from Hacker News

Why All Programmers Should Get a Master's Degree

by meri_dian on 4/17/18, 3:33 PM with 2 comments

• by slap_shot on 4/17/18, 3:46 PM

  I find it nuts that a CEO, and somebody who had to write and defend a dissertation, would attach their name this hack job of an article. The entire argument exists in a couple sentences, with no proof or citations:

  "While talented grads with a bachelor’s degree may have the knowledge necessary to fill an entry-level position, they often lack the in-depth knowledge and design experience necessary to take on challenging assignments that would lead to rapid advancement. By definition, the course work for a bachelor’s degree comprises a wide array of general studies combined with a limited set of major-specific classes. This provides the grad with important preparation for wide-ranging career choices but limited expertise in a specific field.

  In contrast, a master’s level graduate program in computer science offers students the opportunity to tackle advanced topics, such as distributed computing and operating systems, and to obtain the design skills required to architect and implement complex systems and applications."

• by ShadowFaxSam on 4/17/18, 3:52 PM

  I'm not studying my Masters in Europe, and here the the norm is to enter a Masters Program directly after finishing your bachelors. I have already worked for a few years in America and while I'm still in my 20's, I am one of the oldest students in the class.

  The biggest reason I could not enter into a graduate program straight out of university was the college debt I had already taken on for my bachelors. I worked for a couple years making student loan payments and then as I always planned, I began researching Masters Programs. After seeing the price tag, it was very hard to walk away from a comfortable salary.

  To avoid this, perhaps it is best to go straight from Undergrad to grad before you start enjoying the the young professional lifestyle and work on paying off a larger debt upon graduation.