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by mdaniel 666 days ago
I hear you, and maybe I shouldn't have used such a big name as an example, since if one wants a Rolex it's usually not to tell time. That's why I opened with degree as a service - some place with the financial incentive not to be a degree mill (and thus turn into University of Phoenix-esque) but who doesn't care how long the line is to get into their exclusive club, rather they care about allowing more folks to put "yes, I have BSCS or MSCS" on their resume without having to go through the traditional channels to get one

I applaud my alma mater for their MSCS effort, which in my mind elevates their prestige not dilutes it: https://www.gatech.edu/academics/degrees/masters/computer-sc...
2 comments
dpkirchner 666 days ago
Do you have a MSCS from gatech? If so did you like the program?
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mdaniel 666 days ago
No, and sorry if I gave that impression. Mine was just BSCS and then I actually got about half way though the MSCS at Drexel because they were one of the few institutions that offered 100% remote MSCS at the time. Then, I had a change of circumstance and didn't finish it. I was interested in the GT MSCS but didn't pursue it for the same reason I didn't finish the Drexel one: it just didn't feel like the ROI for my situation was worth it
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sunjieming 666 days ago
Yeah, someone like that would be perfect. I personally am self taught and didn't finish my CS degree and every few years I look around for an option like this. I'm an experienced senior dev and the opportunity cost of finishing my degree is always just way too high relative to any value it would actually provide for my career. I wish something like this existed.

The degree doesn't matter in most of tech but if I ever wanted to work for the government or military I'd be automatically disqualified for not having a degree despite having the ability. The tech interview process that many people deride actually provides the opportunity to get a great tech job if you just simply know the material. It's been a huge advantage for me

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jandrewrogers 666 days ago
> The degree doesn't matter in most of tech but if I ever wanted to work for the government or military I'd be automatically disqualified for not having a degree despite having the ability.

You do not need a degree to work for the government or military, at least not as a contractor, and almost all of the interesting work is done by contractors.

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imtringued 665 days ago
Yeah, you can still get the job, however you will hit a glass ceiling in terms of pay.
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