Georgia tech online masters in computer science reddit

https://omscs.gatech.edu/

I graduated 7 years ago with a BS in math with highest honors. Also published a original research in a journal. I became an actuary and work at an insurance company, and I think I want to switch careers to computing (specifically quantum computing). I understand most jobs are research oriented right now, but perhaps I could get a PhD afterwards in physics or math/computer science.

The appeal of this online program is that it's cheap at $6,000, comes from a top university, and I can complete it while working. I'm really sensitive to the cost and ability to complete this while working because I am also pursuing financial independence (r/financialindependence).

It doesn't have any classes in quantum computing, and doesn't appear to be research oriented, but maybe some of these classes would be good?

https://omscs.gatech.edu/current-courses

You can also specialize in:

• Computational Perception & Robotics

• Computing Systems

• Interactive Intelligence

• Machine Learning

Any thoughts? Maybe graduate, get a job in Machine Learning, and wait for more quantum computing jobs to open up outside of research, or get a PhD?

I'm sure you guys have all heard about it:

http://www.omscs.gatech.edu/

They prefer if you have a CS-related bachelor's, but they don't require it.

"Applicants who do not meet these criteria will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis... The following are required for admission: Evidence of award of a 4-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent (prior to matriculation) from a recognized institution, demonstrated academic excellence and evidence of preparation in their chosen field sufficient to ensure successful graduate study."

So if you have a bachelor's already, you just have to show that you have enough preparation in CS that you're not gonna be wasting your time and you can actually handle the coursework. I do have a bachelor's. So I'm just trying to figure out the best way to prepare myself. Now, I have done a lot of programming on my own time. And I'm no stranger to all sorts of online courses. I've even done some freelance work. I'm not worried about finding the right materials to prepare myself academically.

But I'm thinking something with accredited certification would be best. Here's one I've found:

http://extension.berkeley.edu/public/category/courseCategoryCertificateProfile.do?method=load&certificateId=17151&selectedProgramAreaId=15499&selectedProgramStreamId=16386

It's a UC Berkeley Extension course of study that grants a post-baccalaureate certificate in Information Systems Management. It's geared towards professionals and it doesn't really have anything on basic computer science. It's a post-baccalaureate program, after all. It's a few thousand bucks to get the Berkeley name behind you. Does anyone know of similar programs? Maybe even something at the undergraduate level that covers more of the basics?

I take pride in it being online, and pitch it in my favor. Anecdotally, I've had success in turning any "disappointment" into positives.

• Yes, I earned this degree online and part-time, while also working a full-time job.

• ... while also having a baby.

• ... because continuing professional development and learning is important to me, and it improves myself, the work I do, and the company I work for. I'm committed to lifelong learning, and will continue to learn on my own time and convey those benefits to my company.

• Online students are held to the same standard and requirements as on-campus students, and interestingly, they out-perform on-campus students on average. (Citations needed.)

On a broader note, the best piece of advice I've received on interviews is to "take control of the narrative." If your interviewer asks you shit questions, they'll blame you for shit answers. Answer it, but pitch it in a way or dovetail into a narrative that puts your best foot forward. Example:

Q: Tell me about your currently working on. A (bad): I cleaned up some technical debt. A (better): Most recently, my team has been focusing on cleaning up some technical debt. But I'd like to tell you about Project X which involved Y and delivered Z outcomes.

I've read really good things about the Georgia Tech online masters degree in CS, and am considering applying this week (deadline is mid-April). Has anyone here taken it, and have thoughts on whether it's worth taking for someone who already has good job in the industry? I already have a BA in math and work on a machine learning team at Google, so I wouldn't want to sign up if it's focused on basic algorithms/data structures or machine learning. However, I'd love the opportunity to do some research on programming language theory or HPC/GPU computing. Do you think the GT program would be a good way to do that, or do you think I'd be just as well served by doing research on my own time/20% time?

Thanks!

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