| Great point. MS degrees may have changed somewhat since 1990, though. One problem is that MS degrees don't really cover the general curriculum. They're often, even when rigorous, used to allow students to focus on a topic or project that isn't as lengthy as a PhD. For instance, someone with a CS might be interested in numerical computing, and work on ways to solve various differential equations. The downside here is that this means a math or physics major might get an MS in CS, and do some programming in numerical computing, but not know much about algorithms or data structures. I'm presenting this in the context of a genuine, rigorous MS degree, because it doesn't need to be a watered-down experience to still show the pitfalls. Some MS degrees do require certain core courses before you can apply - so they'll take a math major, but they'll require that this student complete certain undergraduate courses - some before applying, some while enrolled. This can add time to the MS degree but avoids that scenario I described above. Of course, once you've actually taken those courses (say, a math major passes courses in data structures, algorithms, compilers, and operating systems), then the MS may not be critical for finding a job anymore. But the degree can help. Unfortunately, I've noticed a trend toward discounting MS degrees or even holding them as a negative indicator. This is probably because people get an interview because they have an MS, but then are tested during a technical interview on general CS that they may not have taken. Not sure of the solution. I think the best approach is to take promising students from other fields, but then make sure they've taken the additional core coursework. This would add some time to the degree, but if all MS students did this, I think the degree would be more respected. As it stands, the BS in CS is respected, because it (if the school is accredited) must contain all those core courses that tech companies love to quiz people on. Whether those topics are actually relevant to the job is an entirely different topic! |