Well-rounded experience in programming = Multiple B.S. degrees?

Question

I have a degree in Computer Information Systems (learned high-level programming, database/network stuff, minimal math, minimal science, with lots of business application focus). Now I'm sitting in a job where I realize that a background in Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering would have been amazingly useful in order to support programming on embedded systems and a lot of more hardware-related programming tasks.

I'm considering taking EE coursework to support this goal but was wondering if a full-blown EE B.S. degree might be worth pursuing? I'm curious to know of readers out there that have multiple undergrad degrees acquired at different times. Does having two undergrads look bad? It seems like it would be make me more well-rounded but sometimes the perception to future hiring managers may be that I can't make up my mind about what I want to do.

I'm 25 years old so it seems feasible to go back. My current job would likely support my effort financially including flexibility with schedule to continue work while taking classes.

Other options may be to simply take a few non-degree-seeking classes and move into a Computer Science Master's program.

Any thoughts/ideas welcome.

Answer 1

I don't think multiple B.S degrees would look bad, but I also wouldn't really think an applicant with two degrees like yours has "well-rounded experience in programming". The best experience is actual professional experience, in my opinion.

Why another B.S.? I'd vote for a Masters.

Answer 2

In my opinion, the B.S is the hardest degree because it takes so long and has such broad requirements. (Phds, please be kind). Since you've already done the hard work of getting an undergrad degree I would ask yourself why would you want another. I would either

1. Take classes for the joy of learning
2. Go for a masters (or greater)

Putting in the work to get another undergrad degree seems pointless. Especially now that you are out of school. If you were still undergrad, maybe a double major, but now. No way.

Answer 3

I think expanding your education is always a Good Thing(TM).

I'd suggest that trying to get the new material you need in a master's rather than another bachelor's is a better way to go. Many positions advertise "MSc" as a requirement.

Having your employer support it is the best of both worlds, though it can be a little draining if you have a "life" outside of work / education (SO**, beer, sports, kids, etc.).

**Not Stack Overflow.

Answer 4

I would recommend going for a higher level degree (such as a Masters) over going for a second B.Sc. However, select the program carefully to ensure that it will train you in what you think would be useful for your job. Alternatively, try to get some certifications in related areas to what you work in. Personally, I would hesitate over someone with multiple undergraduate degrees as, in my opinion, they have not "grown" but have stayed at the same level. Unless they also have a Masters degree, in which case, I would talk to them, but be aware that they may be more academic than the job requires.

Answer 5

I'd say that a lot of the value of a BS degree is learning how to learn - and proving that you can study largely on your own and accomplish something. You should be able to apply these skills to learning what you need to learn in the real world. In terms of particular technologies, I think practical experience counts for a lot more.

Answer 6

I think you need to decide what you want to do with your career from a high-level, not in response to this one job. In addition, degree requirements tend to be added to job descriptions as blockers.

There are people without degrees that can do jobs better than those without. Understand why an employer has posted a requirement (who are they trying to filter out? why can you do a good job for them? can you negotiate based on experience?). It will always vary from job to job, and degree to degree, but good employers and employees are flexible (both ways)

In the short term, find courses/certification/resources that will support your current position. You sound like you are in over your head. This potentially means that you could struggle and under perform putting your job at risk. Perhaps you could find out the background of your colleagues and understand what helps them do their job well. Work out if you really want to stay in this area or move elsewhere or over to management.

Longer term, both a BS and MS degree have advantages. BS degrees are supposed to be broader and cover a wider range. They provide a platform to continue learning and dive deeper. The intent of MS degrees is to provide a fine-grained focus at a very deep level, including a lot of deep independent research work. Some MS courses may also cater for converters (eg. those moving from say physics to computer science), and take slightly nuanced approaches.

As other posters have said, people with multiple BS degrees have not progressed in their careers. But the same can be said for those for masters degrees and even PhDs, whilst the guy with a BA is now VP. There are other reasons why people progress and you need to observe these. Make sure to read the Rules of Work.

Answer 7

Well, the biggest problem I've come across with my peers is their lack of well-roundedness. Most of the people I work with come from a straight computer science background. Often, this means that they are not as well rounded in mathematics as I am (having a Physics background) and as a consequence, seem to have difficulty when they come across something that falls outside the bounds of the standard libraries.

In many cases, they aren't aware of standard algorithms and data structures that are suitable for solving the problems they come across.

Now, I can't claim that I'm perfect, as coming from my background, I also was not aware of many of the standard algorithms and data structures that have evolved over the years, but I did have the advantage in that I was trained in the scientific method and could often derive algorithms etc. from first principles with some degree of mathematical rigor. (Note: I wouldn't recommend this - read a book instead ;) ).

I guess what I am trying to say is that I found it easier to become a good developer from my direction than a lot of my peers with straight CS did. I think it's easier to learn CS and be taught the foundations (math/science) than the reverse.

(And please excuse the hideous generalizations about CS vs. Science/Math) :)