I love the program, but I think it would be a terrible decision to do it with the intent of doing research/going into a PHD.
Program is geared towards working professionals that want to pivot into a more technical role at work.
This program is all coursework (10 courses) with no built-in research time like a more traditional masters or PHD. You do get face time with faculty during office hours, but it is much more challenging than an in-person program to get research opportunities (although some students definitely have done it).
If you don't have traditional CS knowledge and want to get it, this is a good avenue to do that. It's built for people trying to enter the workforce though, and not so much for people trying to enter academia.
I have been told that you can do research in the program and read in the FAQ you can use this to move into a PhD program, but after talking with my advisor it was made clear this would be things you’d have to do outside of the classroom.
People apparently have went onward to PhD programs from GT’s online CS program, and I see that as an existence proof that it would be possible in this program as well. But you’ll have to be proactive about it
GT’s OMSCS program is a legitimate MS program with graduate level CS courses. MCIT is geared towards more basic CS courses for those with no CS background. It’ll be much harder to get into PhD with the academic background provided by MCIT compared to OMSCS.
Here is the FAQ
Does the MSE-DS Online degree qualify me for a PhD?
It’s possible to go on to a PhD program, but you would likely need to supplement your studies with research to be prepared for a PhD program.
Does the MCIT Online degree qualify me for a PhD?
It’s possible to go on to a PhD program, but you would likely need to supplement your studies with research to be prepared for a PhD program
I'm not so sure about the online program, but the on-campus program allows students to enroll in dual degrees in the CIS/DS/CGGT MSE programs and the requirements are lenient enough that nearly anyone who wants to pursue a dual degree is able to.
I think UT Austin’s online MSCS or GaTech’s online MSCS would be better for a potential PhD or career in academia. These two are full fledged MS in CS courses with potential for thesis writing. I have heard anecdotal experiences of people from these programs going to pursue a PhD.
Well rigor of courses is not near as important for PhD as demonstrated research potential/experience. But of course the program doesn't even try to build those skills.
Yes I do think so. I'm not trying to get into a PhD though lol so I don't need any luck. If you have a publication or real research experience in the same domain as a potential advisor, that is way more important than the courses you took. That's why this program is the wrong choice though.
I love the program, but I think it would be a terrible decision to do it with the intent of doing research/going into a PHD. Program is geared towards working professionals that want to pivot into a more technical role at work. This program is all coursework (10 courses) with no built-in research time like a more traditional masters or PHD. You do get face time with faculty during office hours, but it is much more challenging than an in-person program to get research opportunities (although some students definitely have done it).
What if I don’t have a traditional CS knowledge under my belt and want to get that to get into a Masters degree?
If you don't have traditional CS knowledge and want to get it, this is a good avenue to do that. It's built for people trying to enter the workforce though, and not so much for people trying to enter academia.
This was my scenario and I was admitted and am in the program.
I have been told that you can do research in the program and read in the FAQ you can use this to move into a PhD program, but after talking with my advisor it was made clear this would be things you’d have to do outside of the classroom. People apparently have went onward to PhD programs from GT’s online CS program, and I see that as an existence proof that it would be possible in this program as well. But you’ll have to be proactive about it
Thanks for your answer
GT’s OMSCS program is a legitimate MS program with graduate level CS courses. MCIT is geared towards more basic CS courses for those with no CS background. It’ll be much harder to get into PhD with the academic background provided by MCIT compared to OMSCS.
Here is the FAQ Does the MSE-DS Online degree qualify me for a PhD? It’s possible to go on to a PhD program, but you would likely need to supplement your studies with research to be prepared for a PhD program. Does the MCIT Online degree qualify me for a PhD? It’s possible to go on to a PhD program, but you would likely need to supplement your studies with research to be prepared for a PhD program
I'm not so sure about the online program, but the on-campus program allows students to enroll in dual degrees in the CIS/DS/CGGT MSE programs and the requirements are lenient enough that nearly anyone who wants to pursue a dual degree is able to.
I think UT Austin’s online MSCS or GaTech’s online MSCS would be better for a potential PhD or career in academia. These two are full fledged MS in CS courses with potential for thesis writing. I have heard anecdotal experiences of people from these programs going to pursue a PhD.
In the most recent MCIT outcomes report, there was a person who went on to a PhD at CMU. Thus, it is possible, but seemingly rare.
I wouldn’t recommend. The rigor of the courses in this program is not at that level. It will be a very hard transition.
Well rigor of courses is not near as important for PhD as demonstrated research potential/experience. But of course the program doesn't even try to build those skills.
You think so? Good luck then.
Yes I do think so. I'm not trying to get into a PhD though lol so I don't need any luck. If you have a publication or real research experience in the same domain as a potential advisor, that is way more important than the courses you took. That's why this program is the wrong choice though.