So I’ve done my bachelor’s in history 
but now I’m thinking if I go for MS in Computer Software Engineering (asu or georgia tech, both online), will I even get a job as a software engineer or data scientist in the US?? or is this just wasting time & money 
Short answer:
No, it’s not a waste of time or money—IF you are ready to put in extra effort to build technical skills and real-world experience. People have successfully transitioned from non-CS backgrounds (like history, economics, even music) into software engineering and data science. But it takes planning and persistence.
Here’s what matters most:
1. The MS degree can open doors
- Doing an online MS from ASU or Georgia Tech in Software Engineering is a solid way to formally build technical skills.
- These programs are respected and accredited, especially Georgia Tech’s OMSCS program, which is well-known in the tech world.
2. You’ll need to catch up on core CS skills
- Since you didn’t do a CS undergrad, you’ll likely need to self-learn or take bridge courses in key areas like:
- Data structures and algorithms
- Operating systems
- Databases
- Object-oriented programming
- Many online MS programs let you take foundation courses before starting the core curriculum.
3. Job search will require real projects & internships
- Just having the degree may not be enough—you’ll need to build a portfolio: GitHub projects, internships, open-source contributions, or freelance work.
- For data science roles, you’ll also need to show skills in Python, SQL, statistics, and machine learning, along with project work using real datasets.
4. Your non-CS background can actually be a strength
- Many companies value diverse backgrounds. If you can show that you learned tech skills and can apply them in real-world ways, you stand out.
- For example, a data scientist with a background in history may have stronger research and storytelling skills—very useful in analytics and communication.