Business... Bad for CS PhD?

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussions' started by JoAnnP38, Mar 13, 2004.

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  1. JoAnnP38

    JoAnnP38 Member

    In my search for a University where I want to pursue an MS in Computer Science, Florida Atlantic University has an interesting program because you can get a MSCS with a BA minor (21 hours CS, 15 hours BA). In the graduate catalog they repeatedly note that this minor is available to those who want to pursue a non-thesis masters with no mention of pursuing the minor with a thesis degree. In communications with the department, I found that the 21 hours in CS is considered a minimum. So, my question to this wise forum is why FAU would not make this available in conjunction with a thesis based masters (or at least advertise it)? If they would offer it, would having a BA minor along with a typical thesis based masters (i.e. 24 hours CS + 6 hours for thesis + 15 hours BA) for some reason put me at a disadvantage for acceptance into a PhD program? Would it make me appear less committed to CS some how?

    For any who might ask, I think that I eventually want to pursue a PhD; however, I plan on reevaluating myself after completing an MS. If I should choose not to pursue a PhD, then IMO having the BA minor would make the degree a better degree to end on. (BTW, the BA minor is essentially the prerequisite courses a non BA major would have for pursuing an MBA at FAU.)
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 13, 2004
  2. Tom57

    Tom57 Member

    If they did offer the thesis option, I don't think you'd be at a disadvantage as far as further work on a PhD is concerned. However, it sounds as though they don't offer a thesis option, and in that case it might be a slight disadvantage. It sounds like the MSCS/BA is intended as more of a terminal degree that prepares one for industry (and maybe an MBA in the future).
     

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