Should I Get a CS Degree in 2025: Is It Still Worth It?
Written by Massa Medi
Considering a master’s degree in Computer Science? You’re not alone. With technology careers booming and skill demands evolving, deciding whether to take the plunge into graduate school is a choice that can shape the trajectory of your professional life for better or for worse. Welcome to my comprehensive guide on making this decision, drawn straight from my personal experience and those of people around me.
An Unconventional Path: My Journey from Bank Teller to Computer Scientist
My name is Sam, and I hold a Master’s in Computer Science from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (Class of 2017). But my journey didn't start out in technology. In fact, my Bachelor’s was in International Studies from UC Irvine about as far from Computer Science as you can get. After college, I spent several years working as a bank teller at Bank of America, comfortable but not exactly thrilled with my career prospects.
By 2013, I realized it was time for a change. I explored everything law, medicine, you name it before landing on Computer Science. My initial thought was to get another Bachelor’s degree. However, I hesitated: why render my first degree “useless” and invest years earning a second undergraduate diploma? The idea felt like a lateral move instead of a leap forward. So, I set my sights on something more ambitious: a Master’s degree.
The Objectivity Test: A Five Year Financial Forecast
To make an informed decision, I decided to get analytical. I built out a detailed spreadsheet, mapping two clear career paths for myself:
- Scenario 1: Stay the course at the bank. I calculated my current salary, rent, and all anticipated living expenses over the next five years.
- Scenario 2: Pursue the master’s degree. Here, I factored in costs for tuition, books, and living expenses knowing I’d have to quit my job and reduce my income. Luckily, I could move back home and avoid rent, making this path more viable.
The numbers were telling. In the first five years, sticking with my banking job seemed to have a slight edge financially. However, after seven years the time it would take me to fully invest in my education and land an average software engineer’s salary the long term earning potential as a computer scientist far exceeded my old financial trajectory. The gap would only widen as time marched on.
Dipping My Toes: Testing the Waters Before a Leap
Before risking it all and quitting my job, I needed a “reality check.” I enrolled in an introductory “C” programming course at Santa Monica College. Would I enjoy programming? Could I keep up? To my surprise and relief, I excelled in the class and genuinely enjoyed the challenge. That small win gave me the green light: I resigned from my bank job, moved back home, and jumped headlong into my new ambition.
Bridging the Gap: Master’s Prep from a Non STEM Background
The road wasn’t smooth. As a non STEM undergraduate, I didn’t meet the typical prerequisites for a Computer Science master’s program. I needed to level up my game fast. I researched various universities, listed their entry requirements, and signed up for a gauntlet of foundational courses: Operating Systems, Computer Architecture, Software Engineering, and heavy duty mathematics like Discrete Math, Linear Algebra, and Calculus I and II.
These prep classes took about two years. Afterward, I crushed the GRE, gathered my application materials, and won admission to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s master’s program. Two years of graduate study later, I walked across the stage a newly minted computer scientist and soon after, I landed my first software engineering job.
Why a Master’s in Computer Science Made Sense for Me
In my case, making the leap to Computer Science wasn’t just an intellectual adventure it was a financial upgrade. The pay differential was staggering, and the tech field’s future growth meant long term job security. Above all, I’d found something I truly enjoyed. For career changers like me, the master’s was a wise investment.
Real Life Examples: When a Master's is Worth It (and When It’s Not)
I’m not the only one who benefited from this route. A friend of mine had a Bachelor’s degree in Math, but faced a tough job market. She chose to pursue a Master’s in Computer Science. We graduated together, and she landed a six figure job at Microsoft right out of school. That’s a success story any way you slice it.
Another smart route: my university offered a “4+1” program a five year blended Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science. With this setup, you save time and money, transition smoothly to graduate coursework, and get the Master’s with just one extra year of study. Already knowing your professors and skipping the hassle of re applying for admission makes this an especially attractive option.
When a Master's Might NOT Be Worth It
On the flip side, if you already have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, a master’s may not be necessary unless you want to specialize deeply or just adore academic life. Unless your employer is funding your education (or you can balance work and study, which is no walk in the park), quitting a well paying job for another diploma might not pay off in the short run.
Parallel Paths: Juggling Work and Study
I’ve known colleagues who work full time while pursuing their Master’s degrees in the evenings or online. If your employer supports you, or if you’re willing to live without much free time for a while, this path can make sense. One co worker managed to combine both successfully, but it’s an intense commitment.
Unexpected Outcomes: Degrees Aren’t Always Essential
Consider my grad school buddy with a Bachelor’s degree in Music (yes, Music!). He entered the computer science program, snagged a solid company internship, and received a return offer. However, he never quite finished his thesis and, as a result, never earned his Master’s. Despite lacking a computer science or STEM degree, he’s still doing just fine in the tech world. Sometimes experience and skill can trump formal credentials, depending on your niche.
Do You Need a Computer Science Degree to Work at Big Tech?
If your career goal is to work at household names like Google, Microsoft, or other “FAANG” companies, you should know: most require at least a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Software Engineering. Master’s degrees are “preferred” but rarely required. Google, in recent years, dropped the hard degree requirement, but remember: your competition will likely have at least a Bachelor’s possibly a Master’s or more. Credentials help you stand out, even if they’re not mandatory.
How To Decide: Should You Get a Master's in Computer Science?
- Career Changers: If you’re pivoting from a non technical field, a Master’s degree is a robust, proven way to transition especially with no prior STEM background.
- Bachelor’s in Non Computer Science: The Master’s transforms your market value, opens new doors, and makes sense financially and professionally.
- Already a Computer Science Bachelor’s? Unless you crave research or academic prestige, the incremental value of a Master’s may not justify the time and lost income.
- Thinking About Research? If investigating new knowledge excites you, a Master’s can be a stepping stone but if research is your passion, consider a Ph.D. instead.
- Upskilling at Work: If you can pursue your degree while employed, or your employer foots the bill, a Master’s becomes a safer bet.
Final Thoughts: There’s No One Size Fits All Answer
Choosing whether to pursue a Master’s in Computer Science is a deeply personal and often complicated decision. No two career journeys are exactly alike. My advice: measure your goals, your current credentials, your financial situation, and your appetite for academic rigor. If you have any doubts, take a class (even at a local college) to sample the work. If it clicks, the rest will follow.
Still wrestling with the decision? Drop your questions or comments below. I know how tough it can be, but with enough research and a clear goal in mind, you’ll make the choice that’s right for you. Thanks for reading, and best of luck on your journey no matter what direction you choose!
