Going for masters in CS?

[elqueso]

Hey guys

I'm debating whether or not I should be doing my masters.

I've been offered a full ride to a prestigious university for my masters. It would take 1 or 2 years. At the same time I?ve been given an offer a really great software company.

Is there a big pay difference between the two? I know there is a slight difference in starting salary. I heard anywhere between 2000 and 10000. Is it closer to 10k or 2k? Does anybody have experience with this?

Also, does it make a huge difference in the long run? While the masters won?t cost me anything, it does mean that I?d lose out on 2 years of work which would mean about 150k. Will that be made up over time?

Thanks!

 

[RelaxTheMind]

yes, I think this would entitle the label "dumb question" or "rhetorical question"

 

[Special K]

What is the rank of the university?

I am currently doing an MSEE at a top 10 school. I have a tuition waiver and living stipend. I also had a job offer from Intel coming out of undergrad. Here is how I saw it:

1. A Masters program takes 2 years to complete. Considering I am paying absolutely nothing for it, even if it gains me nothing in the long run, I am only out 2 years of my time, which isn't a lot compared to how long most people spend working.

2. I have the option to continue on for the PhD if I want to.

3. My undergrad engineering program was ranked in the 40's, while my Grad program is in the top 10. If I still want that job at Intel after I finish my MS, I'm sure they will have something for me.

4. I think the average salary increase for MS vs. BS is ~10k or so, but that could vary.

I don't think there is any way to predict if you will make up the lost 2 years worth of earnings.

 

[elqueso]

Why's it dumb or rhetorical? It's a serious question about my future. I'd really like to hear the opinions who have gone through similar situations.

 

[notfred]

If I had a free ride, I'd totally do it.

 

[Jassi]

Education is never a bad investment. The starting salary difference depends on your skill set and education so any number thrown out there is probably an educated guess.

Any chance the software company will pay for your MS down the line while allowing you to keep your job?

Also, Hello Special K, I am a fellow MSEE at that same school.

 

[elqueso]

My school is top 10 in both undergrad and masters. (it might actually be top 5 in undergrad)

I'm definately sure I never want to do a PhD. I can't stand spending at least 4 more years in school.

Yeah. It might not be that much. But in terms of being broke for another 2 more years, it kinda sucks

Thanks a lot for your opinion.


Edit: yeah the company will pay partially for my masters in 2 years

 

[PCMarine]

Graduate school is the new "college." *In general* you almost have to do it if you really want to differentiate yourself from your peers.

 

[Cuda1447]

Wow, I read this thread and thought "wtf, a masters in Counter-Strike... someones been playing in to many CAL leagues!"

 

[pkananen]

Getting a masters in CS is not the same as getting an MBA or the equivalency of masters in another field. Experience is more valuable than time in school IMO.

 

[mundane]

Originally posted by: pkananen
Getting a masters in CS is not the same as getting an MBA or the equivalency of masters in another field. Experience is more valuable than time in school IMO.

I'd say it opens up more options on what you'd like to do. I wish like hell I had done the BS/MS bridge program back in college, it was only an extra year.

 

[Ameesh]

i choose to take the great job i got offered out of school and i dont regret it, i didnt get my ms in cs but i have learned way more with that time in the field. at the end of the day, engineers are not help to the same rigors of business people when it ocmes to advanced degrees. Almost all the business execs where i work are have ivy leauge mbas, almost all the engineering execs dont have advanced degrees

 

[amol]

masters in CS? get the headset & soda ready!

BOOM, HEADSHOT!