Question:
I was planning to graduate this summer with a BS in Computer Science, but
it turns out the CS department isn't offering the one class I need to
graduate. I can still get a BA though. The problem is, I'm concerned that somewhere down the road, I might regret not staying in school another semester to get my BS. To get my BS, I only need two more classes than I would need for the BA. I know that the job market for college grads is hot right now and employers aren't as picky, but what if I decide to go looking for another job 2-5 years from now? Also, will getting a BA rather than a BS affect my chances of getting into a good MBA program?
Answer:
BA or BS that's the question.
I don't think that there is a BA in Computer Science, so if you want a
career in the IT field, I'd suggest getting the BS. If you get a BA instead
of a BS your major would change and perhaps your future career endeavors
may, too.
I'd like to suggest that you do the following:
- Contact your academic advisor and look for options.
- Contact the head of your CS dept and talk to him or her.
- Ask if you can get a waiver of the course.
- Ask if you can get a substitution or an alternate course to replace the
course which is not offered.
- Look at other nearby colleges to see if they offer the same course and
ask the CS dept if they will accept the class and credits from another college. Make sure you get a bulletin which includes course descriptions.
- If you feel like nothing is happening, take a look at your college handbook and see if you can "petition" the department to make an exception or give you more options.
To be considered for admission, most MBA programs require an application, including an application essay, academic transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) score and, for most international applicants, a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score.
Good Luck,
-- Anita Moses, Careers & Education Department Editor, www.New2USA.com
