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Comment by dsp1234 | Hacker News Reader

If you already have a BS (or higher) in another field, then Oregon State University has a 60 credit completely online computer science BS degree. They have 1, 2, 3 and 4 year tracks depending upon each person's available time commitment.[0]

If you already have a BS in computer science or a related field, then see this comment[1]

[0] - http://ecampus.oregonstate.edu/online-degrees/undergraduate/...

[1] - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=15899756

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I have 4 courses left in this program. There is a subreddit here https://www.reddit.com/r/OSUOnlineCS/

The program has it's pros and cons. People complain but they expect a top 5 CS education from an online program at OSU which isn't going to happen. Overall I learned a lot though and I found it better than attempts at learning through MOOCs, mostly because of the motivation behind paying.

If you already have a BS in another field, you might be better off taking Georgia Tech's MS CompSci (https://www.omscs.gatech.edu/).

Doesn't this program require an undergrad in CS? Why would it be more apropos for another field?

> Doesn't this program require an undergrad in CS?

No it doesn't.

It basically does.

"an undergraduate degree in computer science or related field"[0]

[0] - https://www.omscs.gatech.edu/program-info/admission-criteria

That appears to be a soft requirement. If you check out the admission thread on the subreddit[0], there is always a decent amount of students getting accepted with backgrounds outside the realm of computing and mathematics. That being said, there are plenty that don't make the cut as well. It's worth a shot for a cheap masters from a well-respected institution though.

[0] https://www.reddit.com/r/omscs

I currently am taking this course. It's one of the best, and I get to learn a ton.

Coming to specifically the question, if you need a BS in Computers, then from personal experience, yes, your changes are much much higher if you already have BS.

If you don't, then they'll look into your SOP and related work to see if you good exposure to Computers.

"Preferred qualifications for admitted OMS CS students are an undergraduate degree in computer science or related field (typically mathematics, computer engineering or electrical engineering) from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants who do not meet these criteria will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis; however, work experience will not take the place of an undergraduate degree."[0]

So unless that other field is Math or computer-related, then that's not really going to work, which is why I specifically mentioned "another field".

[0] - https://www.omscs.gatech.edu/program-info/admission-criteria

preferred != required

My spouse was accepted with a Psych BA + MS, and about twenty credits of CS at various extension university programs.

How much do you think the MS helped?

Honestly I have no idea. I'm sure it didn't hurt, but couldn't say if it was a deciding factor.

I initially talked over career changes with my ex and she went with a no name bootcamp. After that bad experience she wanted a full degree and is finishing up Oregon now. She has been very happy with it. I forgot a BS in another field was a requirement for the program, which is a bummer as I liked the material she showed me (I'm self taught but just web dev)

I've got a BA in another field -- wonder if that would work. I'll do some checking; this might be exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks!

My BA in psychology was fine. I don't think they care what your first degree is in, as long as you have one and it's not CS.

My wife has a BA in History, and is starting w/ this program now. Seems fine so far!

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