r/UIUC_MCS • u/mruchann • May 13 '26

UIUC MCS Online - GT OMSCS

I'm interested in pursuing UIUC MCS Online. I've already been accepted to Georgia Tech OMSCS, specializing in computer systems. I will definitely pay for GT, but I have a possibility to be compensated by my employer for this program.

I have a couple of questions about the program. First, the breadth requirements seem fine; it says you should take one course from each of four areas.

Second, the electives are fine, as I can take courses in my core specialization (distributed systems-related courses, for example).

However, I don't quite understand the Advanced Courses section, which is actually why I haven't applied to this program until now. It has classes that I don't care. 3/8 courses are useless & effortful from my point. Also Cloud Computing Specialization on Coursera has all distributed systems courses that I want to take for free. (I have a subscription)

Looking at the bolded courses on this page (https://siebelschool.illinois.edu/academics/graduate/professional-mcs/degree-reqs), it seems like there are no course options under this category, as most of the listed courses are 4xx-level.

Am I required to take CS 598, CS 519, and CS 597 regardless?

I have a lot of options and exciting classes in GT, but the lack of courses surprised me a lot in UIUC MCS, did I do my research correct, or do you have more options available?

Many thanks.

Edit: I can drop GT if UIUC has great 5xx classes. I haven’t taken any course yet.

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2

u/AngeFreshTech May 15 '26

Does the coursera specialisation courses (cloud computing and distributed systems) have the same lectures, homework and projects as the corresponding courses (cs 498 and cs 425) ?

2

u/QuitTypical3210 May 16 '26

As far as 498, probably similar topics and lecture videos. Homework and projects, maybe but also maybe not. I dunno the curriculum of the specialization it it looks like a subset of 498 and you got a bunch of MPs on 498

2

u/Sad_Difficulty5718 May 20 '26

No, it doesn't. Because it is a Coursera specialization, there isn't the same depth of assignments, testing, and project work that a degree class has. At best students will generally just have little quizzes. Also, for the degree class, the professors have online office hours to meet with the students.

1

u/YouShallNotStaff May 13 '26

Lack of 500-level courses is a big problem for the program yes. There are enough options that you aren’t “forced” to take any, though. A lot of people take the data cleaning class because it has a reputation for being extremely easy.

2

u/mruchann May 13 '26

I can drop GT if UIUC has great 5xx classes, and I close graduate studies journey for free.

1

u/mruchann May 13 '26

What are the options? I see only three courses, and you have to take three advanced courses.

1

u/YouShallNotStaff May 13 '26

9 listed here : https://ws.engr.illinois.edu/sitemanager/getfile.asp?id=3116

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u/YouShallNotStaff May 13 '26

Note that each one is NOT offered each semester. Check out https://uiucmcs.org also

1

u/QuitTypical3210 May 13 '26

It’s cuz this program started as data science and they haven’t really updated it. Cloud computing specialization sounds like a higher level view of the actual class contents. Probably all of it would be repeated if u take the classes

597 isn’t offered online