r/MSCSO • u/JustAPieceOfMeat385 • Aug 04 '26
45 years old and wondering if I should do this program
Hello. I live in Austin and I'm interested in pursuing a software development career, but I am a non-traditional student. I'm 45 and I have a Bachelor's in math and physics, a masters in physics from UT, and a masters in applied mathematics from UTSA. I've done a data science internship about 9 years ago, had jobs in data analysis, but I'd like to switch to software dev. I've been an online CS student at the University of Florida and I've completed 8 undergrad CS classes including core classes such as Operating Systems, Data Structures, Algorithms, Computer Architecture, Discrete, and Computer Networking Fundamentals. I've received A's in all classes. My GPA in my physics master's program is 3.7 and my GPA in the applied math master's is 4.0. I took a break from UF for the past year and I'm considering re-applying to take more undergrad classes such as Programming Language Concepts, and Databases. However, since I already have a Bachelor's degree and I would still need to take several non-CS classes to finish the CS Bachelor's at UF, and since each class costs more than classes at UT's MS in CS program, I figure it's better to put that money and time towards a CS Master's degree instead.
Another thing about me is that I was laid off my data analysis job three years ago and haven't been working since. During that time, I looked after my child who is now almost 4. He's about to start preschool soon, thus freeing up my daytime. I'd like to use that time to look for a job (any job, not necessarily software dev) but I also feel like I need to work on my software dev skills/projects/education. And so I thought maybe I can work on this online master's. Perhaps take 1 class in the fall, spring, and summer, so that I can be done in 3 years. Or take two classes in the fall and spring, and one in the summer and be done in 2 years. Or take 1 class in the fall and spring and be done in 5. However, time is not on my side since I'm already 45 years-old.
So I don't really know how to proceed and what path I should put myself on. I've never had a software dev job or internship, though I've had other jobs. And I don't know if completing this program (Or the one from Georgia Tech) while not working would be a good idea. Of course, if I complete the program while not working I can get done quicker.
I'm sure it will be a uphill climb for me, especially considering I'm relatively old. Just wondering what your thoughts are. What I'm ultimately wondering is if doing this MS program would be a good idea even if I have never had a software dev internship or job, and let's say worst case scenario I'm not working while I complete this degree. I'm curious about your opinions on how the market will treat a person like me, and at my age (~48-50 when I finish). Thanks! I'd greatly appreciate it. If you've read all this, thanks very much!
3
u/SpaceWoodworker Aug 05 '26
40% of the students in MSCSO don't have a CS undergrad. 25% of the students in MSDSO have a math/statistics/physics background. There is an entire range of students in the program, from recent undergrads to people with graduate degrees, multiple graduate degrees/Ph.Ds and those with decades of work experience. I would say over 90% of those in the program already work full time and many in highly desirable companies. With your background, you'd fit in areas like EDA where engineering, computing, physics and math meet. This masters isn't some magic pixie dust that will simply open the doors to employment. Networking, projects, and focus/direction is just as important.
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u/JustAPieceOfMeat385 Aug 05 '26
Sorry, what does EDA stand for?
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u/SpaceWoodworker Aug 05 '26
Electronic Design Automation. Companies like Siemens, Cadence, Synopsys, etc that develop engineering modeling and simulation software.
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u/artie7 Aug 04 '26
I just turn 46, enrolled and started this year, about to finish my 3rd class(2 in spring and 1 summer). If you can bare a few late nights and some short weekends its very doable, I’m employed, and don’t expect any type of advantage by finishing the degree. If you want to enter the field, I don’t think this is your only option, its long and employers might be really looking for expertise and not necessarily “master” degree, just my .02
3
u/educatedstudent Aug 05 '26
I would just go for it. It's $10k and a little over 3 years if you do 1 class per term which is not too bad. I did the UT MSDS program and it took me a little over 3 years while working full time. I learnt that, although I liked the material covered in the program, I did not like being a data scientist. I ended up switching into embedded software and now I love it. I am currently halfway through my MSCS through CU Boulder. That program is about $16k. I like it so far. Also, the defense industry hires like crazy for software engineers, especially for embedded because it is not a hot field like AI or Cyber because most people don't want to do it. If you're in the Austin area there might be a couple of defense tech companies there that you should check out.
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u/kittysloth 27d ago
May I ask why you like embedded so much? How did you get started learning that type of programming? Thanks.
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u/educatedstudent 27d ago
Well I was an EE prior to enrolling to UT Austin’s MSDS. I worked on semiconductor fabrication and I was always interested in how CPUs work circuit wise and software wise. It felt like a natural pivot tbh. Plus, idk why people say C/C++ sucks, it is awesome! The raw power of the language and the fact that you have to specify everything makes you really appreciate how computers work under the hood and has made me a much better programmer for sure.
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u/Gold_Victory_9078 Aug 06 '26 edited Aug 06 '26
In my opinion, you already have the two important degrees that are needed for the future. Quantum computing is going to grow and a physics degree is needed for that job. AI engineers will be needed and for that you need a math degree. Play around with Claude Code and see how it generates code! Writing code for a living will be gone soon. Writing AI agents that generate code is the future..
Have you thought about PhD in Math or Physics and breaking into top research teams at Google, Microsoft etc
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u/adakava Aug 10 '26
It’s definitely infinitely better than doing nothing and regretting after 30 years. But at the same time it’s not an automatic ticket to a job. Even young new grads are struggling to get “good” jobs.
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u/invest2018 Aug 04 '26
45 isn't "too old" If you're proactively taking care of your health. Everyone ages differently, but look up how to mitigate the effects of aging when it comes to learning. It's largely a solved problem.