Do you need to have an honors degree to go to graduate school?

[deathbow2134]

I had heard from someone that you needed an honors bachelors degree to be eligible to attend graduate school, is that true? Do you need an honors degree in CS to get a masters degree and a PhD?

Thanks!

[[Gandalf]]

If you're referring to Canada, as far as I know all CS degrees are now "honours" -- so yes. I'm not sure how it works in other fields.

[deathbow2134]

[quote="[Gandalf] @ Sat Jun 26, 2010 5:19 pm"]If you're referring to Canada, as far as I know all CS degrees are now "honours" -- so yes. I'm not sure how it works in other fields.[/quote]

Well at Dalhousie, there is a BCSC, BCSC with co-op, BCSC with honours, ad BCSC with co-op and honours.

[Brightguy]

The most important thing seems to be that there's a supervisor willing to work with you, and if you're good enough they may be able to get you in no matter what your "on paper" qualifications are. For example, Waterloo weasels out by saying requirements normally include an Honours Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science (so it definitely wouldn't be a bad idea). But I know for a fact it's possible to start a PhD in CS without a CS degree, because I did it.

[rdrake]

deathbow2134 @ Sat Jun 26, 2010 5:14 pm wrote:

I had heard from someone that you needed an honors bachelors degree to be eligible to attend graduate school, is that true?

As was mentioned above, the most important thing is finding a supervisor. I'm sure during the application process they generally prefer people with honours degrees, though.

deathbow2134 @ Sat Jun 26, 2010 5:14 pm wrote:

Do you need a... degree in CS to get a masters degree and a PhD?

No. I know software engineers going to get a MSc in CS. Sometimes math or physics people do it too or vice versa.

Generally if you find a supervisor and meet the minimum requirements you're good to go. If you're going in on marks alone you might be in trouble.

[yoursecretninja]

There are still 3 year comp sci programs at some schools in Ontario. And yes, you generally need an honours degree for admission into a graduate program. However, there are exceptions to the rule. I know someone who did a masters degree after getting a 3-year pass degree but they were required to do some qualifying courses in addition to their grad school requirements.