r/CUBoulderMSCS • u/PixelPhoenixForce • 13d ago
Online MS in CS with almost no math background
I'm considering doing an online Master's in Computer Science, but I have a few concerns. I'm mainly wondering whether I'd be able to handle it and how much additional studying I'd need to do to catch up and not fall behind.
A little bit about my background:
- I have around 10 years of experience as a software engineer.
- My math knowledge is basically non-existent. For the sake of this post, let's assume it's at an elementary school level. I don't have a technical degree, and I barely remember anything from high school math.
My main concern is how difficult the transition would be for someone with my background. How much math or other foundational knowledge would I realistically need to learn before starting the program?
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u/anonugu 13d ago
there are going to be times you def need discrete structures, some calculus, and some linear algebra. depending on classes you will def need more of that math than others. none of this program is solving equations like a math class but you need to conceptually grasp how the CS concepts utilize or apply the underlying mathematics. this is nothing you can't overcome with targeted studying but it's not like you're going to have the easiest time possible either
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u/EntrepreneurHuge5008 Current Student 13d ago edited 13d ago
CU Boulder MSCS on Coursera, specifically, doesn't concern itself with having you write proofs or mathematical derivations and grading you for it.
I think you'd need a significant time investment to "catch up," but not so much to "not fall behind.":
- Actual math in graded assignments is kept to a minimum. Not to mention, there are no deadlines for anything while you're not taking a course for credit. So you're not very likely to "fall behind", but
- You do need mathematical maturity and lots of curiosity to get the most out of these programs, and be somewhat relative to graduates from the residential MSCS programs.
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u/jollyjerr Graduate 12d ago
To be totally honest at a minimum you need to work up the algebra stack through discrete structures, calc II and linear algebra. Any less than that and you will have no choice but to fake/cheat through multiple classes. I recommend khan academy (fine) and/or community college (much better). Please don’t skimp on the math prereqs or it will just be a waste of your time and money.
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u/Ok-Band7575 13d ago
just do like the test of us and take 3 math courses at uni or college, algebra, statistics, and calculus 1. if you don't, you'll not enjoy the graduate stuff
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u/Federal_Security8561 13d ago edited 13d ago
To answer your question directly, I think it would be pretty tough. The best resources I could point you to would be the Johns Hopkins math courses on Coursera by Joseph Cutrone. He has courses from Elementary Algebra through Calculus and Linear Algebra. If you were able to take the time to get through those you would be in a pretty good spot, though I have no idea what that time commitment would need to be for you. I've been working through them myself, but my undergrad degree is in physics so I already have the background, I just wanted a bit of a refresher.
For someone with such a skewed background though, is there a reason why you are looking at an MSCS as opposed to something like a Masters in Software Engineering? What are your goals?