I'm recently completed my Master's of Arts degree in Political Science. While I was in grad school, I had to learn R. From there, I began learning Python and Perl. When I was in grad school, I was utilizing most of these languages for data analysis and data visualization. For example, I would use the Python library NetworkX to conduct network analysis. I'm now looking for jobs, and realizing that the private sector doesn't value my political science degree, and doesn't really care if I learned any programming languages. For this reason, I am considering returning to school to get a BS in computer science while I world part-time at Wall-Mart. Has anyone followed a similar path? Was it worth it? Would it be better to pursue a degree in statistics as I am more concerned about data analysis and visualization? (My goal is ultimately to work as a data analyst) One other factor which complicates my situation is that I have a felony. I never served any time in prison, but i'm sure that it's a major reason why employers aren't offering me jobs.
Thanks for reading and any help you can provide.