In the IT world, is a CS degree or equiv really necessary?

[Blazin Trav]

I was wondering if I had a collection of computer based certifications in the areas of study that I am interested if it would I be at a disadvantage vs. someone with a bachelors in computer science?

I don't want to be an electrical engineer...

Right now I am minoring in computer information technology, if I get the right certificates would I still be at a disadvantage? I have over 13 years of computer experience, if that's any help.

Thanks,
Trav

 

[clamum]

I'd think a B.S. degree would weigh over certs but I'm no expert.

Depends on the job too maybe. A CS degree doesn't teach you how to troubleshoot computers. From my experience it involves learning theory and hands-on approaches to solving problems with computers (usually by a program).

 

[mugs]

What exactly do you want to do? I generally think of "IT" as the guys who maintain company computer resources/networks. For that you want certifications, a degree is not as necessary.

A C.S. degree is for programmers and the like. I'm a programmer, and our "engineering" (programmers) department is entirely separate from our IT department. For programming a degree is good to have, and certifications are less popular (although still available, i.e. MCSA)

 

[Deeko]

BS degree > certs no question about it.

 

[Aimster]

I know people who make 100k+ without a degree but they started a longgg time ago when the market was hot. Today if they wanted to start I doubt their certifications alone could help much since demand is not so HOT.

I think a B.S degree (any degree) will help along with certifications.

 

[Descartes]

If you legitimately have 13 years of experience, the degree shouldn't make much of a difference at all unless you have specific company policies you can't get around. People get degrees and/or certifications so they can get the experience you say you already have...

 

[A5]

Getting a CS degree to do IT is a huge waste of your time and money. CS is for programming, theory, and program design, not server maintenance.

 

[HardcoreRobot]

CS degree has no equal, it is what is

 

[JasonCoder]

Originally posted by: mugs
For programming a degree is good to have, and certifications are less popular (although still available, i.e. MCSD)

TFTFY

IMO a degree beyond 2 years is only really necessary when breaking into the field, if you want to go into upper management or work for a university.

 

[mercanucaribe]

I didn't think a CS degree had anything to do with IT....

 

[spidey07]

If you want to really succeed in IT just go for the a BA, then maybe your MBA. Learn business first - you'll go a lot farther. Although sometimes CS/EE guys get into IT and then get their masters - that works as well but they generally aren't very good at dealing with people and that stunts their career.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: JasonCoder

Originally posted by: mugs
For programming a degree is good to have, and certifications are less popular (although still available, i.e. MCSD)

TFTFY

IMO a degree beyond 2 years is only really necessary when breaking into the field, if you want to go into upper management or work for a university.

Not sure what TFTFY means, but if it means I'm wrong, you're right. I don't have any MS certs, I'm actually a Perl and PL/SQL programmer now.