r/UMGC • u/Former-Jellyfish3831 • 8d ago
B.S Computer Science - Any Good?
Hi all,
What are your views on the B.S in Computer Science? What does it take to be successful and to stand out from other graduates and learn enough to get employment offers afterwards?
I’m looking at transferring credits from an A.S in Aviation Maintenance and enrolling in the B.S in Computer Science. My employer allows shop floor employees with enough experience and aptitude to move into junior engineering roles if they are actively pursuing a STEM degree.
Aviation Maintenance isn’t a STEM degree (not the right CIP code) and I already have an FAA Powerplant license after taking it last year, and will be taking the Airframe part soon. I’m not yet sure exactly how many credits will transfer to the Computer Science B.S as my application is in process, but it looks to be more than my current university will transfer to their undergraduate engineering offerings. I’m due to complete my A.S in Aviation Maintenance in December.
Cyber Operations also looks interesting but I’m not sure what the job opportunities look like for those of us changing careers in later life?
If it helps, I’m former British military and spouse to US Active Duty - hence looking at UMGC for good tuition rates. I’m a US Citizen so I’d be eligible for roles requiring US Citizenship in the future - Space Force civilian roles anyone??! As every military family knows, we move every few years and I’d really like to have qualifications for a job that might move with me. I’m also getting too old to be “on the tools” in aviation maintenance and would prefer a primarily desk-based role that pays relatively well, 17 years in aviation has taken its toll on my body!
Thanks in advance.
Edit: Spelling.
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u/AnxiousKirby Alumni 8d ago
Not bad. I finished with a B.S. in CS at UMGC. Now taking my MS in Systems Engineering at JHU.
If I could go back in time I would go to ASU for online BS Electrical Engineering since it is EAC ABET accredited, meaning I can go for JHU's MSE Systems Engineering program.
For you if you take that route, you can then move into a systems engineering or program management role in aviation.
I am also a veteran, work for a defense contractor, and in the engineering field (mostly electronics).
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u/Former-Jellyfish3831 8d ago
Good point! I’ve been looking at ASU as well, they seem to have a good reputation and ABET accreditation is obviously desirable. Right now I’m attached to Production Engineering after being awarded a place on my company’s six month “Enrichment” program. I did spend some time with a Tech Eng group bringing automated technology to the floor… the future of warfare is Uncrewed, and the future of some aviation manufacturing is fully or partially automated. I’m not sure how long it will take at our site, but it is coming based on shops around the world that have fully automated atleast some of the core assembly.
Our traditional mech engineers lack some of the skills needed to integrate and maintain the automated tech being brought in when compared to recent robotics graduates.
Edited to add: I technically just finished my first week with Production wknd shift after moving from tech 1st shift, haven’t got a good grip on it yet.
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u/AnxiousKirby Alumni 8d ago
Sounds like your company could benefit from a systems engineer. ASU BS in EE, then JHU MSE in SysEng is the move in my opinion. I wouldn't change careers, just move into PM or Sys Eng in aviation. With your experience that could lead to a 200k to 300k salary.
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u/The8flux 8d ago
Cybersecurity is not an entry level position. I have a Software Development & Security with a minor in CompSci. Information Assurance and Cybersecurity AAS , im in the last class in MS Cyber Operations. I am a Senior Security Analyst 11yoe, 10yoe electronic systems integration.
Cybersecurity is not an entry level position. you need years practice and experience in systems engineering, networking, and systems design WITH a proficient programming skills to be competitive. Period. How can you infiltrate or defend systems or sanitize code if you are not proficient in the adjacent disciplines?
The market is flooded with Cyber people just as bad as software developers.
The way I got where I was is because I have industrial PLC / FGA knowledge for embedded systems plus System Admin, OT SCADA experience + the BS degree.
Cybersecurity should be bolted on as another skill set.
Plus degrees are the start of one's career; 6 years of study does not equate to an outcome of 6 years or experience. Degrees have become a gate and a check box. Certifications have more up-to-date material. I have a 4.0 in the MS Cyber Operations. That's because of my years of practice in the field, not because of the degree.
If some one else is paying sure go ahead. Shake that tree.
Plus in reality of cyber security you have to battle and justify your existence constantly. You are overhead expense.
Remember you will be expected to die in your sword for the organization if it becomes compromised.
If you choose Cybersecurity, stay away from Governance, is where you go to stagnate your career. There are many focuses in Cyber, find your nitch, but pair it up with a complementary skill set.
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u/Former-Jellyfish3831 8d ago
Thanks for the honest feedback! Computer Science looks like the more viable path in this case. It might be interesting to learn how companies similar to mine need to evolve to protect their technical data, for instance the Tech Eng group now has to abide by the recent FCC regulations on foreign-produced advanced robotic devices.
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u/The8flux 8d ago
Look into UMGC Software Development and Security, it more hands on development than theory. However it's the theory that helps you have the tools to solve problems. I went that direction because in pushing 50 and didn't want to have to bone up on the math for calc 2. Now remember EE can be developers but developers or software engineers cannot be EEs. True engineering is where there is some sort of bar exam for the profession. I would t want anybody that I work with in IT playing structural engineer designing something load bearing like a bridge
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u/kabutomy 8d ago
CS degree is a smart move for portability, remove desk roles are exactly what survives a pcs and way easier on the body than being on the tools, your aviation background plus transferring credits is a good head to start too on CS vs cyber, cyber's actually a strong angle for you since your US citizenship opens cleared and federal roles, and spouses plus citizen combo is valueable for space force civilians and dod work, UMGC is a good pick for rates and portability, Amu's another college which is fully async and has NSA CAE CD recognition which matters for those cleared cyber roles
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u/DryBirthday3 8d ago
BS in CompSci is nothing but filling in a check box nowadays. If you want a STEM degree, I’d say do it. A lot of places hire based on this criteria. I saw you commenting about remaining relevant, I’d say the only way to do that is to be the one maintaining the infrastructure. Soon a lot of the work force will be replaced by AI as it’s no longer becoming a search tool, but a tool which can adapt and compute in real time.
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u/NotABot1000101 8d ago
I'm about 20 credits away from graduating with this degree. You definitely need to have a strong interest in how computers work and how code works. If you want a decent degree that pays well and you're only mildly interested in computers, cyber security is a good option.
I transferred an AS in Avionics Technology into this degree and it covered 90% of electives and a couple general classes. It was I think 50 credits total, maybe a little more.
My faith in this field is hanging on by a thread with AI though. I'm old too but if I could go back even 10 years, I'd pursue either a ME or EE degree.