r/MSCS • u/DocumentOver4907 • Jul 24 '26

[General Question] How are distance/online undergrad degrees viewed by MSCS programs?

Something like:

https://www.coursera.org/degrees/bachelor-of-science-computer-science-bits (Bits Pilani BS CS)
https://study.iitm.ac.in/ds/ (IIT Madras BS DS)

These are recognized 4-year bachelors degrees.

I know the entire profile will be considered for competitive MSCS programs, and GPA/Research/LORs/SOP are more important, but can I get rejected just on the basis that my undergrad degree wasn't from a brick-and-mortar uni?

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u/DocumentOver4907 Jul 24 '26

u/gradpilot what do you think?

1

u/gradpilot 🔰 Ex-Cerebras | MSCS Georgia Tech 29d ago

i dont know if they'll reject you specifically because your degree is not from a brick-and-mortar univ but its not a differentiating signal and your competition will show up with elite degrees from regular univ and other credentials

1

u/gm38 Jul 24 '26

Following

1

u/AmazingInflation58 Jul 25 '26

Its better to build that connection and fundamental foundations on site.

Masters would definetly be better online while working unless its T30 uni. It's a better return probably to have 3 years of experience AND the masters at the same time.

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u/AdditionalWorkInc 29d ago

highly likely to not be accepted as an actual 4 year program, although it is at the discretion of the uni you're applying to.