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Master's Degree or Startup?

12 points by jontonsoup ↗ HN
I'm currently on year 4 of a 5 year bs/ms program a prestigious university in CS. I can graduate now with just an undergraduate degree. I am also part of a startup that has the potential to get seed funding from angels and eventually VCs.

I'm wondering what is the value of finishing up my master's degree compared to graduating early and pursuing my startup. Obviously my choice is highly dependent on the success potential of the startup, but does anyone know the added value of a masters in cs?

9 comments

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keiferski
Go for the masters - it'll be harder to get it later, and if you put in the work, benefits are guaranteed. A startup can go wrong in innumerable ways, so don't get hung up on a particular one.

"Opportunities are like trains - there's always another one coming." - Richard Branson

ben1040
I initially planned to pursue an MS in computer science after undergrad, and had gone so far as being accepted into a program, and attending classes for nearly the entire first semester.

I bailed out at the first semester when I considered the opportunity cost involved. I'd be spending an additional two years (or a little more, depending on how much I could afford all at once) in a program that was 95% theory, while missing out on two years of learning practical work through employment.

But, I think a 5 year BS/MS program is different. Finishing in five years even with just a BS isn't out of the ordinary anymore these days. You haven't graduated yet, so you still are 100% within the "in school" mindset. And it's only a year out of your life instead of two.

I don't regret dropping out of the two year MS program, but I do regret not having pursued the 5 year BS/MS package when I would have had the chance. I would have gotten the additional education, but it would have cut that opportunity cost in half.

kellros
I agree - do your masters if you can afford to. People rarely get the chance later in life to do intense studies when you got a full time job requiring overtime, family and other responsibilities. In the end it's a better investment that will benefit you for many years to come.
GFKjunior
I think you should stay in school. I never say that to anyone but 1 more year at a good university will fly by, most american kids take 5 years for a liberal arts degree at a state school. Like the other poster said, startups come and go.
mikeburrelljr
Finish-up your masters... You'll thank yourself later!
djingel
You will get lots of opportunities in your life to create a business. You only get one chance of getting your master's degree.
fersab
As others here are saying, finish it up.

I did the dropout thing from MS and it bugs me still to this day. And this is even though i had/have successful startup path in my career...

AznHisoka
do both at the same time. do the masters thing at night if there are night classes, or on weekends. or just skip class when you can afford it, and just go the assignments to get the degree.
jontonsoup
Thanks guys! Seems like a pretty good consensus.