Hi - After the entire day browsing thorugh the forums, I am amazed at the wealth of information amassed here. So me says to meself, maybe these folks can help. I am trying to figure out what to do next. Having built software for the last 10 years, I enjoyed the golden 90's of software engineering, when college degrees in C.S. were often shunned and sometimes even thought evidence of lessened ability in comparison to experience. In this context I never made it back to an (albeit forced) siesta at Cornell to pay the extortionary fees for full time study at an "elite" university (irony intended). Many years later I found myself living in Europe, where the casual programmer quickly encounters a much different situation and degrees are very much the norm in Informatik. Thus in 2001 I started studying at the UK's Open University, on the MSc Computing for Commerce and Industry program. Lacking a formal first degree (3 years study in Philosophy), the program was attractive and has been very enjoyable to study albeit at times a bit light on theory. I am now finished with the postgraduate diploma coursework and am looking apprehenisvely at a 9 month dissertation project. After this long-winded introduction, the questions: - how acceptable is an MSc without a Bachelor academically, 1. in the US? and 2. in the UK/Europe? - if I wanted to continue to a taught PhD, should I do a Bachelor's (Mathematics/Computing)? - will it be recognized in the US? Please tolerate the naive inquisitions of one new to this board and be nice with the flamethrowers Regards, Michael Larsen
Michael, I can only state my opinion on the acceptability of the MS in the US. My thoughts are: 1.) The degree for the most part will be accepted as an earned academic credential. 2.) Without having a bachelor's in the US may raise some eyebrows but it is not an insurmountable obstacle. My guess is that many degrees outside the US are only 3 year bachelor degrees hence this may be why you were accepted into the MS program in the UK. 3.) I would take a chance and make application to a Ph.D. program or even more than one. The worst they can do is say no and they can tell you what deficiencies you need to remove (this would help in your decision to go back and earn a bachelor's degree) Or, they may give you conditional acceptance and you would have to make up some coursework. It is still possible you may gain full acceptance into a program but I believe a conditional acceptance is more likely. 4.) In light of item 3 above without having a bachelor's you are probably more open to rejection but many Ph.D. programs are looking for good qualified students. Finally, bear in mind that the rigidity of the admission requirements can always be bent to a certain degree. This is dependent on the admissions committe at the particular school you are applying to. Some schools will be more open while others are not. John
Michael, In the UK it is comparatively common to hold a masters level degree without a bachelors in the same subject, owing to a move in British higher education to meet more broadly the needs of so-called 'mature' students. I write from experience. I hold a bachelor of arts degree in musicology (among other music degrees!). I do not hold a degree in theology at this level. Despite this, I gained entry to (and subsequently completed) the MTh programme at the University of Liverpool (taught by Chester College) and was accepted onto the Liverpool PhD programme and the University of Birmingham ThD programme. I am currently working towards the ThD and will take up the Liverpool offer in the future. As a former lecturer at the Open University (UK) I congratulate you on your choice! Best wishes ProfL
Michael, my opinion is that once you have a Masters degree people dont look at whether you have a Bachelor degree or not. Since you have done 3 years of undergrad work and if you are still concerned about this maybe you should look at some options to get a Bachelor degree in Philosophy or something similar which you would be able to do quickly since you have 3 years of work. You can look at Excelsior College, Thomas Edison and Charter Oak. Do a search on this and you will find lots of information on how to complete a degree in months rather than years by taking exams or otherwise. Just my opinion, if you are concerned about this then go for it and complete your Bachelor degree before you complete your MSc.
