r/OnlineMCIT

Hey all, just got into the MAS-CS Online program for Spring 2027 and I'm excited but also freaking out a little.

Background: I'm a licensed physical therapist with zero formal CS background. I've always wanted to pivot into tech and the healthcare + CS combo feels like a strong story on paper... but with the current job market, I'm worried the degree alone won't be enough.

For those who've been through the program or are currently in it:

- How hard was it to land a role post-grad as a career switcher?

- Did your pre-program background (clinical/non-tech) help or hurt?

- Any regrets or things you'd do differently if you were starting now?

Appreciate any honest takes 🙏

Hey everyone! I'm based in Toronto and starting the program in Spring 2027. Would love to connect with anyone else in the area, whether you're an alum, current student, or incoming like me. Maybe we could grab coffee or set up a study group sometime! Drop a comment or DM me 👋🏻

Hi everyone,

I'm currently taking CIT 5910 and CIT 5920. For now my top priority is gaining practical database / full-stack system experience (CIS 5500) to build a solid resume project before the hiring cycle kicks off. On the other hand, CIT 5930 isn't very relevant to the roles I'm aiming for, and taking it early would take away valuable time from LeetCode and project prep.

I know the official policy strictly requires completing 4 core courses before registering for electives, but I'm wondering:

1. Has anyone successfully gotten a prerequisite override or permission for concurrent enrollment (e.g., taking an elective course alongside your 4th core course)?
2. If so, did you need prior instructor permission (e.g., reaching out to the professor first with past project/work experience), or did you go straight through the advising team?
3. Alternatively, for those who skipped 5930, how manageable was the CIT 5930 waiver exam with 2–3 weeks of prep?

Would love to hear any recent DP or advice on how strict advisors are with this rule. Thanks in advance!

I know Professor Zheng writes Exam 1 so I am trying to study as hard as possible.

Any tips and experiences and advice on how to study?

Hi everyone!! I am just wondering if 592 is curved and if so, how generous the curve is. After taking the first exam, I’m a bit worried! I felt like I understood the material enough, have been doing good on homework’s (although it does take me almost all day Sunday to complete them), and went to office hours for exam prep, but still this exam really threw me for a loop. Please let me know if anyone has any idea. Thanks!!!

P.S. If anyone has any good study resources I would appreciate that as well. Thanks! 😁

Does anyone know how the grad certificate → master's pathway works?

I read online that you need to be a Penn alum to take a grad certificate. But I've also seen Reddit posts from people who got into the master's through a grad certificate, and they don't seem to be Penn alumni. So I'm a bit confused. Anyone been through this?