from art B.A. to compsci master's -- Virtually Advising Q+A

The Q: Hi, I am a recent graduate of a private college in Michigan. I graduated with a B.A. in art, but I have made a career change. I am pursuing an education in computer science and would like to get a degree for it. My grades arent that great; they were good enough to pass and get a B.A. My question is if I want to get Masters in computer science, do i need to retake courses to raise my grades for my B.A. and compete to get into grad school? I am confused as to how to get a masters in computer science using my B.A. in art. Is that possible? I also dont know how many years I will have to take altogether to raise my grades if I have to and grad school. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

The A: Yours is a good question, and the answer depends greatly the schools you're looking at and your plans for the future. Can you move from art to computer science? Definitely. Will you need to take foundation level courses to fill in knowledge gaps? More than likely the answer is also yes. What you'll need to do now, most of all, is speak with student advisers at the schools that you are considering. These advisers, as well as members of the faculty, will be invaluable in helping you plan your continuing education.

As you move ahead with this change in your educational plan, keep some things in mind about your new field:

1) Degrees don't generally dominate the computer science profession. While a post-graduate degree can display to an employer an enduring committment to the field, if you don't bring along the requisite skills you won't get the job.

2) Look into internships. Any opportunity you can get to immerse yourself in your new field you should seriously consider. This experience will not only help as you move to make up classes, but will also lend credibility to your resume.

3) Keep an open mind! Computer scientists are not excluded from artistic pursuits, and vice versa. Perhaps your course of study, and future career, could expose you to both disciplines.

Best of luck!

—Ian Richards, Compsci Advisor