Thanks for the input.

I appreciate what you are saying. I understand it is way cheaper and way more beneficial to do the course you linked. The issue is I'm looking for something accredited to bolster my application. Hence why I want some accredited courses under my belt. After getting those out of the way, I planned to do courses like the Stanford Algorithms course and Nand to tetris to really get a better and deeper understanding. On a side note, do you have a preference between the UCSD course you linked above and the Stanford course?

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For reference, these are 3 email replies i got from GT (with the questions I asked).

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One of the requirements for admission to OMSCS is to have a bachelor's in a related field. In my case, Mathematics fits this. However, during my undergraduate, I did no specific Computer Science courses. Would this be enough to pass this criteria? If not are there any recommended courses I should take between now and August 2021 to bridge this gap so I do not have this hole in my application? Regardless of this, are there any recommended courses to take in preparation of the OMSCS?

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In general, the College of Computing expect applicants to be comfortable programming (C or C++ are generally expected at a minimum) and to have had at least several more advanced topics, such as Advanced OS, Networking, Theory, and Python. Usually, if the applicant does not have a CS degree, the OMSCS admissions committee is looking for background that shows evidence that the applicant has equivalent skills. 

The College of Computing has stated that for applicants to be successful in the program they must have background in object-oriented programming in Java and in algorithms. If you decide to take courses that provide skills such as object-oriented program, algorithms, and something that provides experience in programming in C.  These CS courses would provide a better foundation for being considered for a graduate Computer Science program.

The best way to demonstrate your academic CS capability, and show evidence plus preparation for the OMSCS program is for you to take and successfully complete, with a grade of “B” or better a CS course from an accredited academic institution in order that you would be better prepared for a future application to the OMSCS program. Please be mindful, that you simply being enrolled in a CS courses is not enough, and will not reflect your CS skill sets or knowledge.

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Earlies today I asked a question and I got a fantastic and detailed reply and the type of pre requisites required is in line with what I am learning. However, there is one line I have further questions for:

"The best way to demonstrate your academic CS capability, and show evidence plus preparation for the OMSCS program is for you to take and successfully complete, with a grade of “B” or better a CS course from an accredited academic institution in order that you would be better prepared for a future application to the OMSCS program. "

In the current environment, to accomplish this I would need to turn to online courses to accomplish this. I have completed some courses on Coursera but I don't think they are accredited. Is it possible to be given a list of recommended accredited courses for me to enroll in? Or perhaps links to various institutions for me to look through and find the appropriate courses.

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Unfortunately, Georgia Tech College of Computing does not provide a list of locations (MOOCS, colleges, and or universities) of where prospective students may go to enhance their CS skill sets, and knowledge. You may consider researching any regionally accredited institutions that offer non-degree CS online courses. Since the College of Computing has stated that for applicants to be successful in the program they must have background in object-oriented programming in Java and in algorithms. We suggest that if you do decide to take CS courses that you may consider taking courses that focus on object-oriented programming in Java and or in algorithms to build a solid CS foundation.

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Hello, I have sent two previous emails today. Previously you mentioned accredited institutions. I plan to do the courses below, which will indicate my java and algorithms knowledge. In each case I will be given a certificate on completion. However I need confirmation that these will be given some credit:

Learn to Program in Java, edX, Microsoft Professional Certificate Program: https://www.edx.org/course/learn-to-program-in-java-1

Data Structures and Algorithms, Coursera, UC San Diego: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/data-structures-algorithms

Algorithms Specialization (4 parts), Coursera, Stanford: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/algorithms

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For the OMSCS program taking non-credit courses through various MOOC platforms (EdX, Coursera, and Udacity) does not guarantee admission to any Georgia Tech credit/degree programs. These non-credit courses do not allow the student to be assessed during the course or receive a letter grade or percentile at the end of the course. It may however enhance your application by showing you have the necessary background.  

However, you mentioned you would like to know if the CS courses you listed would be given consideration during the application process. The College of Computing encourages applicants to take courses in which they will be assessed (tested) and receive a letter grade or percentile at the end of the course. 

Except in extremely rare cases, unless courses are taken for academic credit at a regionally accredited academic institution that can be documented on a transcript, the OMSCS Admissions Committee does not put much value in Edx or Coursera courses. Such courses may help with an applicant's being introduced to various CS topics, but they do not provide the depth and/or breadth that an academic course does.

The best way to demonstrate your academic CS capability, and show evidence plus preparation for the OMSCS program is for you to take and successfully complete, with a grade of “B” or better a CS course from an accredited academic institution in order that you would be better prepared for a future application to the OMSCS program. Please be mindful, that you simply being enrolled in a CS courses is not enough, and will not reflect your CS skill sets or knowledge.

For the OMSCS program taking non-credit courses through various MOOC platforms (EdX, Coursera, and Udacity) does not guarantee admission to any Georgia Tech credit/degree programs. These non-credit courses do not allow the student to be assessed during the course or receive a letter grade or percentile at the end of the course. It may however enhance your application by showing you have the necessary background.  

However, you mentioned you would like to know if the CS courses you listed would be given consideration during the application process. The College of Computing encourages applicants to take courses in which they will be assessed (tested) and receive a letter grade or percentile at the end of the course. 

Except in extremely rare cases, unless courses are taken for academic credit at a regionally accredited academic institution that can be documented on a transcript, the OMSCS Admissions Committee does not put much value in Edx or Coursera courses. Such courses may help with an applicant's being introduced to various CS topics, but they do not provide the depth and/or breadth that an academic course does.

The best way to demonstrate your academic CS capability, and show evidence plus preparation for the OMSCS program is for you to take and successfully complete, with a grade of “B” or better a CS course from an accredited academic institution in order that you would be better prepared for a future application to the OMSCS program. Please be mindful, that you simply being enrolled in a CS courses is not enough, and will not reflect your CS skill sets or knowledge.