Is an Online Masters in CS worth your time?
“It depends” — is the usual answer. I will try to do better. Maybe!!
Let me introduce myself — I am an experienced Software Engineer — with lots of experience in programming, software engineering, and software application system designs. If you are a newbie and looking for advice on “Online Masters”— this blog will not add any value to you. But if you are an experienced professional — looking for ways to grow and improve professionally—continue reading.
It took me four and a half years to complete Online Masters in Computer Science (Machine Learning) from Georgia Tech (Gatech OMSCS) — along with a full-time job and a full-time family. It wasn’t a cakewalk— it was very demanding, back-breaking, and excruciating — and I loved every bit of it.
Let me explain how I have changed — and whether that made any material difference to my professional life.
My understanding of where I stand as a Computer Science Engineer
I always knew that I didn’t know everything there is to know as a Computer Science Engineer— but thought that I knew a lot. OMSCS was an eye-opener — now I understand that I don’t know much — therein lies the opportunity to learn and understand more.
Further, I realized that I am good in certain areas — and may be above average. But in others, I am not so good — computer science is a vast field — and most probably, I will never be above average in all areas.
Learnability
I clearly understand that I need to learn more — but how?
I was a qualified computer science engineer — and I always had a certain ability to learn. But my second innings as a student has helped tremendously. Not only I think about what to learn, but also I think about how to learn — what makes my mind click — and what makes it retain stuff in a useful manner.
Now, I have scheduled dedicated time daily— outside my working hours — wherein I learn with a focus on improvements to my professional career. I use this time as a long-term investment.
Also, I read a lot more. Yes I know, I have developed reading habits in my mid-thirties. It’s never too late.
Hard Skill: Basics of Computer Science
The name “Mechanical Sympathy” comes from the great racing driver Jackie Stewart, who was a 3 times world Formula 1 champion. He believed the best drivers had enough understanding of how a machine worked so they could work in harmony with it. [1]
Jackie Stewart talks about “understanding of how a machine works” In the computer science world, it is “understanding the next layer of abstraction” Software applications are built on top of a very complex multi-layered system that has evolved over many years. Each layer abstracts out the complexities of the layers below. [2]
Only with some understanding of lower layers, one can deliver the best software applications. I had a chance to learn following subjects: Dynamic Programming, Divide and Conquer, Modular Arithmetic, RSA, FFT, Graph Theory, Linear Programming, NP-Complete Reductions, Computer Networks, DNS, SDNs, Internet Worms, Security systems, firewalls, cryptography, hashes, and a lot more.
It is not surprising at all when you realize that the questions on the basics of computer science feature a lot in FAANG interviews. The course on Graduate Algorithm seemed like a series of FAANG interview questions on Dynamic Programming, Graph Theory, Linear Programming, etc.
Here is the list of all courses I did — Georgia Tech OMSCS Courses Awards.
Hard Skill: Machine Learning/ Artificial Intelligence
There is a growing demand for “Machine Learning” skills. And Georgia Tech offers lots of AI/ML courses — I did six of those — Machine Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Machine Learning for Trading, Data and Visual Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Knowledge-Based Artificial Intelligence. These subjects were new for me— and the part I struggled the most. But then I learned a lot.
OMSCS program has given me a good head-start to pursue this further — the courses are very relevant — with hands-on programming assignments in Python, R, Tensor flow, and Open AI.
Here is the list of all courses I did — Georgia Tech OMSCS Courses Awards.
Entitlement — No
In his book, The Four: The Hidden DNA of Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google, Scott Galloway described college degrees as U.S Caste system — you are “entitled” to achieve professional success based on college degrees you have earned.
In my professional career, I have met many wonderful programmers — with solid computer science understanding but without a computer science degree. Yes. Masters Degree is a validation of one’s knowledge — but for an experienced professional like me — I am not looking for the validation. For me, the degree journey was a means to stay on course, to stay motivated and focused, and to learn from my student peers — if you can motivate yourself — you probably don’t need a degree — most of the OMSCS courses are available online for free at https://www.udacity.com.
Let’s look at the whole thing more objectively — Some FAQs
I have already shared my perspective on what I think of an Online Masters in Computer Science. I am going to keep it more objective for the section below:
Is it possible to do the Masters along with a Full-time job and a Full-time family? Yes. Many of my fellow students were in the same boat — I did it, my fellow students did it — you can do it too.
I am a “Super Star programmer” and an experienced professional, is it going to be easy? Hell, no!!
Are there hands-on programming assignments? There are lots of hands-on programming assignments. Read the reviews at https://omscentral.com/. If you want to program, don’t miss the course — “Artificial Intelligence”
Is it tedious? Some courses/assignments are —especially if you already know the subject. Read the reviews at https://omscentral.com/
Will I be happy? Define Happiness!!! Mostly, Yes.
Will my spouse be happy? No, (s)he will not be. If (s)he is happy —reconsider your relationship.
Will this program help me switch to a programming job? Yes, I guess.
Will it fix my mid-life crisis? You cannot fix the mid-life crisis completely — you can only manage it. The course will help.
I am already a Software Engineer/programmer — Will I get a promotion? Maybe!!
What is the time commitment? Each course is different. Read the reviews at https://omscentral.com/
Conclusion
I am not going to cop-out — I will give you an answer to “the question”. It is worth pursuing the Masters — given now that you have the opportunity to do so without taking a break from your job.
Ideally, you should attend a college on campus — but, for most of the working professionals, money and time are valid constraints. Based on my experience, Online studies are very structured and don’t lack anything — in terms of learning — other than your complete dedicated focus.
If you could, you should!!!
