Paths for a degreeless but established SWE to pivot into AI research

[dan087]

Background: US resident, 24yo with 6 years of software engineering experience. Taught myself to code when I was young, skipped college and dove straight into the industry (long story); now looking to expand my horizons.

I'd like to develop a reasonably rigorous background in as much CS and math as would be realistic while balancing my job. Luckily my workload is fairly moderate, so I'd be able to commit up to 25h/week. My end goal would be to do a master's program like GT's OMSCS then ultimately pivot into the AI space. My time-frame for this is 4-5 years. Budget isn't a huge concern.

I was initially strongly considering doing WGU's program, but became a bit concerned at the (relatively) lesser emphasis on math, and the lack of options for electives. This is unfortunate because it gives me less of a reason to care about certain theoretical topics, and might not fully prepare me for the direction I want to go. Given that I'm already in the industry, I'm looking at this more as a way to advance myself intellectually than getting my foot in the door.

After discovering this forum I've seen some people pursue a CS BA + Math (AA/BA) path with TESU, which I think might be the best option to pursue my interests and optimally position me for OMSCS/research.

Given my circumstances does this seem like the best route, or should I consider alternate options?

[rachel83az]

I think the TESU BASC + Math could be a good way to go for you. It's not the cheapest route, but it's not bad. If you do Metroploia's ~600€ program, you'll get RA-equivalent classes that can apply to both the BACS and Math degrees. I would probably start there, see exactly how TESU brings them in, and go from there.

[origamishuttle]

I was initially strongly considering doing WGU's program, but became a bit concerned at the (relatively) lesser emphasis on math, and the lack of options for electives.

I think you have it backward - TESU BACS requirements are less than WGU BSCS. The WGU degree is more challenging and requires more math than TESU. However, if the goal is to learn and prepare for GT OMSCS, then that can be done separately from the degree, so either degree should be suitable. It just depends on which degree program suits your learning style best.

[karehiro]

University of Colorado Boulder has a Masters in Data Science on Coursera which doesn't require a Bachelor's degree: https://www.coursera.org/degrees/master-...ce-boulder

There's six 8-week sessions per year and the upcoming session is open for enrollment right now. Taking 3 courses per session has you graduate in 2 years, but you're not actually capped on the number of courses you can take per session, so you can finish within this year if you take on more courses per session. Tuition is $525 per credit with 30 credits needed to graduate, with pay as you go model. Which means the total price would end up as $15,750 when it's all said and done.

[allvia]

University of Colorado Boulder has a Masters in Data Science on Coursera which doesn't require a Bachelor's degree: https://www.coursera.org/degrees/master-...ce-boulder

There's six 8-week sessions per year and the upcoming session is open for enrollment right now. Taking 3 courses per session has you graduate in 2 years, but you're not actually capped on the number of courses you can take per session, so you can finish within this year if you take on more courses per session. Tuition is $525 per credit with 30 credits needed to graduate, with pay as you go model. Which means the total price would end up as $15,750 when it's all said and done.

This in theory sounds great, but without a doubt a person (at least in the US) it is going to look very suspicious on a resume to have a master's without listing a bachelor's (of any kind). Even just filling out many online job applications they are going to be requiring you enter the lower before you list the higher degree.

[dfrecore]

I would say that TESU's BACS is not super rigorous, especially with math (you need Calc I, Discrete Math, and then any level math for your GE). It does have a lot more space for free electives, but since there isn't a ton of cheap alt-credit in the areas you're discussing (math specifically), I don't see how it's a better option.

If you just want a fast degree in order to go on to bigger and better things, then you should probably look for more graded credits in your area (and I'm not certain how either TESU or WGU accomplishes this for you).

I might instead look at the program you're ultimately interested in doing, and work backwards to find a program that will check all of the boxes you need checked.

I also think that your bachelor's degree doesn't have to have the rigor you want if you're going to get it in your master's program. And, you can always get the learning you want outside of a degree. In the CS/IT world, lots of courses on Coursera, edX, etc. will give you knowledge, but without a grade or college credit. As will lots of certs.

[indigoshuffle]

I was initially strongly considering doing WGU's program, but became a bit concerned at the (relatively) lesser emphasis on math, and the lack of options for electives.

I think you have it backward - TESU BACS requirements are less than WGU BSCS. The WGU degree is more challenging and requires more math than TESU. However, if the goal is to learn and prepare for GT OMSCS, then that can be done separately from the degree, so either degree should be suitable. It just depends on which degree program suits your learning style best.

I 1000% agree. I would also add, as a WGU graduate, there is a robust alum community where others who came before you want you to find work and succeed. They truly help you look for work related to your WGU degree. I'm a WGU graduate, not a TESU, so obviously; I can't speak for TESU, and I imagine they're good too.

Ultimately it comes down to learning style, tho. The one big negative I give WGU is that when life gets in the way, you cannot stop. You can ask your program mentor for a week off here or there, but that's different from how the program is supposed to work.
A significant positive for WGU is the cohesiveness of the programs and the level of support. I felt supported by my program mentor and had a coach who wanted the best for me. I found that my program mentor knew what classes to take and in what order to make the program "click" for me so that I could get the most out of my education.

[spohara]

Background: US resident, 24yo with 6 years of software engineering experience. Taught myself to code when I was young, skipped college and dove straight into the industry (long story); now looking to expand my horizons.

I'd like to develop a reasonably rigorous background in as much CS and math as would be realistic while balancing my job. Luckily my workload is fairly moderate, so I'd be able to commit up to 25h/week. My end goal would be to do a master's program like GT's OMSCS then ultimately pivot into the AI space. My time-frame for this is 4-5 years. Budget isn't a huge concern.

I was initially strongly considering doing WGU's program, but became a bit concerned at the (relatively) lesser emphasis on math, and the lack of options for electives. This is unfortunate because it gives me less of a reason to care about certain theoretical topics, and might not fully prepare me for the direction I want to go. Given that I'm already in the industry, I'm looking at this more as a way to advance myself intellectually than getting my foot in the door.

After discovering this forum I've seen some people pursue a CS BA + Math (AA/BA) path with TESU, which I think might be the best option to pursue my interests and optimally position me for OMSCS/research.

Given my circumstances does this seem like the best route, or should I consider alternate options?

My opinion, which is worth as much as you pay for it:

Get laser focused, and ask yourself EXACTLY what you want and what is priority.  Intellectual advancement? That can be done without a degree.  Strong base in mathematics? Same thing.  There are industry certs, udemy, coursera, self study, libraries, youtube etc.  A masters might get you into AI easier in the job market.  If pivoting into AI research at an academic institution, or being an AI practitioner in industry is your primary goal, then degrees can help get you there, and that is where you may want to focus. 

As far as which bachelors degree - how well you do in each program and the actual courses you take are going to matter more for graduate admissions, and I'm fairly certain graduates of both programs have gotten into the OMSCS program you want to get into.

If you like the flexibility of the electives, then you've answered your own question.  Within those free electives, you may be able to get in courses that both fit your interest and make you a stronger applicant.  Find out what the pre-reqs are and what will make you look competitive.  Ask others who have gotten in what their degree looks like.

Final word of caution - This forum is here to help people save time and money with extensive use of alt-credits. That comes at a cost - a cost most of us are willing to bear either because we already have the requisite knowledge, or because we don't see a topic as particularly relevant to our career, or are able to fill in the gaps with self study later.  If you're entire purpose is intellectual advancement, I don't recommend a lot of the alt-credit sources as they are not always the highest possible quality (though if getting to the masters program as quickly as possible is the purpose, they can be helpful).

[davewill]

I'd pick either of WGU or TESU, depending on the amount of time you have to commit and the style of learning you prefer. If you want to fill in more math, you might do best at the local CC or university extension. It's really hard to self-study advanced math.

Mainly, I would get to the masters program as quickly as you can rather than worry about the quality of the bachelor's.

[tuckerarabi786]

I think the TESU BASC + Math could be a good way to go for you. It's not the cheapest route, but it's not bad. If you do Metroploia's ~600€ program, you'll get RA-equivalent classes that can apply to both the BACS and Math degrees. I would probably start there, see exactly how TESU brings them in, and go from there.

Hi
Which one is Metropolia 6000 Euro program?