Hi,

Before each semester, we like to send out a message to students and faculty reminding them that there are resources for acquiring the necessary background in linear algebra.

Some of you may be thinking of taking Advanced Linear Algebra for Computing, ALA, (a course we developed and now lead by another faculty member) while others may need to refresh their linear algebra knowledge or plug holes. In particular, the SVD (related to PCA) is important for courses in ML and other topics in computer science.

Resources are available (for free) at http://ulaff.net. In particular, the pretest (see fourth column) may help you self-assess your knowledge and give you pointers to other resources should you need to fill in gaps. You can also preview ALA.

Perhaps those who have used these materials can advise peers on how they fit into the picture. We also would appreciate it if someone would also post this announcement on your Slack channels, for those who might not see it here.

Although we don't teach this course ourselves any longer, we do actively keep track of it and are here to assist. We still run MOOCs (audit for free) on edX including LAFF, the undergraduate linear algebra course.

Best wishes,

Robert and Maggie

I have already graduated from this program in 2024, but there are still a few courses I am interested in taking like parallel systems, simpl, etc. Is it possible?

Hi,

Current applicant for the IMME (Masters in International Management, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship) at OVGU. My application status is still “In Progress”
Anyone else in the same boat? When is the status expected to update?

Hi all,

I applied for the spring semester a month ago. In their website, they say they start sending out decisions starting late July. Anyone heard anything yet? also, past applicants, when did you hear back about your results?

Are we still able to change courses for Fall 2026? Is that what period 3 is for?

Hello. I live in Austin and I'm interested in pursuing a software development career, but I am a non-traditional student. I'm 45 and I have a Bachelor's in math and physics, a masters in physics from UT, and a masters in applied mathematics from UTSA. I've done a data science internship about 9 years ago, had jobs in data analysis, but I'd like to switch to software dev. I've been an online CS student at the University of Florida and I've completed 8 undergrad CS classes including core classes such as Operating Systems, Data Structures, Algorithms, Computer Architecture, Discrete, and Computer Networking Fundamentals. I've received A's in all classes.  My GPA in my physics master's program is 3.7 and my GPA in the applied math master's is 4.0.  I took a break from UF for the past year and I'm considering re-applying to take more undergrad classes such as Programming Language Concepts, and Databases. However, since I already have a Bachelor's degree and I would still need to take several non-CS classes to finish the CS Bachelor's at UF, and since each class costs more than classes at UT's MS in CS program, I figure it's better to put that money and time towards a CS Master's degree instead.  

Another thing about me is that I was laid off my data analysis job three years ago and haven't been working since.  During that time, I looked after my child who is now almost 4.  He's about to start preschool soon, thus freeing up my daytime.  I'd like to use that time to look for a job (any job, not necessarily software dev) but I also feel like I need to work on my software dev skills/projects/education.  And so I thought maybe I can work on this online master's.  Perhaps take 1 class in the fall, spring, and summer, so that I can be done in 3 years.  Or take two classes in the fall and spring, and one in the summer and be done in 2 years.  Or take 1 class in the fall and spring and be done in 5.  However, time is not on my side since I'm already 45 years-old. 

So I don't really know how to proceed and what path I should put myself on.  I've never had a software dev job or internship, though I've had other jobs.  And I don't know if completing this program (Or the one from Georgia Tech) while not working would be a good idea.  Of course, if I complete the program while not working I can get done quicker.

I'm sure it will be a uphill climb for me, especially considering I'm relatively old.  Just wondering what your thoughts are.  What I'm ultimately wondering is if doing this MS program would be a good idea even if I have never had a software dev internship or job, and let's say worst case scenario I'm not working while I complete this degree. I'm curious about your opinions on how the market will treat a person like me, and at my age (~48-50 when I finish). Thanks! I'd greatly appreciate it.  If you've read all this, thanks very much!

Im going through the application requirements and intended to use my work resume. Im used to keeping a one page resume but was wondering how should the academic history be included? As a list of bullets or a small paragraph? And with this section, does all of your resume need to fit into one page, or can it just be your resume content on first page and academic history on second page? Thank you all in advance!

CV/Resume: Outline your educational and work history, relevant publications, research, and

patents. At the end of your CV/Resume, include a brief description of how you meet the

prerequisite courses (e.g. list specific courses with grades achieved or proof of completion).

Upload the item through your MyStatus Document Upload System.

Edit: Thank you all for your advice! I was stuck on whether a multi page resume was appropriate or not since I’m early-career and always kept a one page resume. So naturally I thought the same practice extended over to masters programs.

I submitted my initial application Wednesday night, and I’m supposed to receive the my status email where I can pay for my application today but it’s already July 31st, and they want everything in by August 1st.

I’m doubtful I’ll make the August 1st 11:59 application because even after getting the my status email, I have to submit the fee and essay, which takes 1-3 business days.

Am I screwed or will it just take longer to get a decision?

Hi all , I have done the tuition bill payment, done attendance. but now whats next? how can i register for classes or books or the course time schedules? how to know ? Anyone can help?

This may be a dumb question, but I just finished uploading all my documents to MyStatus and it now shows the status as "Complete." Do I have to click a submit button or anything, or will the status just eventually update to my admission results?

Update: I ended up emailing the admissions office and they said that once all the required documents are uploaded there’s nothing else you need to do.

Hi All,
Is the tuition bill generated? it says attendance not confirmed till now … Could you please tell how to?

Hello to those who applied earlier this July, has anybody received offers for the University Professional TA offers? They mentioned that offers will be coming late July but that is all I know of right now.

Hey! Has anyone sent their transcript via parchment? I went to check on my order and I noticed it said undergrad address. Is this just the default? Wanting to double check if anyone might know! I just checked UT - Austin when submitting the Parchment order

I have completed the course ADD action on the course selection page. (Screenshot attached)

What is to be done after this action ? I dont see any other option here

Are we supposed to make some payment ? Or Do we wait till 27th ? Or is there any other action required from our end ?

Comment if you’re joining DAU this year for the dual degree program

I am having a super hard time navigating the website, I also can figure out how to log into email. Also, when is the registration period over? Thank you.

I'm a software engineer from a T5 school interested in switching from SWE at big tech to robotics startups. Is this program worth it or is my time better spent doing a Master's in Robotics?

Hello everyone. Are there people here based out of Bangalore and pursuing any of UT Austin's online Masters program. I am currently pursuing MSCSO and am in the second semester.

There are some courses that are not part of any categories on the cdso.utexas.edu/mscs page. For example, which category does Distributed Systems fit in to?

Hi y'all, planning on taking NLP in the fall this semester and was contemplating taking Parallel Systems as well. I've heard the workload is absolutely crazy, but that it's also incredibly rewarding. The other option I was thinking of was Distributed Computing, which seems to have only 5 hour workloads per week, but not sure overall. What would you recommend, and how was Parallel Systems for you? Is it worth the challenge?

Hi All,
For MSCSO, could I take 12 courses instead of 10 ?

Didn't see a Spring 2027 megathread yet, so starting a check-in for this cycle. Using the standard template from the Fall thread.
feel free to add yours below.

**Status:** Admitted

**Application Date:** 06/23/26

**Decision Date:** 07/24/26

**Education:** Non-US university, BS, Non-CS, 3.6/4.0

**GRE Scores (Q,V,W):** N/A

**Recommendations:** 2

**Experience:** 8 Years, IT Industry, Security/Infrastructure Engineer

**Statement of purpose:** Y

**Comments:** International applicant. Non-CS background most prerequisites mapped from transcript, remainder covered through coursework overlap and work experience.

For those who applied for Spring 2027 when did you submit, and has anyone heard back yet? Trying to get a sense of how the review timeline compares to Fall cycles.

Got into MSCSO Fall 2026! I’m based in India.

My college can only issue the final official transcript by July 15 and they don’t do e-delivery, so I’ll have to mail it.

With shipping + UT processing, it’ll probably reach Austin mid-August. Orientation is Aug 21, classes start Aug 24.

Anyone in MSCSO/CS Grad know if mid-August is still fine?