Would it be a big hiring red flag if I had a master’s degree in CS w/o a bachelors? /u/Intrepid_Drag6726 CSCQ protests reddit

I have been in the programming industry about five+ years on only an Associate’s degree. I am losing enjoyment in my work, and am looking at either changing positions internally in my company, externally, or finding something outside of tech.

I notice my biggest barrier is my ‘lack of a bachelor’s degree.’ I’ve been pricing out the degree and the time it would take to finish… I’m looking at like 3.5 years and $65k. That’s a lot.

While I was doing this, I ended up coming across an opportunity to complete a Master’s Degree in CS (it is a performance based admissions which accepts applicants w/o a bachelor’s) at a reputable, accredited school for 1/2 the time and a fraction of the cost.

Would having a Master’s degree w/o a bachelor’s be a detriment to me in applying/changing jobs in any way that I cannot think of at the moment?

I am thinking just listing the Master’s on the resume would likely get me through any ATS systems. Then in the interview I would explain that I work at [insert big name company here] with the Associate’s and entered in a MS program with performance based admissions due to my prior work experience and experience gained in [insert big name company here], and successfully completed the program. I figured this is an OK strategy, but I don’t want to shoot myself in the foot…maybe someone can see a risk that I cannot.

I may also switch out of the industry altogether or move to Systems Engineering… I’m just lost, undecided and trying to get the right information to make the best decision.

Thank you!

I have been in the programming industry about five+ years on only an Associate’s degree. I am losing enjoyment in my work, and am looking at either changing positions internally in my company, externally, or finding something outside of tech.

I notice my biggest barrier is my ‘lack of a bachelor’s degree.’ I’ve been pricing out the degree and the time it would take to finish… I’m looking at like 3.5 years and $65k. That’s a lot.

While I was doing this, I ended up coming across an opportunity to complete a Master’s Degree in CS (it is a performance based admissions which accepts applicants w/o a bachelor’s) at a reputable, accredited school for 1/2 the time and a fraction of the cost.

Would having a Master’s degree w/o a bachelor’s be a detriment to me in applying/changing jobs in any way that I cannot think of at the moment?

I am thinking just listing the Master’s on the resume would likely get me through any ATS systems. Then in the interview I would explain that I work at [insert big name company here] with the Associate’s and entered in a MS program with performance based admissions due to my prior work experience and experience gained in [insert big name company here], and successfully completed the program. I figured this is an OK strategy, but I don’t want to shoot myself in the foot…maybe someone can see a risk that I cannot.

I may also switch out of the industry altogether or move to Systems Engineering… I’m just lost, undecided and trying to get the right information to make the best decision.

Thank you!