Cornell MEngCS, Brown MS DS, UIUC MCS, USC MS CS

[dscsms]

Trying to decide between the following offers:

- Cornell Tech MEng in Computer Science

- Brown MS in Data Science

- UIUC MCS-DS

- USC MS CS (general track)

Anyone have thoughts on how these compare to each other, or have experience with these programs? Thank you!!

[fa20cs]

What is your plan after the program?

[dscsms]

I've been working as a data scientist and would be happy to continue working as a senior/lead data scientist after the degree, but would also be open to more of a technical program manager kind of role afterward too.

[mh57]

We need more info. The answer is that it depends on your preferences. Is your goal to be a data scientist or continue on to a PhD or research? 

Have you considered the tuition. Is there a maximum your job with reimburse you. Are you paying yourself? 

Do you want knoledge, the job, both? A portfolio is most likely to get you the job with or without the degree. There will also likely be a technical interview(s). 

MCS-DS is a 'professional program' not an academic MS in CS with a specialization in DS. The DS will show on your transcript. If you dont want to go into DS, then just to the MCS, if you want to do a thesis project or research or continue to a PhD to the MS.