Ask HN: How important is a master's degree?

10 points by v3rt 13 years ago | 10 comments

Hi everyone, I could use some advice - I'm a junior in computer science and statistics (focusing on machine learning) at a top university. I'm also active in extracurriculars (including some leadership positions), and I've just started work on a startup that I had the idea for a few weeks ago.

Things just got complicated because my college announced a joint BS/MS program that means I could get a master's degree by the end of the next year, but I'd have to drop almost everything else to do it. Earning the master's would mean sacrificing most of my statistics coursework, as well as a lot outside of class (clubs, sports, even friends to a degree), so the question I'm facing is how much of a difference an MS actually makes in the working world. I'm planning to do startups, or if that fails, probably to go into project-manager type positions in the software industry (potentially machine learning project specifically). In those kinds of roles, does it make a difference to have an MS in computer science vs a double BS in computer science/statistics? I'd prefer to just work on what I'm interested in, which wouldn't lead to the master's degree, but if it's worth it it might make sense to make some sacrifices.

Thanks for the help.

codegeek 13 years ago |

Think very hard before you decide to go for any graduate degree whether Masters or even PhD. Not because Masters is bad or good. It is because there is a huge opportunity cost for those 2 years (or less).

"how much of a difference an MS actually makes in the working world."

I would say not much and I am sure there is an argument for it. Here is why. If you get a job right after your bachelors degree and work for 2 years gaining "real world" experience, you could actually be a lot more valuable to an employer or in the industry IF the employer is looking for someone with your skills/experience.

Besides, there is always time to think about a graduate degree. What if you do your MS right after bachelors and realize 5 years later that you actually would have been better off with an MBA or may be no masters at all ? You will never know that until and unless you have real world experience, trust me.

My advice: Get a job, get experience in your industry and 2-3 years later, decide if MS is still the right choice for you. Believe me, you will know then. You won't know now.

v3rt 13 years ago | |

Thanks for that point of view, and that's totally how I'd approach it, but because of the new joint program I'd be able to get the master's in the same amount of time that I would spend on a bachelor's anyways, sorry if I didn't make that clear. I definitely wouldn't spend an additional year or two doing a master's otherwise, but this program reduces the opportunity cost pretty significantly.

terrykohla 13 years ago |

If you're well organized in what you do and find time to keep learning on your own through books, personal projects, etc... then forget the masters, you'll learn much more on your own, while gaining experience and with more freedom. If you can't discipline yourself to do that, then academics would provide you with that structure frame you need to acquire that level of knowledge.

Another key point you might want to consider is how knowledgeable the people you're surrounded with are. If you're around people you admire and you can feed off of, forget the masters. If you're not in that kind of environment then the MS will allow you to rub shoulders with ambitious like minded people who will help you grow.

tmadar 13 years ago |

I currently work at a startup and am doing grad school for my masters in pattern recognition. The way the grad classes are designed, you should be able to work and go to school at the same time, because pretty much everyone in your class is working currently too (whether it be 30 hrs a week in research or, say, 40 a week at Garmin). The classes are lecture heavy and the homework load is way lighter than undergrad (tougher, yes, but nothing you couldn't finish in a weekend).

tl;dr try and do both if possible, cus it'll only suck for 1 year

narayankpl 13 years ago |

IMHO, in the real world except at the start it would not matter... even at the start likely only if the guy with a MS is much better than you. Also since you are looking at startups, if you are good at what you do and you can fit in well most startups are unlikely to look any further. Look at it this way, I am sure you can pick up a MS/PhD if you find it is the only way...

citizenkeys 13 years ago |

Work with an academic advisor so the classes for your masters degree plan align with a PhD degree plan. Do that and then work on the PhD. Then if you decide to quit early, you can at least earn a masters degree along the way while working towards a PhD.

argonaut 13 years ago | |

Given that the OP made no mention of any interest in a PhD, and in fact expressed an interest in startups, I think this is the completely wrong way to go.

jefflinwood 13 years ago |

For what it's worth, I don't think a master's right after your bachelor's would impress too many private industry employers.

Save your master's degree for later in your working career, when you might want to get an MBA or specialize in one area.

mitchi 13 years ago |

I wanted to stay in school for the social life. The master degree was interesting as well, I can't say it was time wasted. I have no regrets. Thinking about the PHD now.

reiz 13 years ago |

For me a good profile on Stackoverflow & GitHub has more value than a master degree from Stanford.