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Completing a part-time Master's in computer science while working

alexanderell.is

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Re: Completing a part-time Master's in computer science while working

#11

Post by flinginggoat »

notreallyserio wrote: post #7
somewhat_drunk wrote: post #5

I'm doing this now, but with OMSCS. One class at a time is all I can manage. The program is rigorous.

I've been thinking about doing this, too. Would you say it is interesting and a lot of work or just a lot of work?

Not the person you asked, but I’m starting my 6th/7th courses in the OMSCS program this semester.

It can definitely be interesting, but like any program, it depends on the course and professor. I’ve had some great courses (like the intro AI course I took last Fall) and I’ve had a terrible course (decent relational database course, but the only TA who responded to questions was absolutely terrible to students).

I enrolled in the program because I don’t have an undergrad in CS. I wanted to strengthen my credentials and, more importantly, my foundations. So far, I’d say the program has definitely helped with that. It is also a lot of work, but one course a semester isn’t going to preclude you from having a life. Two will keep you seriously busy though.

Re: Completing a part-time Master's in computer science while working

#12

Post by rootusrootus »

commandlinefan wrote: post #2

Did that too while working full time and raising two kids, thesis and all. Glad I did it, gladder I’m done.

Getting my master's while working full time and raising two young kids is probably not the brightest choice I've ever made, but I feel similarly. Glad I did it, even more glad that I'm finished. Nice to have my life back...

Re: Completing a part-time Master's in computer science while working

#13

Post by rootusrootus »

notreallyserio wrote: post #7
somewhat_drunk wrote: post #5

I'm doing this now, but with OMSCS. One class at a time is all I can manage. The program is rigorous.

I've been thinking about doing this, too. Would you say it is interesting and a lot of work or just a lot of work?

It is very much dependent on what you want from it. You can take an easy curriculum and maybe the hardest class will be graduate algorithms. And that class sounds more daunting than it is. But if you are up for it, there are some great classes with great professors who will really make you earn it.

Re: Completing a part-time Master's in computer science while working

#14

Post by scubakid »

notreallyserio wrote: post #7
somewhat_drunk wrote: post #5

I'm doing this now, but with OMSCS. One class at a time is all I can manage. The program is rigorous.

I've been thinking about doing this, too. Would you say it is interesting and a lot of work or just a lot of work?

I just finished OMSCS last year. Did one course at a time, no breaks, found the workload for most courses to be quite manageable; i.e. if you're already a good dev and have decent writing skills, you'll probably only have to touch grad school stuff a few times a week if you know how to prioritize. For me, most courses were like 40%-60% interesting, the rest feeling like busy work or the typical kinds of overhead you get within any academic framework (I mean that less flippantly than it sounds; personally, it's the highest density of interesting content I've had in an educational setting). The program forced me to explore a few topics I probably wouldn't have otherwise, which is good...but I'm also the type that enjoys building and launching side projects, and I found it hard to do that in any meaningful way while working full time plus OMSCS. So looking back, I can't be sure yet if the piece of paper will have been worth the opportunity cost, but overall I thought it was a good program.

Re: Completing a part-time Master's in computer science while working

#15

Post by disposedtrolley »

somewhat_drunk wrote: post #5

I'm doing this now, but with OMSCS. One class at a time is all I can manage. The program is rigorous.

I've just started my first semester of OMSCS and planning to stick with a single course per semester, and skipping the summer semester to give myself a break.

Not sure if I can manage more than that + work, and also being able to enjoy time with friends or away from the computer.

Re: Completing a part-time Master's in computer science while working

#18

Post by joeframbach »

I couldn't do it. From 2008 to 2011, I was 3 credits and half a thesis paper short, had to quit for my health. I had lost too much weight, down to 150 lbs at 6'3", I was falling asleep at work and not meeting expectations. It was horrendous. Props to anyone who can make it work. And to those who were bailed out by the Bank of Mom and Dad, a big fuck you.

Re: Completing a part-time Master's in computer science while working

#19

Post by tumblewit »

sdave wrote: post #16

Completed OMSCS in Fall 2020 - while working in a startup & raising young kid. Was brutal, but worth it! Thanks to Georgia Tech. for creating this program!! Program link: https://omscs.gatech.edu

OMSCS alumni here. Can’t believe more people don’t know about it!

Re: Completing a part-time Master's in computer science while working

#20

Post by BeetleB »

Those costs are amazing. I just compared two state universities I'm familiar with, and the fees are vastly different - but the schools are ranked similarly. These are relatively low ranked. Heck, I just compared to a different top 10 state school, and it is cheaper than one of the no-rank schools.

I guess it all comes down to which state you live in.

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