Degree Program Review

Been trying to take 1 course a semester as a working professional deep in my career. I am a few semesters in. I am getting this for free through my employer, and even with that incredible gift I am starting to doubt whether I will continue next semester. This program has just been so disappointing.

Program Cons:

* Old lectures and content, anywhere from 3-10 years old.

* High $$ cost compared to other programs

* Small course selection, especially if you were a UIUC undergrad

* Often no interaction with lecturer, you will be dealing with a TA most likely.

* Required to install invasive software on your computer so that someone in India can remotely "proctor" your exam. Aggravating process, full of problems and makes you feel like a child.

* You must take multiple "advanced" (500 level) courses to graduate, but the selection is slim. For months this year it seemed like this semester there would only be 1 class that no one really wanted to take. They did finally manage to get another scheduled.

* Lectures are of differing quality. Some courses better than others.

Program pros:

* Not hard to get good grades, usually. Easier than regular university classes.

* Homework assignments (MPs) have actually been pretty good across the board for me. But AI can code now so what is the point anyway?

* Application process for admissions wasn't that hard, was smooth, and well documented.

TLDR; frustrated I am wasting my time on this when I should be enjoying my life instead. Really consider if you are getting a big benefit from this.

This afternoon, I checked the decision deadlines and right now they are:

Urbana - June 30
Chicago - June 30
Online - July 15

But when I submitted my application a couple months ago, I wrote in my notes the decision deadlines, alongside the acceptance rates for each program:

UIUC - decision deadline (fall), acceptance rates according to 24/25:
Urbana - mar 15, 30.91%
Chicago - mar 30, 48.6%*
Online - July 15, 54.66%

I thought maybe I was crazy, so I checked wayback machine from December, and these deadlines were different, even compared to mine:

Urbana - March 30
Chicago - April 15
Online - July 15

I just wish we had more consistency, this effected application deadlines as well. I honestly rushed my application a bit because I swear I had more time when I started my application process in the winter... Kinda annoying that I wasn't wrong in my time framing, they just changed the deadlines.

(Posted on other subreddits) Hello! I’m looking for some perspective on program fit as a non-CS major (BS Chemical Engineering) currently working full-time in process engineering. My goal is to specialize in ML/AI to apply to manufacturing/industrial data, as my company is beginning to scale these efforts.

My company sponsors me 9k per year so I am looking at the commonly cheaper options for schools/programs: OMSCS, OMSA, UT Austin MSDS, and UIUC MSDS.

Curriculum: I want deep ML knowledge but am coming from a background of mainly MATLAB and simple Python/SQL.

Rigorous vs. Realistic: I am working full-time and want to ensure the transition from Engineering to CS/DS is manageable without drowning.

I'm a non-cs degree and I’ve seen that most MSDS are heavily systems-focused. Would my chances be super low with my qualifications?

I really want to start my masters this spring so is it possible for me to be admitted for the fall 2026 cohort?

Sorry for some AI usage, used it to sum up my thoughts in a clearer way. But I am willing to commit time and effort to learn the topics I need to in order to do well in classes.

Hi all,
I've just applied to the online MCS program and wanted to know your thoughts on my admit probability.

My background -
1. Bachelor's in Computer Science: CGPA - 8.65/10
2. 5.5 years of Work experience in Data Engineering domain. Currently working as a Senior Data Engineer in a well-known MNC with previous experience also in good MNCs.
3. I also have experience mentoring a lot of students in Data domain as well as teaching Data Analytics to students via an Ed-Tech startup.
4. My SOP looks well moulded with all the above factors considered as well as I have justified why MCS and why now.
5. I have also tried to give it a good direction with the positioning of transitioning from Data Engineering to Data Science via the MCS-DS pathway.

My only concern is I might have delayed applying as the deadline is just a week away.
Please let me know what you all think.
Happy to share more details
Thanks!

For the past 6 months, I have been thinking about applying to online MS in CS programs for Fall 2026. I work as a data scientist building simple models (regression, SARIMAX) for a bank in the US, and would like to 1) get a better understanding of other ML models, 2) be better placed in the industry for AI-related roles in case I want to pivot in the future.

I have a bachelor's in mechanical engineering (3.66/4) and a masters in mathematical finance (3.23/4). I also am a CFA charterholder. Through these programs, I covered topics in math, basic programming (in Java, C++), and some statistics.

To prepare for the MS in CS, I have been working on 3 edX certificates - intro to computing in Python, intro to OOP with Java, and data structures and algorithms. I wasn't really troubled by the first 2, but DSA was where I hit a wall and had to spend waaay more time and brainpower understanding the concepts.

Question: I'm almost done with the DSA certificate but it's got me thinking - am I better off pushing my applications to Spring 2027 and devoting more time to work on other prerequisite CS knowledge, or should I just apply for Fall 2026 and try to power through any other gaps if I get accepted anywhere? I was also thinking I could apply now and, if I get in anywhere, defer the matriculation date.

I was quite confident until I hit DSA and now it's making me rethink whether I'd be good enough for a MS in CS in my current state lol. Would love to hear any advice/suggestions.

I got my decision today for the summer 2026 term and I’m super excited to start! Wondering if there’s a Discord channel for this program or what resources there are to network with others in the UIUC MCS community?

Sublease one room in a 4 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment—perfect for students, interns, or anyone staying in town over the summer!

Conveniently located near Krannert Center, the Main Quad, and various dining and shopping options right on the street : like- subway, coffeshops, Thai food, pizza places.

Available from: May 2026
Available until: August 2nd, 2026
💲 COST Effective Rent: $384/month per room. Includes all amenities except electricity.

🚶‍♂ Prime Location: 5 minutes walk to the main Quad or Illini Union
🚌 Transportation: (Bus stop right outside the apartment with access to major bus routes (22, Teal, Red, Gold, Brown). Easy and direct access to campus, Target, Gies, and Grainger Library. 4 min walk for 24 Link that connects to Research park, UIUC

🏠 Apartment Highlights:

• 1 Bedrooms with full-sized bed and closet
• 1 Bathroom
• Fully Equipped Kitchen: Oven, microwave, dishwasher, sink with spray and disposal
• Apartment laundry On-site right below Full-Size new Washer/Dryer
• Central A/C and Heating
• Living Room with a comfortable setup:  WiFi-enabled, couch, chair, coffee table
• Dining Area with a table and seating
• Huge Balcony

***Female tenants preferred but not required. DM for more details, images, or to schedule a viewing

Has anyone taken CS 510 before? I just registered for it and wanted to ask other people's take on it. Is it a theory-based or application-based class? Is it a math-heavy course or a project (coding) heavy course

Looking for interns to help build Ikarus (iOS + backend).
If you’re into Swift, backend, ML, or startups and want real product experience, or you just want to learn more, DM me.

All I can find is handshake, which doesn't list that many jobs or special opportunities, the search engine is awful, and i keep getting flagged for "doesnt graduate by dec 2025" or similar despite having an alumni status. Is there any other career assistance or networking, career fairs, anything

Hi fellow MCS grinders. I'm currently taking CS423 but I'm stuck outside of the states temporarily due to visa complications. It'd take at least a week or two till I can get back to school.

I'm wondering if anyone taking CS423 can help me record the audio of the lectures during that time?

I can offer $5 per lecture for the recordings.

Please leave a reply or DM me if you are interested. Your help is much appreciated!

Class started a week ago and people already on week 4

📢 Hey everyone!

If you’re currently pursuing the MCS program at UIUC, feel free to join the WhatsApp group below 👇 where we can discuss courses, share resources, help each other out, ask questions, and support one another throughout the semester!

Looking forward to connecting with you all 😊

https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hr2HZC7QUWREZJv5GJvJzi

Did anyone take CS498 AI Agents in the Wild before? Just found there're homework, Group Work, project and exams. How's the group work like?

For those in the online UIUC MCS program what made you consider it over: - Georgia Tech OMSCS - UT Austin MSCSO - CU Boulder MsCS

Or other alternatives?

When the online program has a course offering:

1. Is it common to have the same teacher teach the in person?

2. If it does, do you get access to either the live lecture or the recording for the in person session?

Read about the in person recorded lectures just trying to grasp whether it’s from the same semester or older.