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Fast Track to a CS Degree?

Posted by Cliff on from the for-those-who-have-no-time-for-college dept.

kyrex asks: "it's been 5 years since I've been working in the tech industry and I've make great progress. My salary has grown by an annual rate of about 50% and I'm currently working as a consultant in a leading consulting firm. But not having received any formal education in Computer Science, and therefore having no degree will be a problem for further progress. I've considered many options but they all take time: at least 3 years. I've been programming since I was 12 (I'm currently 24) and have read hundreds of CS books. I think that I can easily complete a CS degree in 1 year. I want to know if there are universities/institutions out there that offers computer professionals like me a fast track to a CS degree that will be recognised as such by other universities (so that I can continue with a MSc afterwards)"

4 of 1,143 comments (clear)

  1. Several things by karb · · Score: 1, Redundant

    1. If you've read 100's of CS books, you should be ok, but note to others ... Programming != CS. You will take three or four courses out of maybe 12-18 (probably more for BS, I was BA) that will deal directly with programming. Even those can be somewhat theory-heavy. A few CS courses involve no programming. It's like knowing how to use a brush if you're an art student. It's important, and it'll help you if you're good. But it's just a piece of the puzzle.
    2. Get your job to pay for it. I assume you have fathomable reasons for wanting it to get done in one year, but I would take my time and do it on the company dime ;). You seem to be doing well, so you could probably convince your employer to pay for school or find another employer that will.
    3. I feel it's worth it. I am perhaps a little biased, but I've worked with many, many, many unqualified people that never got their CS degree. (and a few that have, but the ratio is far better) If I had to hire, I would very very rarely consider somebody without one. Why? For many reasons. You learn many obscure but useful things in school. Also, I've found that most late-trained or self-trained computer people are missing a sort of geekiness that they need. They are good workers, they're smart, but they lack passion for the craft.

    Hurrying to post before I become redundant ... :)

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    Jack Valenti and the MPAA are to technology as the Boston strangler is to the woman home alone

  2. Re:Paper by JordoCrouse · · Score: 2, Redundant

    Another point. This industry also moves faster than any academic course can keep up with.

    Last time I looked, we're still using 0s and 1s.

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    Do you have Linux and a DotPal? Click here now!
  3. Re:no dice! by NewbieSpaz · · Score: 1, Redundant

    Mod the above up (#,Funny)

    If you're a Redhatter (Mandraker, SuSe'er):
    rpm -ivh cs-degree..rpm

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    Random, useless fact: I type in startx entirely with my left hand.
  4. Re:no dice! by (H)elix1 · · Score: 1, Redundant

    I wish I had mod points... thanks for the laugh! Now to clean the coffee from my screen.

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    +++ UGUCAUCGUAUUUCU