe Technologies, Dell Analytics, Oracle, Reach Technologies, Reliance Infocomm Limited and US Technologies. These are just a few pure IT companies. I''m sure there are recruiters from non-IT companies who would've no second thoughts about placing these guys in their IT dept.

Students placed by sector

Systems/It/ITES -16%

It would help you make sound business decisions, help in negotiations and give your overall resume a powerful boost.

Meanwhile, i feel that a master's in any computer science degree would just make your a better programmer, but what about the management panache which companies look for in a prospective employee. We have lot of computer engineering guys who have got trained in the best engineering colleges who turn to an MBA for improving their skill sets.

The IIM recruitment benchmark is keenly followed not just in india but across south east asia for the fat pay packets these students get offered and it is a well known brand in the corporate circles as a world class education provider.

If i'd a computer science degree, i'd go for an MBA rather than a masters in the same subject.

cheers

[Negative]

Meanwhile, i feel that a master's in any computer science degree would just make your a better programmer, but what about the management panache which companies look for in a prospective employee.

That's why I'm doing a Master's in Information Systems Management... The degree exists of a management core (the exact same management courses as for the MBA), a technology core, and elective courses depending on your chosen specialty (Information Security, Database Administration, Global Outsourcing Management, Project Management and a couple of others). The main difference between the MBA and the MISM is in those electives (MBA specialties are not IT-related - they are accounting, HR, marketing... that kind of stuff - so I don't see why, if you want to get into IT, you'd pick an MBA over MISM)

I don't think Raion is going to go to an Indian university anyway