most programs for a CS masters require upper division CS courses as a pre-requisite
Columbia University in New York City
What are the admission requirements?
If your undergraduate degree is in a different field, you are required to have completed at least four computer science courses covering foundations of the field and basic programming, and two mathematics courses. For example, Intro to Computer Science (COMS W1004 or COMS W1007), Advanced Programming (COMS W3157), Data Structures and Algorithms (COMS W3134 or W3137), which is a prerequisite for most of our graduate-level courses, or/and Discrete Math (COMS W3203).
1004 - Introduction To Computer Science And Programming In Java
A general introduction to computer science for science and engineering students interested in majoring in computer science or engineering. Covers fundamental concepts of computer science, algorithmic problem-solving
capabilities, and introductory Java programming skills. Assumes no prior programming background.
3157 - Advanced Programming
Practical, hands-on introduction to programming techniques and tools for professional software construction, including learning how to write code to given specifications as well as document the results. Provides introductory overview of C and C++ in a UNIX environment, for students with Java background. Also introduces scripting languages (perl) and basic web
programming. UNIX programming utilities are also covered. Lab required.
3134 - Data Structures in Java
Data types and structures: arrays, stacks, singly and doubly linked lists, queues, trees, sets, and graphs. Programming techniques for processing such structures: sorting and searching, hashing, garbage collection. Storage management. Rudiments of the analysis of algorithms. Taught in Java.
//www.cs.columbia.edu/education/ms/appfaq/
these are all pretty basic courses
any community college that offers an associates in computer science would offer them
I'm sure you could take them online
for example: you could do them online and get a graduate certificate through Harvard university's Extension school
its really expensive though, about as much as get a
masters LOL at a public university
//extension.harvard.edu/academics/programs/programming-certificate/
//extension.harvard.edu/course-catalog/courses-by-certificate/Programming-Certificate
I will graduate in two semesters with a degree in finance. While I like finance I also really enjoy computer science. I started with python and have been learning R and C++. Mainly, I use these to program finance programs as a hobby. I eventually want to get a PhD in finance and getting a masters degree in CS would help me get into a computational finance PhD program. Although that's not what I'm set on doing, that's one path I would love to take.
Another thing that would hamper me is my lack of mathematics, I only took one calculus course in undergrad. I'm not sure how pervasive math is in a graduate CS program, but I'm sure it's rather heavy.
So are there any masters programs that one can get into without a CS undergrad?
I'm getting my M.S. in CS right now, and my undergraduate degree was in Theater, of all things. I had originally planned to just get a second Bachelor's, but after doing a year and a half of lower-level CS classes at community college, I found a program that would give me Conditional Admission if I could complete the remaining requirements within the next year, which I did.
So yes, it's totally possible, but it will definitely be a longer road than if you came in with a CS degree directly.
My 1st degree was in Economics.
I went with option #3. The reason was that there is a ton of expected knowledge up front. Sometimes you need to take so many pre-req classes that you may as well end up getting a 2nd BSc. So that is the route I went.
I ended up graduating, job in hand, and with compensation that exceeded my top expectation (higher than what grad students typically get). How do you do that?
Work freaking hard, like a machine, show genuine interest, and go above and beyond your classwork. Google about what people wish they had learned, and learn it.
Posted byu/[deleted]9 years ago
I will be graduating from Pace University with a BS in Criminal Justice this spring and am beginning to plan for the future. I am applying to law schools, but realistically I will probably not go due to low LSAT scores and cost. I have always loved computers and have always been good at math. It is something I love and I could see myself doing. Is it feasible to do a Masters in Computer Science/Cyber Security even though I have no prior experience? I currently have a 3.91 GPA and will graduate with about that if not higher. Thoughts?