The Chronicle of Higher Education reports on second degree-seeking students in CS programs at Boise State University and Oregon State University:
“In a recent report, the Education Advisory Board, a research-and-technology company, advises colleges to consider recruiting students for second bachelor’s degrees. “Students with undergraduate degrees in the liberal arts and humanities can qualify for more jobs and elevate earning potential by supplementing their degrees with coursework in high-demand fields,” like computer science, accounting, and data analysis, the report says.’
“Colleges that have long allowed people to enroll for second bachelor’s degrees are seeing increased interest in departments that teach in-demand skills. Post-baccalaureate enrollment in Boise State University’s computer science program has more than doubled since 2010, from 21 to 55, says its chair, Tim Andersen.’
“For students looking to gain marketable skills, the notion of going back for a second bachelor’s degree might not immediately come to mind. More-traditional options include getting a master’s degree or a certificate at a community college.’….
“Getting a master’s degree in computer science is not an option for many students who lack the requisite mathematics and programming courses. But many jobs in the field don’t require the higher credential, and since a computer-science master’s program often calls for only seven courses, companies are looking for a solid undergraduate background. As Mr. Andersen put it [in the words of Yoda], “only a fully trained Jedi knight […will conquer Vader and his Emperor.’”
“I would never advise someone to get a master’s degree without a bachelor’s degree,” said his colleague at Boise State, Jim Buffenbarger, an associate professor of computer science and adviser to second-bachelor’s-degree students.’
“‘For programs that integrate postbaccalaureate students into traditional classrooms, their professors and classmates benefit, too. “These students, in my opinion, are better than average,” Mr. Andersen said. “They’re motivated, more mature, work harder, and they know what they want.’”
Read the article on the Chronicle website. Subscription required unless reading while connected to the Boise State campus network.