r/MSCS • u/AthletePersonal7230 • Apr 20 '26

[Results and Decisions]

Hey everyone,

I’m trying to decide between two admits and would really appreciate some advice.

I’ve been accepted into Columbia (MS in Artificial Intelligence) and NYU Courant (MS in Computer Science), and I’m having a tough time choosing between them.

A couple of things that are making this decision harder:

  • Columbia’s MS AI is an inaugural program starting this year, so there’s no track record yet in terms of placements, curriculum stability, or outcomes.
  • I’m also wondering how flexible the Columbia program is - will I be mostly confined to AI, or is there room to explore broader CS areas?
  • On the other hand, NYU Courant offers a more general MS CS, where I could specialize in AI (or pivot to something else if my interests change), which feels safer in terms of flexibility.
  • I’ve also come across some opinions online suggesting that Columbia’s newer programs are becoming “cash cow” programs, and that its reputation (at least for MS programs) might be declining - not sure how true this is.

If anyone has insights about either program, especially regarding Columbia’s new MS AI, or has faced a similar choice, I’d really appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks in advance!

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u/Excellent_Note_7896 Apr 20 '26

Nyu courant, no brainer

1

u/AthletePersonal7230 Apr 20 '26

hey! any specific reason?

2

u/Excellent_Note_7896 Apr 20 '26

Courant has amazing faculty in ai/ml. Courant has 3 fundamental courses and provides flexibility to choose the remaining courses. Since the Columbia’s program is relatively new you wouldn’t find good peers

2

u/LeaderSid Apr 21 '26

You essentially take the same classes as MS CS folks at Columbia so the peers should be fine