Today, the field of Computer Science which includes IT, Programming Languages, etc. offers many career prospects. Students with non-CS background often dream about pursuing a master’s degree in computer science.
Today pursuing any course is becoming easier day by day due to easy accessibility. Therefore, students with non-CS background can easily improve their knowledge. Along with this, they also need to build a strong profile and research universities that accept non-CS students.
Are you a student with a non-CS background and want to pursue a master’s degree in CS? Not sure if it’s possible? Don’t worry, this blog will help you greatly to pursue your dreams.
Pursuing a MS in CS can open new career opportunities for students. Some of the other benefits associated with pursuing a master’s degree are mentioned below:
Pursuing a master’s in computer science opens immense career opportunities for students. Also, they get a chance to ace career growth in various industries at different positions. This includes job profiles like software engineer, IT project manager, data scientist, cyber security analyst, etc.
Students get a chance to learn about the latest technological advancement. For instance, computer networks, analysis of algorithms, software engineering, computer graphics, etc. Learning advanced skills turn out to be very beneficial w.r.t career growth of students.
Compared to bachelor’s, a master’s degree in computer science and Information Technology lets students earn a high pay-scale.
Fast-Growing Job
Master’s Degree in CS and IT allows students to explore various job profiles. In addition, CS students also get a job market with many opportunities. This is why CS students experience exponential job growth as compared to other professions.
Here are some strategies students with non-CS background can use to get into MS in CS:
Since you are switching from a non-computer background to an MS in CS, the university will require you to fulfill certain requirements. It is crucial that you are aware of these requirements beforehand and prepare accordingly.
Developing a portfolio is another easy step that can pay off when switching from a non-CS background to an MS in CS. You can stand out from the competition by participating in online groups, doing projects, earning certifications, etc.
Learning new things can help in closing the knowledge gap between non-CS majors and CS majors. It is not necessary for you to study everything a person was taught in their bachelor’s program. However, it might still be beneficial to know some fundamental concepts in CS. Enrolling in an online course prior to being accepted into an MS in CS is one way to accomplish this.
Your GRE score, particularly in the quantitative component, demonstrates your proficiency in computational thinking and mathematical reasoning. Enhancing this as much as you can, will offer you an advantage when switching up your stream.
Many universities only require students to either take an entrance exam or some courses and classes before MS in CS. Some of these universities along with their respective requirements are mentioned below:
| University | Eligibility Criteria |
| Long Island University | An applicant needs to finish 2 preparation courses or take a competency waiver exam. |
| Arkansas State University | The applicant needs to take a mock test or attend remedial coursework. |
| Florida Atlantic University | Applicants need to pursue extra subjects. |
| West Virginia University | In the first year of the program, the applicant needs to take up remedial coursework. |
| National University | The applicant needs to take extra subjects. |
| Wright State University | The student needs to take a pre-enrollment test. |
| Montana State University | The applicant needs to pursue a preparatory program. |
| Northwest Missouri State University | The student needs to have prior knowledge of data structures. |
| New York Institute of Technology | Based on the application of the student, they will be provided with an extra subject from the list, which they will have to pursue. |
| College of Charleston | The student needs to earn a minimum grade of ‘B’ in pre-requisite courses. |
Pursuing a master’s degree in computer science opens up a lot of career opportunities. Along with exciting job opportunities, students also get lucrative salary packages. Mentioned below are some of the job profiles along with their average salary packages:
| Job Profile | Average Salary (p.a) |
| Full Stack Developer | 115,000 USD |
| Information Security Manager | 150,000 USD |
| Android Developer | 126,000 USD |
| Network Engineer | 94,000 USD |
| Ethical Hacker | 120,000 USD |
Without prior experience in CS, earning an MS in CS can be difficult. However, with the appropriate strategy, it is a goal that is both practical and attainable. To achieve this, a student should build a strong foundation in computer science basics, take up projects and research into universities that accept non-CS students.
Book your Free Counselling Session now!Students with a non-CS background can pursue MS in CS through 2 ways – academic preparation and professional experience. Academic preparation includes taking up courses and professional experience includes internships, projects, etc.
Yes, it is possible for a student to get an MS in CS degree without an Information Technology background.
Pursuing a MS in CS can be quite challenging. Students are required to spend around 15hrs per week on each course.
The answer to this totally depends upon the interest area and career goals of a student.
The typical duration of MCA is around 2 years which consist of 4 semesters.
