30 Days, 30 Hacks: Mastering Your US Master's Journey

We’ve discussed a lot of different pointers which helps you make a decision on which university to enroll, but it is important to delve deeper into the biggest decision one has to make when starting to apply specifically in the computer science domain.

MSCS OR MCS?

For those who are unaware of the full-form, let me help you out -

MCS: Master of Computer Science (Non-Thesis)

MSCS: Master of Science in Computer Science (Thesis)

Choosing between a Master of Computer Science (MCS) and a Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program is a significant decision that hinges on several critical factors.

TL;DR

If you possess a robust foundation in computer science and aspire to pursue research-intensive roles, academia, or specialized positions in areas like artificial intelligence and machine learning, an MSCS program with a research thesis might be a compelling choice. This option allows you to delve deeply into cutting-edge topics, contribute to the academic body of knowledge, and engage in rigorous research projects. However, it often entails a more extended time commitment, making it crucial to assess your readiness for a potentially longer academic journey.

Conversely, if you seek to enter the corporate quickly, broaden your computer science knowledge, or transition from a related field, an MCS program may be more suitable. These programs typically emphasize coursework over research, equipping you with the practical skills and knowledge needed for various industry roles. The shorter duration also translates to a potentially lower financial burden and quicker entry into the job market.

If you are interested to learn more about each category feel free to read further, I have prepared an exhaustive list of questions that one should go over before making this decision.

It is your responsibility as a Master’s candidate to know about your interests and how each course aligns with it. If not, let’s take a journey on what questions (boolean-type) to ask yourself to more about this:

a. Do I enjoy research?
b. Can I sit for hours and read?
c. Do I enjoy participating in conferences/seminars?
d. Did I write and publish research papers?
e. Do I want to pursue a PhD?
f. Can I come up with ideas that are in coordination with the research and development in the industry?
g. Am I interested in the R&D field?
h. Do I understand the approach better than the system?
i. Is the idea of building a concept from scratch interesting?
j. Can I work in a competitive research oriented environment, where I am sure to be the dumbest in the room?

If your answer to 6/10 questions I’ve mentioned is “YES”, you should opt to choose Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS).

Let’s also look at the next set of questions to understand if you want to pursue MCS:

a. Am I trying to transition to a different role?
b. Do I have good projects to showcase (deployed and documented)?
c. Is the end-goal of my studies a job?
d. Do I enjoy building systems?
e. Can I read and write code in a given time-frame?
f. Am I in it for the money?
g. Do I have strong internship experience?
h. Does my experience in the field help me get the admit?
i. Do I have limited resources and time commitment?
j. Do I enjoy LeetCode? (if your answer is YES to this question, I am seriously judging you right now)

If your answer to 6/10 important questions is “YES”, you should opt for Master of Computer Science (MCS).

Some questions that you might have regarding both the courses are answered below:

1. Is it easier to apply for MCS or MSCS?
   Tricky question to answer, in my personal opinion, universities prefer students with strong research backgrounds, which means they would prefer candidates applying for MSCS but they understand that majority students are not ready or willing for the research aspect and therefore they have a bigger cohort for MCS students. Number of seats for MSCS are generally less and more competitive than MCS, because students just assume that without showing research background you wouldn’t get an admit in the University.

2. Can I transfer from MCS to MSCS? or from MSCS to MCS?

   Yes you can, usually within 6-8 months of enrolling and starting the degree you’ll be prompted by your respective Academic department to decide if you want to pursue MSCS or MCS?
   A lot of students (in MSCS) decide by that time that they are not willing to pursue a thesis and invest time in research, they define their agenda to be a corporate job therefore they transition to MCS, which is easier no questions asked unless you had your committee decided and were working as a RA under a Professor you were supposed to pursue thesis alongside. In this case you need approval from the committee, Professor and any other officer specific to your university. This in-turn makes it easier for MCS students to transition to MSCS because a lot of seats are now empty, but this requires permissions from a lot of entities so be prepared to answer and show your dedication through coursework and attending different lab discussions.

   P.S. I converted from MSCS to MCS, reach out to learn more.

3. Does the degree have to do anything with the Part-Time Job?

   Yes, RA positions are usually offered to students enrolled in the MSCS degree because there is an expectation that they will be pursuing research and are therefore given the preference.

4. Is there a difference between the job prospect for either of the degree?

   Yes and no, tricky to answer through text but I’ll try my best, all the jobs available to MCS students are available to MSCS students while the other way around is not true, this is specifically because MSCS students are considered a step ahead in terms of research and therefore have an advantage over non-thesis students attempting to break into the R&D field.

5. Is there a distinction between Curriculum and/or course credits?

   You are free to choose which courses you want to pursue, generally the total credits are same for both the degree with a portion going towards research in MSCS while MCS have computer science courses to follow.

6. Time-Commitment?

   MSCS requires more time-commitment because you are investing time in research while searching for a job/preparing for a PhD. MCS is relatively less time-consuming but can be more depending on how you structure your semester.

By carefully weighing these factors and reflecting on your individual aspirations, you can make an informed decision that sets you on the path to achieving your long-term career goals. Whether you choose an MCS or an MSCS program, remember that both can lead to rewarding opportunities in the dynamic field of computer science.