NialScorva

I'm currently working for my BS in Mathematics while working full time. I've got 7 years of experience as a software engineer, but have no degree. I've got a couple years left for the BS, but have decided that I am going to aim for a MS.

George Mason University is local. Does anyone know it's reputation with respect to math? I've looked at the rankings and such.

I am very interested in their Masters in Computational Sciences program because it combines pretty much all the things that I want to do into a nice program. It's a long term goal, but I need long term goals and it makes my elective choosing a *lot* easier as an undergrad if I know this is what I'm aiming for. I've never heard of this type of program, though. I was originally debating between a MS in Math or Computer Science and customizing it to fit this style as much as I could.

Anyone heard of this or similar programs?

Richard1366

Perhaps it is time to evaluate your long term employment goals. To stay strictly in mathmetics seems to be a good idea only if you have the desire to stay on and get a Phd then migrate to a college campus to do research, teach, and publish. I don't really know what the current demand is for non Phd mathmeticians, but I don't think it is all that great.

It is very smart to get an undergraduate degree, (in any area) to simply give you some credentials. Most companies seem reluctant to hire anyone without a degree. As soon as you get your degree, with your 7 years of experience in software engineering you are immediately much more employable. I don't know what you really do as a "software engineer" because that is a really broad brush description, operating systems programmers, application programmers, systems designers, etc. could all fall under that title depending on the company.

You might consider getting a Masters degree in Business, again, depending on your long term goals. With a scientific undergraduate degree, 7 years of IT type experience, and an MBA, your employment prospects become almost unlimited.

George Mason is OK, but they try too hard to be all things to all people, to be business school and a school of fine arts even though the demand for the fine arts area is very small. You might try looking at the Va. Tech extension in No. Virginia, they apparently have some great offerings. My daughter is taking her MS in Public Administration there. A degree from Va. Tech is very well thought of everywhere.

Good Luck..

NialScorva

I'm not terribly worried about employment. By the time I get my master's, I'll have close to 15 years as a programmer and a high security clearance. I could have a degree in Underwater Basket Weaving and still get a job.

The MBA is a good idea, one that I've considered, but it makes me feel... dirty

Cipher Girl

Hi NialScorva

I have a BS in Applied Mathematics and have learned computer programming and software engineering on the job. I have found that a lot of employers in the defense industry love math degrees. Getting a math degree shows that you have learned to solve problems. Problem solving is a skill that a lot of employers prize. I've never had to really search for employment. I've been the following:

1) Air Force Officer (Missiles)
2) Computer programmer/analyst
3) Software engineer
4) mathematician/computer programmer (currently)

Most of my employers have been of the opinion that getting a degree in math is hard. Someone who can get a degree in math is usually capable of learning anything. But I may be biased as I have a degree in math and currently working on a masters in aeronautics.

xorbie

Right now I am working on a double degree in Math and Engineering Physics at the U of Illinois @ Urbana-Champaign. But I plan on getting a Ph.D. in one of these fields, so I don't know if any of my advice would actually come in handy.