2nd Degree???

[killuminati]

Hey guys,

Last spring I graduated with a B.Comm Honours degree. So far the job opportunities have been slim. I've always been into computers and math but for some reason I decided not to pursue it in University.

My question is this: Do I need to go through another 3-4 years to get a computer science degree or is it possible to do it in a shorter time seeing as I already have a bachelor degree.

I'm checking with my university too (Ottawa) but its slow response as it's registration time now.


thanks!

[andrew2good4u]

How about trying a master's program that is some kind of business/CS hybrid?

Doing another undergrad degree really seems like overkill. Might even suggest going to college to pick up some hard skills.

[Danieln88]

I think you'd have to take all the required courses for the degree if you want a different major. But if you have some of the required courses already completed then it might cut down on the time you'd have to spend studying for it. It might be different for your school though, so I think it'd be best to ask your program councilor.

[Ryougo]

Ideally if you are doing a second degree, your home school will give you the most leniency when using your past credits as transfer credits (To fulfill to most likely just your elective credits in your new degree).

More importantly is that you should ask yourself why you want a 2nd degree, a B Comm is one of the more practical ones and short of doing a new BA in something specific like nursing, engineering or accounting can you really improve your job prospects.

Now if you want to do grad/professional school, you may want to consider going back in the fall to boost your GPA and get prereq credits(If applicable) which is sometimes referred to as a victory lap.

Otherwise I see little point in a 2nd undergrad unless you really hate the business world.

[factum7000]

I asked a buddy going to U of O with respect to comp sci.

Basically to summarize, this is what he told me:

Get an appointment with the Comp Sci academic advisor:
mirella.aiello(at)uOttawa(dot)ca

From known past experience/knowledge it is really difficult to get in touch with her, so if you're ever by the engineering building, pop by and ask to book an appt with her at the front desk (otherwise it'll take 3 months for her to get back to you via email) (site1020 ).

So, if you're going via e-mail, tell her of your concerns, your keen interest in comp sci, and ask if you can sit with her to discuss your options.

If you have a keen interest in Comp Sci, I say go for it and spend the 3 years on it - you'll be able to get coop experience and add to your resume. Why not spend a few more years upgrading, rather than continuing to search for a job that you're not interested in.

Hey guys,

Last spring I graduated with a B.Comm Honours degree. So far the job opportunities have been slim. I've always been into computers and math but for some reason I decided not to pursue it in University.

My question is this: Do I need to go through another 3-4 years to get a computer science degree or is it possible to do it in a shorter time seeing as I already have a bachelor degree.

I'm checking with my university too (Ottawa) but its slow response as it's registration time now.


thanks!

[killuminati]

How about trying a master's program that is some kind of business/CS hybrid?

Doing another undergrad degree really seems like overkill. Might even suggest going to college to pick up some hard skills.

Maybe college actually makes more sense. For some reason that idea never crossed my mind.

The 2 year computer programming diploma at Seneca college looks exactly like what I want to learn.

Is this something any of you guys are familiar with? Or what benefits employers see when looking at a college diploma.

To be a little more specific... anyone know what the major differences would be from going through a full computer science program or something like http://postsecondary.humber.ca/02361.htm at college

[mike24]

Maybe college actually makes more sense. For some reason that idea never crossed my mind.

The 2 year computer programming diploma at Seneca college looks exactly like what I want to learn.

Is this something any of you guys are familiar with? Or what benefits employers see when looking at a college diploma.

To be a little more specific... anyone know what the major differences would be from going through a full computer science program or something like http://postsecondary.humber.ca/02361.htm at college

In college you don't have to learn so much theory. Instead you learn how to solve applied problems. Computer science is all about math and solving logical puzzles. I found the program interesting even though I banged my head against the wall numerous times.

[factum7000]

i think you're better off spending 3/4 yrs taking a bacherlors in comp sci than spending 2 yrs on that college diploma. Personally I think you'll have better luck knocking on company doors with that degree.

[chris0101]

If possible, you may want to consider just getting a Masters in Computer Science.

You'll have to take a lot of undergrad courses in computer science, so it'll take about 3-4 years rather than a normal 2, but you may be better off. Bachelor and Masters looks better to some employers than 2 bachelors - it just seems to be a more logical progression.

[factum7000]

The problem is that OP won't be eligible for a Masters in Comp Sci with a B. Comm. degree.

https://ocics.site.uottawa.ca/admission/index.php


You might be able to get some equivalencies for an undergrad in Comp Sci using what you've got from your degree, though.

Besides, I don't think you'd enjoy just jumping into a Masters in Comp Sci w/o any prior training - you'd be pulling your hair out.

[whatsinaname]

I'm doing a second degree right now, and from a different school than my first, I was able to get lots of transfer credits, I just have to meet the school requirements for graduating, eg courses needed for the degree, at least half the credits must be from my current school, etc.

You definitely don't have to take another three or four years worth of credits, but it might take you that long to get a degree since you'll probably have to take first year classes, then second year classes, and so on.

[chayanthi]

why don't you do a post-grad program at one of the colleges? humber, sheridan, centennial, etc., all have post-grad certificate programs, and a lot of the time all you need is a degree, in any field. what they look for more or less is how much you already know about what you plan to study.

another plus: you can use the post-grad certificate to get into master's programs (depending on the school, of course)!