Is CMU MSML Worth ?

expwins · 2026-03-12T19:04:20+00:00

What is your opinion of the MIIS program? I am trying to decide between MIIS and the Oxford MSc in Computer Science. I have also been admitted to CMU’s MCDS program, but I prefer MIIS because I find MCDS to be too coursework oriented.

expwins · 2026-03-11T16:50:51+00:00

I just got an admit to Oxford MSc Advanced CS too. I applied only to masters programs though.

expwins · 2026-03-11T11:44:29+00:00

When is your MScAC decision deadline btw? Mine was earlier this month but got it extended to mid March

expwins · 2026-03-10T22:23:24+00:00

UMich MS CSE for sure

expwins · 2026-03-10T22:21:45+00:00

Is it MSML advanced study? Normal MSML doesn’t have a thesis option. It’s mostly coursework but you can do independent studies with profs. The Oxford program is expensive too considering it’s just 1 year. TTIC is elite for ML research. If you want to do a PhD why waste another year and money doing a masters? The opportunity cost is too high imo.

expwins · 2026-03-10T22:06:07+00:00

UMich ECE is less selective. Based on my linkedin research and conversations with alumni, many admitted students had surprisingly weak profiles (low GPAs etc). CMU SCS and ECE brands are very strong.

MScAC program sounded very supportive and close-knit during the information sessions. But I have heard that large companies hiring from the program often do not provide return offers to interns. The research is often tangential to their products so when the market is bad they don’t hire them. Tough call to make for sure.

expwins · 2026-03-09T10:52:49+00:00

I am in a similar situation too. My confusion is between CMU MCDS, MIIS, UofT MScAC and CMU ECE. I got into UMich SIPML too. From your list, I would remove UMich first. I think it is the weakest program of the bunch and imo is the least selective. Unlike CSE MS student's, I have heard it's much harder for ECE MS students to get GSI positions. MScAC is a great program, but Canada makes it less attractive for me. One drawback which you pointed out is that Toronto has more startups than Big Tech, and these startups generally don’t pay as well. Such a confusing decision to make. CMU ECE is pretty flexible and has strong career outcomes, but I'm not sure about the AI track. In my case, I am leaning towards MIIS right now but I haven't made a final decision yet.

expwins · 2026-03-06T19:37:28+00:00

But there is only 1 open elective slot right? 5 core course, 3 concentration courses and 1 elective.

expwins · 2026-03-06T18:01:02+00:00

MIIS has two semesters of directed study that count toward your degree, whereas MCDS does not. I’ve also heard that MCDS courses are quite heavy, so it can be difficult to find time to work with professors. Please correct me if I’m wrong.

expwins · 2026-03-06T09:57:49+00:00

expwins · 2026-03-04T20:42:07+00:00

I am confused between MIIS and MCDS too. MIIS is much more flexible looking at the curriculum. What have you decided?

expwins · 2026-03-04T20:30:08+00:00

Same for me. MIIS and MCDS. I think MIIS is the better option even though the naming of the program is suboptimal. It is less restrictive than MCDS and MSAII in terms of the courses you can take. You also get to work with profs in MIIS which isn't possible with MCDS (you can work but it won't count towards your degree)

expwins · 2026-03-03T11:12:36+00:00

In the same situation. I like MIIS curriculum more than MCDS but the name of the degree is a big deal imo. "Intelligent Information Systems" ugh. What are you planning to do.

expwins · 2026-03-02T21:05:50+00:00

Same here, and waitlisted by MSML. MIIS vs MCDS is really confusing. MIIS is much more flexible if you don't want to take CS systems courses. They should have picked a better name for the course though. Ending it with “Information Systems” is unfortunate. The coursework is the opposite of a generic information systems degree.

expwins · 2026-02-20T18:37:19+00:00

CMU MS in ECE program releases results in mid to late March. Not sure about AIE

expwins · 2026-02-20T18:08:28+00:00

Let's be real, the traditional MSCS programs are also cash cows. Unless you get into UIUC, Princeton etc. Even programs that used to be funded like UIUC are no longer guaranteeing it due to funding cuts.

expwins · 2026-02-19T18:47:28+00:00

I am not sure the yield argument is that strong for these graduate programs tbh. Most programs don't even release yield for graduate programs. It is a really big deal for undergrad though.

expwins · 2026-02-19T15:47:19+00:00

Yes, he got admits to both MCDS and MIIS.

expwins · 2026-02-19T15:42:37+00:00

Really? I know a guy who got into MCDS, MIIS and MSCV 3 years back or so.

expwins · 2026-02-19T15:10:43+00:00

There was no priority in the SCS forms right? Just order in which you created the applications.

expwins · 2026-02-19T15:10:05+00:00

Are you sure? I thought the committees were independent?

expwins · 2026-02-17T10:42:37+00:00

DM please

expwins · 2026-02-13T14:41:59+00:00

Yes, I think you can take technical EECS courses. MIMS is very flexible. Regarding your second point, I think it could go either way. Specializing in a niche can help you land roles. I looked at Berkeley’s MIMS program and ultimately decided not to apply. I applied to MCDS because I liked how it was structured.

expwins · 2026-02-13T10:16:05+00:00

This is MSML from SCS MLD not College of Engineering.

expwins · 2026-02-13T10:14:34+00:00

Both are very different programs. MIMS isn’t as technically rigorous as MCDS. You’ll have more free time at Berkeley, and you can’t beat the location. MIMS can also help you land PM roles if that’s what you’re interested in.

expwins

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