Best Program - CSU In-Person vs GT Online vs Harvard Ext?

datasci
Wed, 13 Jul 2016 22:15:31 +0000

Hi,

I intend to apply to programs that I have a chance on, for a Master’s in either Computer Science or Software Engineering. (I don’t intend to apply to Data Science programs because I don’t want to paint myself in a corner, but that’s my career goal.)

For details, I am an undergrad student in Mathematics, emphasis in Statistics with a minor in Computer Science. I expect to graduate in Spring 2017 with roughly 2.8 GPA, albeit with a near 4.0 in the last 60 semester units (this is made possible because of two earlier semesters with straight Fs, not related to the difficulty of the subject matter). I haven’t taken the GRE yet, but for reference SAT scores were 760q and 800v.

I have narrowed it down to a few programs that seem like a good fit – to be honest, again, because I have a better chance of getting in to these programs. I welcome any other suggestions. The requirements are that it fits under roughly $35k and within two years in budget and time. California residence is preferred (while going to school and when getting a job), and online programs are of interest. I can devote full-time attention to grad school.

1. California State University, Fullerton -- this is my undergrad and I will have done several of the Master's prereqs here.

2. Cal Poly Pomona -- they have a Computer Science program that shares similar prereqs.

3. Georgia Tech "OMSCS" -- they ostensibly have a 3.0 GPA cutoff, but they appear to be able to make exceptions.

4. Harvard Extension, Software Engineering -- 90% online, yes it's not Harvard College but that misses the point, it is being compared to the other three programs above... (For what it's worth, I believe that I can definitely do the classes with 3.0+ grades, so that's not really a question of mine.)

First question: focusing solely on the strength of the preparation of the program and the ability to go from the program to a career doing data science & writing software, including the effect on interviewers, which program do you think would give the strongest preparation once completed? Which is the second best?

Do you have any other ideas for a Master’s program that you feel I should consider applying to?

Thanks for your time & insight. (If necessary I can answer any questions.)