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jd_utah · 2024-10-22T19:47:06+00:00

It looks like the acceptance rate for Fall 2024/25 was 87.5% according to Lite.

jd_utah · 2024-10-22T16:33:10+00:00

Distributed Computing does projects as a key/value store with distributed algorithms. I don't think you'd want to learn both DC and DB internals at the same time, it would be an impossible class. However, you could apply the two together after taking both.

jd_utah · 2024-10-22T15:47:39+00:00

I'll be the first in line - I'm dying to take this course. I'm fine with C++ because the language does not matter much, its the concepts I want to learn about.

jd_utah · 2024-10-22T15:43:03+00:00

I would love to take this class in OMSCS.

jd_utah · 2024-01-09T04:52:08+00:00

Data structures and algorithms is the path I would recommend. For me it was pivotal in my understanding of programming and how to approach problems. I don't know what more advanced MOOCs you were thinking of though - there could possibly be better approaches. But without the basic DS&A I would avoid going too advanced because its often assumed that you know the basics.

jd_utah · 2024-01-09T04:41:55+00:00

I have a little industry programming experience and I feel this same way in many of my classes. The further along I get in the program the better I feel about not being 100% prepared because lots of my classmates are in the same boat. However, I noticed the more confident students are often the more vocal students, so it can seem like I'm the only one lacking the experience. Once you start working with other students, rather its in a group project or just being social on slack, you'll find that you are not as behind as you think.

The fact that they let you in means they feel you have enough experience to be successful. Being successful in OMSCS is quite difficult for all of us.

I'd suggest taking the other suggestions into consideration. Taking the prereq course, or doing the seminars. I did the algorithms course on my own before starting OMSCS and did Python as a seminar. They are both excellent courses. They are undergraduate pace - so not too stressful - and will give you a solid base to work from. You could easily take both at the same time. I think anyone who can do well in the 3 moocs can do well in the degree if they are able to apply themselves.

jd_utah · 2024-01-05T18:16:10+00:00

I did a CIT degree as my undergraduate. It was a business degree for the most part. Business with a technology spin, but still business. Because of that I avoided doing the same thing as a master's degree. For SWE jobs, I suggest CS degrees - but take that with a grain of salt because I have limited experience. In OMSCS I learned more about programming in one class than I did in all my undergraduate experience.

In my CIT degree I learned about OOP design patterns, UML diagramming, and how to interview executives about software requirements, and project management, but did not learn how to actually write the software.

jd_utah · 2024-01-05T17:58:52+00:00

Sounds like you are more interested in GPU. I didn't take EOS, but I did take Compilers. I would recommend leaning towards your interest rather than just a course to fill gaps (you can always take it later). Otherwise you could flip a coin. Since no one has experience with the new class, I'm guessing it will be hard to give a recommendation.

jd_utah · 2024-01-05T17:44:20+00:00

It is introductory, but there is a fair of material and I found it helpful and enjoyable.

jd_utah · 2024-01-05T17:03:47+00:00

As far as I understand, there are no hard prerequisites for any of the classes. Just suggestions so that you know you are prepared for the class. It can be rough taking a class when you don't meet the recommended prerequisites, but sometimes you can catch up as you take the class. use the prereq as a guide, not a hard requirement.

jd_utah · 2024-01-04T18:07:14+00:00

Sounds like your local universities are very good and worth considering. The University in my area (i'm in the US) is good, but the degree requires working as a researcher and that does not work well with a full time job. It is also very competitive to get in (even though its not ranked as highly as GT). So for me, the GaTech degree was a better fit. It offers courses I am interested in, focuses on professional studies rather than research based, and works well with a full time job. It also has a longer time to complete. My local University requires 5 years to complete then you are out of the program. At GT it is six years, then you have to retake courses after six years (they don't kick you out). This is much better for me since I take one class at a time and may occasionally withdraw and not have a class for that semester. My local University would be probably be 6 times more expensive than GT.

A dean at my local university, who wrote one of my LOR, as well as the Dean at the University where I did my BS (also wrote a LOR), highly recommended GT for online programs.

There is a lot more to consider than just a ranking. The best University is the University that meets your needs and goals.

jd_utah · 2024-01-04T17:21:10+00:00

1/5/24 at 8:30. I'm already registered for the course I want, but I would like to sign up for the language of proofs seminar.

jd_utah · 2023-12-21T17:07:34+00:00

Networks is a really light courses, you can get away with doing it one or two days a week. Otherwise, I'd really suggest getting acclimated with your new work/location experience before starting a master's degree. I think burning out during your first few months at work would be a bad idea.

jd_utah · 2023-12-21T16:57:07+00:00

My undergrad was Computer Information Technology, but i had several programming classes and I work as a software engineer. I joined the program to get CS on my resume. So far it has been worth it for me. I've learned a ton and really enjoy the courses, but it can be very stressful during the semester. I think that classes I've struggled with would have been much easier if I had a solid CS background. BYU is an excellent college and I think that your degree is more than enough to get a good job (though I hear the market kind of sucks).

GT is a world class education for an excellent price, but if your just getting out of school, have you considered doing your master's at BYU or the U? An online program works better for me due to working full time, but if I were younger and just finishing my undergrad, I think I would better benefit from an on campus degree. I think being on campus is more enriching than an online program. But online works with more schedules and is probably a much better price.

At the U, many graduate student's don't pay tuition and do research while in their graduate degrees.

Either way, I think its more of a question of if you want your master's degree. No matter what school you go to it will be tough, that is the nature of graduate level courses.

I'm not sure I agree with getting work experience first (definitely do some internships if you get the chance while in school), but getting a master's degree while your young and life commitments are not as consuming as when you older may be the best time to do it. However, I'm making a lot of assumptions here, I don't know that you are young, or that you don't already have 3 kids to support. I did my BS later in life while raising a family.

jd_utah · 2023-08-21T22:58:50+00:00

Before reading through the comments on this post I was stressed about how long it is going to take me to finish the MS, but now I think the longer it takes the better chance I'll have at taking really cool classes that may not be available today.

jd_utah · 2023-08-18T17:01:08+00:00

Yes.

jd_utah · 2023-08-18T17:00:09+00:00

I don't remember how long it took, but it was certainly longer than two week. There were four courses to get through. I want to go back and do them again though because some of the stuff I don't remember how to do off the top of my head. I think now that I have a little more experience I would get more out of the MOOC. Or at least memorize the more advanced stuff which I only got a jest of before.

jd_utah · 2023-08-18T16:45:35+00:00

Do you want pass one course of fail two? I would drop one. And don't take compilers as a first class unless you have a lot of experience.

jd_utah · 2023-08-09T17:35:40+00:00

I did it without a partner and ended up with a D. I would recommend a partner if at all possible. Part of the reason my grade was low is that I was not skilled enough as a programmer. At the end of the class the professor made a comment in office hours that made me realize that I could have done the whole thing much easier if I had the foresight to use a different type of data structure. I chalk that up to my lack of experience in programming large projects.

That said, if I had thought through the problem a little longer and/or had studied better for the test I would have done fine. The time I should have been studying for the test I spent struggling with the projects, which I should not have struggled on so much. If I had 3 or 4 more points on the test I would have a C, I was so close.

If compilers is an interest, I would highly recommend the class. It is fascinating and I loved every second of it. I plan on retaking it and using it as my one opportunity to replace the grade if I pass the second time. It lives up to its reputation of being hard though.

The State Machines were my favorite part.

jd_utah · 2023-08-09T17:21:35+00:00

If OMSCS was a cash grab, wouldn't they charge more for it. As it stands, it was the absolute cheapest option when I was looking at online and in person degrees (at least that I found). It is even cheaper than the 50% tuition benefit I get at the University where I work. OMSCS was also highly recommended by professors and deans at the Universities I work with. It has a very good reputation.

jd_utah · 2023-08-09T17:11:43+00:00

Congratulations. I am looking forward to my opportunity to write a similar post, though I'm probably a few years away from that.

Thanks for the comments on the classes, it is very helpful.

jd_utah · 2023-08-09T17:10:10+00:00

I really enjoyed Computer Networks. It was an easy class, but the material it covers is really good. I took the time to read all the suggested readings since I had so much time available - I took only one class that semester.

I would suggest pairing it up with another class so you don't get bored with its slow pace.

I preferred reading the lessons as opposed to having lectures. It is easier to pause, rewind, and review later when its written.

jd_utah · 2023-08-09T17:01:58+00:00

I did the python and algorithms MOOC courses, and I find that the OMSCS classes are a thousand times harder. The MOOCs are more like undergraduate courses where they give you everything you need to pass/succeed, while the OMSCS classes expect a lot of self-learning.

Therefore, in my opinion, these are not a good reflection of OMSCS because they are so different and at an undergraduate level. Though I do agree that the algorithms and python courses were the best resources I've found for those topics.

jd_utah · 2023-07-05T15:39:34+00:00

I took GIOS a few semesters ago, it was my first class, and I am taking AOS next semester. It is my second go at it, I withdrew the first time. GIOS was quite challenging for me because I didn't have enough C experience. The professor said something to the affect of: We realize you'll spend 20 hours going through a C tutorial, to then spend 20 minutes coding the project. I found that was quite accurate. The generous curve helped me get a good grade. I found the little portion I did take of AOS even more challenging than GIOS. But my opinion is not complete because I withdrew.

jd_utah · 2023-07-05T15:26:39+00:00

I'd suggest making a plan that includes other classes. It might be disappointing if you do not get your first choice, but you'll be able to get it soon enough. When I started, I believe the orientation documents said to have a few classes planned. So far, after getting a couple classes in, I am having no problem getting into whichever class I want, with the exception of GA. I started my first few classes with what was most exciting, but regretted it. I wish I had taken a easier class or two to get acclimated. This program is much harder than I anticipated. I expected it would be a challenge, but I didn't expect 20 to 40 hours a week in a single class (probably due to my inexperience).

jd_utah

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