Some advice for my Master's degree

aneeshm

aneeshm

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Some here may know that I shall be going for my Master's degree (Georgia Tech MSCS, to be specific) this fall. Given that there are many here who have experience with graduate school, I have a few queries and doubts on which advice would be a great help.

a) The first concerns the degree option that I should pick. The degree requirements are a minimum of 36 credits (I am presuming at the rate of 3 credits a course). The coursework option consists entirely of coursework, with a minimum of 30 hours in CS courses. The thesis option requires a 12-credit thesis, and 24 credits in CS courses. The project option requires a 9-hour project, and similarly 24 credits in CS courses. You also have to complete at least one specialisation by taking the relevant courses.

Specifically, what are the project and thesis options likely to entail? I was initially leaning towards the option of the thesis, but after learning that there most probably shall not be sufficient time to tackle a significant or interesting enough problem, I am considering the coursework option.

Another factor in this decision that I am not completely sure whether or not I want to continue on to a Ph.D. after this. As it is impossible to have any real exposure to research as an Indian undergraduate (unless you're in one of the top three IITs), this decision shall have to be taken based on the situation after a year of studies. I have been advised that even for the Ph.D., the coursework option would be better, as it would provide a solid foundation for further work. Is this a correct assessment?

b) The second concerns the requirements for becoming an RA or a TA. An RA would be absolutely ideal, as it would simultaneously reduce the cost of the degree (exorbitant as it is in Indian rupees), and further give me valuable research experience which could be later useful if I want to go for a Ph.D. I am not familiar with the norms of the academic system of the USA, and would greatly appreciate any tips on getting one.

c) I consider my undergraduate mathematics education unsatisfactory - to put it very mildly. How much dishonour is there (if any) in taking fundamental undergraduate courses in mathematical subjects I want to understand? This shall not prolong the degree, as it is a four-semester degree, and paying the fees for twelve credits per semester is mandatory, making for a total of 48 credits I can take while there. Given that, if I pick the coursework option, 24 of them shall go towards fulfilling two specialisations and 12 in optional CS subjects I am interested in, still leaving 12 credits which I can spend pretty much as I please without affecting the cost of the degree (they do, however, count towards the final GPA, which makes me feel slightly dishonest about taking them), I thought it may be wise to use these credits to correct this deficiency. Is this sensible, or a bad choice?

(In case anyone is interested, I shall open a new thread on the topic of my experience with mathematics in my undergraduate studies, which I have seen reflected everywhere across the country; it is something that most people here shall find difficult to believe.)
 
Not an expert on the the US system, but I found that sitting in on some fundamental courses for a second time to be very beneficial. They also don't contribute that much to the overall work load, as you'll be knowing in which direction the course is going and can really focus on the most relevant bits.
 
Shekwan said:
Georgia Tech...? Jesus... thats way below your station.
Click to expand...

"Tech school" can mean very different things. Some, like Virginia Tech and Georgia Tech, are top notch for anyone pursuing science or engineering. Others, like ITT Tech, are trade schools that like to trick particularly dumb people into thinking of them as actual colleges via commercials made with their profits.
 
I'll actually help!

Don't do the coursework option. Seriously, if you plan on doing future academic work at all, you need research experience in your master's degree. I just don't think a completely coursework Master's shows anything beyond an ability in the classroom. For the future, you need to show you can benefit a school/company.

There is no shame in more math courses. Absolutely no dishonor whatsoever.

As for RA or TA requirements, you usually apply with your app to the school. You probably can't be an RA immediately, but being a TA is a fairly simple application and if you pick up enough TA credits you can usually get at least part of the tuition waived.
 
aneeshm said:
What exactly is this supposed to mean? It's one of the top ten graduate programs in the USA for CS, and ranked 7th as far as one of my specialisations goes (systems). That, of course, is in addition to the excellent research that happens there.
Click to expand...

Georgia Tech is a great school. Shekwan has no idea what he is talking about

<--Also graduated from Ga Tech.

Congrats on becoming a rambling wreck dude!
 
aneeshm said:
c) I consider my undergraduate mathematics education unsatisfactory - to put it very mildly. How much dishonour is there (if any) in taking fundamental undergraduate courses in mathematical subjects I want to understand? This shall not prolong the degree, as it is a four-semester degree, and paying the fees for twelve credits per semester is mandatory, making for a total of 48 credits I can take while there. Given that, if I pick the coursework option, 24 of them shall go towards fulfilling two specialisations and 12 in optional CS subjects I am interested in, still leaving 12 credits which I can spend pretty much as I please without affecting the cost of the degree (they do, however, count towards the final GPA, which makes me feel slightly dishonest about taking them), I thought it may be wise to use these credits to correct this deficiency. Is this sensible, or a bad choice?
Click to expand...
Zero dishonor, sensible choice, refreshers are always a good idea if you've got the time and cash, there's nothing dishonest about them if you're not taking them solely as GPA boosters (and even then there's not really much dishonest about them).
 
Fair enough. Even better.
 
JerichoHill said:
Georgia Tech is a great school. Shekwan has no idea what he is talking about

<--Also graduated from Ga Tech.

Congrats on becoming a rambling wreck dude!
Click to expand...

Wait what the hell? I didn't know you went to gatech (I'm a current undergrad).

Um, as far as math goes I don't particularly see a reason to take an undergrad math course. I'm not familiar with coursework for a CS major so I don't know what coursework you're looking at; I can readily ask a math major though for his opinion on anything you're looking for (he's a fourth year undergrad; about to finish his math degree). I assume something like vector spaces or some stuff like that.
 
Saw the Georgia Tech and had to comment:

It was initially my first choice for undergraduate studies since it has the #2 program for aerospace in the country, right behind MIT. Ended up choosing Michigan instead (wolverines!!), but anywho, went for a campus visit. Admittedly, I made my visit in late April, but the campus was honestly dead when I got there, and the city was just....weird. I dunno. Not my style.

But I'm happy you're happy! :D
 
aneeshm said:
Some here may know that I shall be going for my Master's degree (Georgia Tech MSCS, to be specific) this fall. Given that there are many here who have experience with graduate school, I have a few queries and doubts on which advice would be a great help.

a) The first concerns the degree option that I should pick. The degree requirements are a minimum of 36 credits (I am presuming at the rate of 3 credits a course). The coursework option consists entirely of coursework, with a minimum of 30 hours in CS courses. The thesis option requires a 12-credit thesis, and 24 credits in CS courses. The project option requires a 9-hour project, and similarly 24 credits in CS courses. You also have to complete at least one specialisation by taking the relevant courses.

Specifically, what are the project and thesis options likely to entail? I was initially leaning towards the option of the thesis, but after learning that there most probably shall not be sufficient time to tackle a significant or interesting enough problem, I am considering the coursework option.
Click to expand...

You need to ask the coordinator who runs the program. I would bet that yours involves original research.

Another factor in this decision that I am not completely sure whether or not I want to continue on to a Ph.D. after this. As it is impossible to have any real exposure to research as an Indian undergraduate (unless you're in one of the top three IITs), this decision shall have to be taken based on the situation after a year of studies. I have been advised that even for the Ph.D., the coursework option would be better, as it would provide a solid foundation for further work. Is this a correct assessment?
Click to expand...

I've been told that a Masters is a waste of time on the road to PhD, but if you come from a school with poor standards/rating, then I would consider a Masters as a second chance without having to go through the early undergraduate years. You should consider applying to Ph'D programs together with the Masters and see if you get accepted. If you don't get accepted, then you can use the Masters program as a back-up plan.


b) The second concerns the requirements for becoming an RA or a TA. An RA would be absolutely ideal, as it would simultaneously reduce the cost of the degree (exorbitant as it is in Indian rupees), and further give me valuable research experience which could be later useful if I want to go for a Ph.D. I am not familiar with the norms of the academic system of the USA, and would greatly appreciate any tips on getting one.
Click to expand...

I believe an RA is basically a babysitter for undergrads, while a TA basically teaches a study-hall and gives some review lectures. I'd consider a TA position if I had limited experience and was aiming for a Ph'D that involved a teaching track (usually 2 years).

Being an RA might be useful if you have very limited real life work experience, but I'd focus on the degree course work, myself. Your grades will be more important to finding work and internships following your Masters degree, so focus the most on that, and less on your work experience.

c) I consider my undergraduate mathematics education unsatisfactory - to put it very mildly. How much dishonour is there (if any) in taking fundamental undergraduate courses in mathematical subjects I want to understand? This shall not prolong the degree, as it is a four-semester degree, and paying the fees for twelve credits per semester is mandatory, making for a total of 48 credits I can take while there. Given that, if I pick the coursework option, 24 of them shall go towards fulfilling two specialisations and 12 in optional CS subjects I am interested in, still leaving 12 credits which I can spend pretty much as I please without affecting the cost of the degree (they do, however, count towards the final GPA, which makes me feel slightly dishonest about taking them), I thought it may be wise to use these credits to correct this deficiency. Is this sensible, or a bad choice?
Click to expand...

My experience in a Masters program is that there is little problem in taking senior undergraduate (e.g. 400 level) courses in a Masters degree, but probably not more than half. I'd consider taking them prior to enrolling in the degree though. Like perhaps you could accept admission to a Masters program but defer it to take 6 months of courses that you feel you are weak in? I'd try to arrange something like that through the Masters program coordinator.


"Dishonour" would not be a concern though. If the Masters program coordinator felt you were too weak to be admitted, they would probably recommend that strategy anyway, I believe.
 
Ok some things to address that might help the OP, certainly I can't speak for everything but:

RA/TA positions. Firstly, GoodGame had some sort of brain slip or missed what you meant, but I'm sure you're referring to a research versus teaching assistant position. Both are good especially for finances, it probably depends on specifics of what you are comfortable with or able to get ahold of otherwise. If there's research you want to do and/or a professor you want to work for the chance to get paid for all of that is even better. The standard answer that it might be hard to get an RA position especially in your first semester is also possible though. Sometimes it's also requirement to TA for at least one semester at some grad schools in some programs too, though you can easily fact check that with appropriate people on your own.

The distinction between a thesis and non-thesis Masters is likewise a big one and not something you should be taking advice from too many people on the Internet on, is all I can say. Though a master's thesis is not nearly as difficult or strenuous as a dissertation (which again some posters seem to have confused) one should certainly expect time and effort. It can be good practice for your phd if you intend to get one and doing research and publication in academia, or it allows you to just work on something you're interested in instead of more courses. Ultimately it really depends on your academic and career plans afterwards. It's not like a well done thesis can be a downside as you would expect to be able to present it to future industry employers as a great example of your work and capabilities, though on the other hand if you know that you just plan to get the masters and go to work you might save yourself some hassle with just the coursework option. Sometimes a coursework masters on a way to a phd is also the better option, really depending on specifics though and what your university and program makes easier. (certainly if you plan to change schools again for a phd that could make a difference)

As for the talk of direct phd programs, well, it is probably a bit late for where you are now, but also as far as I know it's not something that would necessarily be common to skip a master's degree in Computer Science. It's not in most engineering fields in the US including electrical and computer but I don't know the full specifics on CS so not trying to claim something absolute here. One would probably know the details of what they were after when choosing to go to a program in the first place so you probably know what your goals are or again you can talk to advisors and professors more directly rather than us on the Internet to figure out what you should do. I would guess getting a master's first and then phd would be expected anyway, really what I've heard is it's really only a few fields like physics where it is still common for people to go for a phd with no masters on the way. (or to get a terminal masters when someone fails to put together something worthy of a phd)
 
Also I think you need to evaluate the Masters' programs case by case, school by school, reputation by reputation. I get the impression that the course-work and value of a Masters' degree will vary more widely then the same for a Ph'D. If you do go with a Masters, be sure it is one that employers you respect do respect (call them up and ask).
 
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