Computer Science Degrees

Hello.
I recently graduated with a BBA in "Computer Information Systems. I learned elementary database techniques, java and C++.
However, this degree was NOT a computer science degree. I did not learn the topics that most colleges with computer science degrees offer such as automata theory, software engineering concepts, algorithm fundamentals, mathematical programming, etc.
My question is, should I go to graduate school and take a Master of Science in Computer Science to learn all the things that the BBA didnt teach me?
Is that needed to get a job in computer programming?
Also, does anyone know of any good graduate schools in New York?

IMHO, if I had it to do over, I'd stay out of the programming business.
Fix cars, the pay rates are better.

Agreed......too many qualified developers...not enough dev jobs.

What do you guys mean?
This whole place is about programming isnt it?
Or do you mean the market of programming jobs in C++ specifically is dead?
IT is the field that is dead IMO.
All those cisco and MCSE guys are unemployed. But I always thought ecommerce development jobs were plentiful.
java, xml, c++.net, etc.
anyway, can anyone answer the computer degrees question? thanks!

Jimmy:
- The MS-Comp Sci degree will be even more theoretical that the BS-Comp Sci degree. What college does is prepare you how to "solve problems" - at least that's what I think it's supposed to do.
- I hope that you did some "real-world" projects or "internships" while earning your degree. This is where you get your initial "experience".
- The guys in the J2EE Java field that I know of - learned it on their own, and not as part of any formalized college curriculum.
-----------
- Right now, as you already know - the IT market is pretty slow - especially in the Junior Java programmer market.
----------
- I see that you have four options:
1. Look for a Java or C++ programming job.
2. If option #1 does not work out - look for job in production support / maintenance. Even if it's working with COBOL mainframes, at least you are in the computer field.
3. If option #2 does not work out. Go to graduate school. While in grad school, make damned sure that you get some "real world" Java or C++ (your choice) projects under your belt through the University.
4. If option #3 does not work out. Then it's time to back off and review your situation. Perhaps working in another field - while learning the J2EE model (Servlets, JSP, XML, EJB).
Hopefully, the market will have turned around. And the folks who looked to the Java field to make a "quick buck" will have moved onto something else - thus opening up opportunites for you.
No matter what - you will need to continually study to maintain and update your skill set. Reason why J2EE programmers get paid the $$ range that they do. We are constantly studying, going to classes, updating our skill set.
--------
Note: It's not the basic Java (as seen on the SJCP2) that makes you the $$. Rather, it's just a step on the road to the J2EE model (Servlets, JSP, EJBs). It's the J2EE model that makes companies and eventually you the $$.
--------
So how do you achieve this.
1. While either in school or out of school - prepare for the SCJP2 exam. Then prepare for the SCWCD exam. Then the SCJD exam.
These (along with your BS-CS degree) will help get your foot in the door.
Once you have a few yrs under your belt - go for the SCJEA exam.
--------
John Coxey
(jpcoxey@aol.com)
[ October 23, 2002: Message edited by: John Coxey ]

Arghhh!!!
I thought you had the BS-CS degree.
If you are going for an MS-CS degree, the college will more than likely make you pickup quite a few of the CS classes required for the BS-CS degree.
Definitely grab Data Structurs, Algorithms, OOA&D programming, and any Java classes that you can.
John Coxey
(jpcoxey@aol.com)