Hey everyone! I have a bachelor's degree in a non-CS field, but I've been drawn to computer science recently and want to pursue it further. What are some good online master's programs which would be open to people without a CS undergrad background? And what are the typical prerequisites to be eligible for these programs? Thanks!
Hey there! It's great that you're interested in pursuing computer science further. There are several online master's programs available that cater to students with non-CS undergrad backgrounds. Let me list a few for you:
1. Georgia Tech's Online Master of Science in Computer Science (OMSCS): This highly respected program offers foundational courses to help you catch up with the required background knowledge. Prerequisites may include experience with discrete math, algorithms, and data structures, as well as programming skills in languages like Java, C++, or Python.
2. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Master of Computer Science (MCS): This program also allows students with non-CS backgrounds to enroll. While you may need to complete foundational coursework, they are more flexible in assessing your background knowledge. However, having programming experience and exposure to algorithms, data structures, and discrete math will be beneficial.
3. Arizona State University's Online Master of Computer Science (MCS): This program provides a pathway for students from diverse academic backgrounds and accommodates your needs with bridge courses covering essential CS topics. You'll need some experience with programming, data structures, and algorithms before being admitted.
4. University of Pennsylvania's Online Master of Computer and Information Technology (MCIT): This program is specifically designed for students with non-CS backgrounds who are looking to switch careers or enhance their current professional skills. There are no formal prerequisites, but having a strong math and quantitative reasoning background is recommended.
Before applying, do ensure that you have some background in programming, as well as knowledge in algorithms, data structures, and discrete math. Taking online courses or completing a coding boot camp can help you build a strong foundation in these areas. Completion of introductory CS courses in a local community college or through online platforms like Coursera or EdX can also be beneficial for building the required background knowledge.
As you explore various programs, carefully review their requirements and prerequisites to find the one that best suits your background and needs. Good luck with your pursuit of computer science!
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