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Announcing Online MS in Computer Science in Collaboration with Georgia Tech

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Re: Announcing Online MS in Computer Science in Collaboration with Georgia Tech

#51
This is a huge step in the right direction, but I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm disappointed about the BS in CS requirement. Plenty of people with BS degrees in other technical fields probably could pass a fair placement/entry examination given the chance.

Re: Announcing Online MS in Computer Science in Collaboration with Georgia Tech

#52
post #12

I'm so happy to see this - it's a sign of progress of the education system, and it gives me so much relief to see that someone gets it at the top of the education totem pole. I discussed this with a master's degree student a few years ago, because the cost (especially for computer science, no labs) seemed too low to ignore. I will sign up for this as soon as possible. Also, having a master's in Comp Sci will really h…

I too am happy about this. I received my BS in chemical engineering from Georgia Tech last year. I had a few friends in CS, and I can say the program is really top-notch and up-to-date. I really like chemical engineering, but I also really like CS, so maybe after graduate school I'll sign up for this program.

By the way, how is applying for software engineering positions as a chem eng. working out for you? I'm getting my PhD in chem eng. now from UT, and I am trying to find a job that when I graduate combines my love for both fields.

Re: Announcing Online MS in Computer Science in Collaboration with Georgia Tech

#53
post #34
post #4

http://www.omscs.gatech.edu/faq/ > How much does the degree program cost? We’re not yet ready to announce a specific program cost, but the plan is to offer the Georgia Tech OMS CS for a total cost of under $7,000—a fraction of the cost of Georgia Tech’s on-campus program and even less than that of comparable private universities. > The total workload is the same as the residential program; the weekly or hourly worklo…

Agreed, revolutionary. In a way, it costing $7000 (rather than being free or nearly free) goes further in lending it credibility. I do wonder though that still for those who would have trouble affording even that, would FAFSA provide aid/loans? And moreover, is an undergrad degree a pre-requisite? I wonder if college dropouts can enroll in this program.

As a non-CS grad, could I really get an MS in CS from doing an online class? Seems pretty insane, but something I might consider for 7k.

Re: Announcing Online MS in Computer Science in Collaboration with Georgia Tech

#54

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The word "devalue" comes up a lot in conversations about this sort of thing, but I'm not sure exactly how that works. If half the student body at GT died before graduating, would your degree be worth twice as much?

I think dilution is less of a concern than reduced rigor, which is a completely valid thing to worry about IMO.

I agree -- but we can't really know about that until the program's run for a while.

I think they made a pretty smart choice starting with a CS degree. The field is notoriously full of extremely talented autodidacts, whether because the material is more amenable to that approach or because those who learn it are more capable of doing so.

In any case, the attitude towards educational background in the field of CS/software engineering is already quite liberal and accepting. So there's less of a prejudice against this program than there would be for an online MS in many other fields. Now they just have to make it work.

Despite other comments about not staking their reputation on this degree -- and I agree that the "Online" part of the title seems like a hedge -- Georgia Tech takes its reputation extremely seriously. Smart people are staking their own personal reputations and careers on this program. This is something new and it may fail, but not because there is any intent to deliver a lesser education.

Re: Announcing Online MS in Computer Science in Collaboration with Georgia Tech

#55
post #4

http://www.omscs.gatech.edu/faq/ > How much does the degree program cost? We’re not yet ready to announce a specific program cost, but the plan is to offer the Georgia Tech OMS CS for a total cost of under $7,000—a fraction of the cost of Georgia Tech’s on-campus program and even less than that of comparable private universities. > The total workload is the same as the residential program; the weekly or hourly worklo…

katholieke universiteit leuven offers a masters course in AI for about EUR 5000, on campus. I checked with them in Jan of 2012. I then asked the professor if this was for students of Belgium and what is the price for international students ( I am from India). He confirmed that the price was the same. The university is ranked about 68-75 in the world, of course that is subjective.

I feel the USD 40,000-50,000 price is overpriced for the on campus course. People should verify independently of me about the University of Leuven and post something here.

Re: Announcing Online MS in Computer Science in Collaboration with Georgia Tech

#58

This is a huge step in the right direction, but I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm disappointed about the BS in CS requirement. Plenty of people with BS degrees in other technical fields probably could pass a fair placement/entry examination given the chance.

Apparently you can try to apply with another kind of BS : "Formal admission into the OMS CS program will require a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from an accredited institution, or a related Bachelor of Science degree with a possible need to take and pass remedial courses"

Re: Announcing Online MS in Computer Science in Collaboration with Georgia Tech

#59

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think dilution is less of a concern than reduced rigor, which is a completely valid thing to worry about IMO.

I agree -- but we can't really know about that until the program's run for a while. I think they made a pretty smart choice starting with a CS degree. The field is notoriously full of extremely talented autodidacts, whether because the material is more amenable to that approach or because those who learn it are more capable of doing so. In any case, the attitude towards educational background in the field of CS/softw…

This is probably going to work like University of Maryland and their MBA program. They have a MBA program at Smith School of Business that is offered at UMD @ College Park which is their primary school. Then there is the MBA from UMUC (University of Maryland University College). Two different types of MBA's (One is officially ranked and the other isn't), but has the University of Maryland name on it. If you are not from the DC Metro area or keep track of this, you could think that a UMUC MBA is the same thing as a MBA from Smith which is a Top 25 program.

Re: Announcing Online MS in Computer Science in Collaboration with Georgia Tech

#60
post #34

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Agreed, revolutionary. In a way, it costing $7000 (rather than being free or nearly free) goes further in lending it credibility. I do wonder though that still for those who would have trouble affording even that, would FAFSA provide aid/loans? And moreover, is an undergrad degree a pre-requisite? I wonder if college dropouts can enroll in this program.

As a non-CS grad, could I really get an MS in CS from doing an online class? Seems pretty insane, but something I might consider for 7k.

Yes. Maybe you'd have to take some remedial courses first though. SNHU offers B.S. in CS online. http://www.snhu.edu/

There is nothing in CS that requires your physical presence in a lecture hall to learn.

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