Thread: is a masters degree worth it?

Hey all I just started my first semester in grad school for Computer Science in aug. Seems to me that my excitement for graduate school that I had when I finished my undergrad has or is beginning to wear off lol. (As with many people I'm sure). That has got me interested in testing the career market and possibly leaving school. What I was noticing is there is not much difference in Computer Science jobs offering more with a masters than a bachelors. Seems I'm spending a large amount of money on something that may not matter much in the end. Am I looking in the wrong places for jobs? Where should I be looking? Or am I right in thinking that my masters will not matter much, or simply looking for a way out?

I would suggest you find a way to get experience while you are in school. I've heard in some cases that a masters degree with no industry experience makes you less hireable because they have to pay you more and you may not be able to perform much better than someone with a BS and experience.

If you're interested in earning good money in industry, than a masters is pointless. You can make good bucks with a Bachelors and climb the ladder in the 2 years it takes you to do a masters.

Entering industry with a masters will start you off at a higher pay level, but you shouldn't do it unless you're really interested.

I turned down two good paying jobs to start a masters in CS. I'm here because I like it, if I wanted to make money, I'd be in industry. My situation seems to be a little different than yours though, I get payed enough to cover living and school costs while doing my masters. I don't think I'd be here if I was paying for it.

If you have an opportunity to take masters degree, then take it! You may not have plans or you might not yet know the importance for now but when you have entered the industry there is when your career begins. Climbing the ladder is a sure way for good bucks but off course there is always a competition. Having a master degree may not add skills or values for your work and performance but the title it self is a value.

If you don’t have masters degree you need to choose carefully where to start you career – chose where there less competetion and no politics (This lessen you choices).

This is just an opinion and it is still up to you what to choose.

Hi, I plan on getting my masters in computer science as well.

First off, the most important thing to know about masters degrees, is that their biggest financial risk is the 1-2 years it takes to complete them, and the salary lost in the mean time.

Meaning, if you're single, no children, aren't worried about loans afterwards, don't need to be making money right now, then the masters degree is the way to go.

Everyone who disapproves of a masters degree, the negatives include- lost 2 years of salary, can't afford to take care of family, lost 2 years of work experience etc.

So don't let anyone tell you that getting a masters degree is a waste. Although, a masters degree in computer science is not a necessity, you can make it just as far in the real world with a bachelors. But a masters is a big boost.