Is A Masters In Computer Science Worth It Non Cs Background

Can I Get a Main's in Computer science equally a Non-CS Major?

A student works on a laptop in a public space, surrounded by other students.

There are numerous reasons to pursue a computer science principal's at Tufts University . Tufts is one of the All-time Engineering Schools in the country , according to U.S. News & World Report. Kinesthesia update the Main of Science in Figurer Science (MSCS) curriculum frequently to ensure it meets industry demands and helps students close emerging skills gaps . The chief campus is located next to the tertiary fastest-growing tech hub in the United States. And you don't need to take a bachelor's caste in computer science to apply .

If you're surprised to hear that an establishment as respected equally Tufts offers a master'south caste in estimator science for non-CS majors, you're not alone. Many people presume that peak-ranked Master of Scientific discipline in Computer Scientific discipline programs limit enrollment to students with undergraduate degrees in informatics. The reality is that admissions teams at Tufts and other high-contour colleges and universities expect for applicants with the skills and knowledge they'll need to succeed in challenging MSCS programs. Sometimes those applicants have CS bachelor's degrees, and sometimes they don't.

What Kinds of Students Pursue an MSCS with a Non-CS Groundwork?

People seek out master'south programs in informatics for non-CS majors for many reasons. In any given program, y'all'll meet recent STEM graduates who realized they should have majored in computer science, mid-career information technology and networking professionals who desire to switch careers to computer science, and people from other industries who want to transition into computer science careers.

What they have in common is that they're looking for a degree program that provides a foundation in both computer science theory and advanced programming practise. They're not unfamiliar with the discipline. Students who pursue a master's in informatics at Tufts School of Engineering oft take significant professional experience in software development, information scientific discipline, cybersecurity, or information applied science and are usually looking for an bookish experience in which course work mirrors professional work. They want to graduate with technical competencies that allow them to solve unstructured, open-ended problems and are scalable to meet real-world demand.

What are the Online MSCS Access Requirements at Tufts?

The online MSCS admission requirements are straightforward. You'll submit unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, three letters of recommendation written by colleagues or professors, a personal argument detailing why you want to pursue a information science master'south online at Tufts, and a thorough résumé or CV. As long as y'all have an undergraduate degree from an accredited U.Southward. or Canadian college or university, yous don't need to submit GRE scores, but you're welcome to submit scores if you feel they'll strengthen your application. Every element of your awarding should illustrate your drive, passion for computer science, and desire to study at Tufts School of Applied science.

Tin I Really Become into Tufts' MSCS Programme Without a Bachelor'south Degree in Computer Science?

Most successful applicants do have computer science degrees, but some students join Tufts' programme with undergraduate degrees in chemical technology, civil engineering, data technology, information systems, and other disciplines. They may non have substantial professional experience in computer science-focused roles, only they take worked with or studied technology and they have skills related to algorithm assay, computational theory, computer architectures, data structures, operating systems, and programming.

The question you should ask yourself is non whether you can get into the MSCS program simply whether you have the foundational cognition you'll need to do well in it. Technically, Tufts Schoolhouse of Applied science offers a master'south in computer scientific discipline to non-CS majors, merely the programme isn't geared toward those who are new to the discipline. As the admissions squad reviews your application, they volition look for signs that you lot have relevant programming and Information technology competencies plus high-level mathematics and statistics skills—in other words, everything you lot would have learned every bit a CS major.

Exercise I Have to Submit Additional Application Materials if I Don't Have a CS Degree?

The respond to this question depends on whether your academic and professional feel demonstrates y'all possess the core competencies taught in high-quality undergraduate programs in figurer science. If you know one or more functional and object-oriented programming languages and you have studied computer architecture, data structures, and other foundational figurer science topics, you may exist able to satisfy prerequisite requirements by submitting transcripts for any related bachelor's-level courses you passed at other accredited institutions or by showing relevant work experience.

If, however, you aren't sure you're academically prepare to enroll in Tufts' online MSCS, y'all'll need to complete a plan of report that satisfies the Schoolhouse of Engineering science'southward core competency requirements. You can take undergraduate informatics classes at any accredited college or university, though you should consider enrolling in Tufts' postal service-baccalaureate informatics certificate programme . This one-year plan, which the School of Engineering delivers entirely online, is for students who are new to the field of computer science and are looking to gain a solid foundation to either pursue new career opportunities or pursue graduate education in informatics . There'due south even a track specifically designed for students looking to transition into the university'due south online computer science primary's program.

Tips for Making Your MSCS Application as Strong every bit Possible

When you employ to master'southward in information science programs as a non-CS major, information technology's crucial that your application materials illustrate why and how y'all're a skilful fit for the program. The average undergraduate GPA of successful MSCS applicants is 3.6 and the average quantitative GRE score is 162, but even near-perfect grades and standardized test scores won't necessarily brand your application stand out. You demand to share academic and professional person experiences that reflect a deep involvement in figurer systems, programming, and computational theory plus goals that align with Tufts' leading-border MSCS curriculum.

That means the about important elements of your application will be the letters of recommendation and your personal statement. They should illustrate your aptitudes, strengths, and accomplishments, and highlight whatever contributions you've fabricated to the field of estimator science. Don't only rehash your résumé or your relevant experiences in your personal argument. This is your chance to provide the admissions team with insights into why you lot're a good candidate for the Tufts Schoolhouse of Engineering science program in detail. Your recommendation writers can also speak to how you'll do good from a program like Tufts' MSCS.

The easiest way to ensure your materials are equally compelling as they can be is by starting your application as early as possible. Writing a strong personal statement isn't piece of cake. Fifty-fifty gathering the required letters of recommendation can take longer than you think. Requite yourself plenty of time to revise your personal statement and other materials multiple times and don't exist shy about seeking help. Enquire a colleague or trusted friend to review each draft before revisions. Finally, consider attention i of Tufts' Program & Application Overview Webinars to learn more about what the academy's admission teams expect for. You can also schedule an date to go over the information science chief's prerequisites, the cost of the MSCS program , or financial assistance with an enrollment advisor by calling 617-627-5760 or via e-mail at soeonline@tufts.edu .

Taking Prerequisite Courses Doesn't Change the ROI of the MSCS

Perhaps you're looking for master's in figurer scientific discipline programs for not-CS majors because you're worried virtually wasting fourth dimension. In that case, discovering that y'all can't just enroll in a meridian computer science graduate program with no experience whatsoever can be demoralizing. Earlier you surrender on your dream of advancing in a computer science career, however, consider that the value of an MSCS doesn't change because you lot take to accept additional prerequisite courses or consummate a bridge program before you enroll. Principal of Science in Computer Scientific discipline holders typically earn over $100,000 /year while bachelor'southward degree holders earn closer to $85,000 /year, regardless of how long it took them to earn their degrees. The chief's in computer science comes with one of the highest wage premiums of any graduate caste. And in that location are many calculator science jobs for MSCS holders—particularly senior-level and management positions—that pay well over $100,000/per.

Are Master's in Information science Programs for Non-CS Majors Less Rigorous?

Admittedly not. MSCS programs that admit applicants without computer science bachelor's degrees are often some of the nigh rigorous when it comes to both application requirements and graduation requirements. Just because top MSCS programs don't rule out non-CS majors by default doesn't mean they don't concur applicants and degree candidates to extremely loftier standards. Most require that applicants have a demonstrable understanding of mathematics, programming, and foundational computer science concepts because that's what'south required to excel in demanding technical programs.

Tufts School of Engineering science doesn't list a computer science available's among its MSCS application requirements but has a reputation for educating leaders and for enquiry excellence. Students admitted into the online Master of Science in Computer science program are independent thinkers with prerequisite skills related to programming, information structures, algorithms, computer architecture, and computational theory. Many computer science chief's candidates at Tufts acquire those skills in undergraduate degree programs. Others, even so, acquire them on the job or on their own fourth dimension considering their goals include enrolling in a rigorous MSCS program at a rigorous schoolhouse.

Not having a information science bachelor's doesn't accept to hold you back. What matters more than what you studied in the by is what you're willing to exercise correct at present in the nowadays. Tufts Academy is well-known for its selectivity only its admissions teams likewise review applications holistically. If y'all can show them you're prepared to succeed in the 10-grade program and how the class work will help you run into your professional and personal goals, you lot tin maximize your chances of joining the ranks of Tufts alumni innovating in software applied science, DevOps, cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Car Learning, and other specialization areas of tech—regardless of your undergraduate background.

Are yous ready to modify your future by adding an MSCS to your credentials? Apply online or annals for an upcoming enrollment outcome to learn more nearly Tufts' approach to this degree.