r/OnlineMCIT

Does anyone know wha the research opportunities are like for a student in the online MSE-DS program?

As background: I was recently admitted into the online MSE-DS program. I currently work as a data analyst but will soon be transitioning to a data science team at my company. I initially applied to mse-ds online to help me in this transition/ help me move into a data science position on my new team (my B.A is in economics, with a cs minor).

However, recently I’ve become more interested in exploring academia, instead of industry, as a career path (I have only worked in corporate environments, but am starting to think I might like research work more). I don’t want to give up my job/ current opportunities at work just to explore this interest. However, I would like to start building this as a potential path while in the MSE-DS program.

There doesn’t seem to be a lot of info on what research opportunities are like in MSE-DS. Does anyone have any insight on this?

Much appreciated!!

Currently a software engineer at a Fortune 500 company for 2.5 years. I don’t have a a cs degree(have a non stem degree) and broke into tech through a bootcamp. Is it worth applying to this program? I wanted to do it complete my resume and strengthen my foundation is CS but a lot my friends say it isn’t really worth it. My company also covers some of the tuition as well.

Hi everyone, long-time lurker here finally putting my profile together for feedback. What are my chances for the MACS/MCIT especially with a low GPA (3.0)? Is the recent A's in Linear Algebra and Calculus enough to demonstrate academic rigor and proof of quant ability?

Education:

• BS in Economics 3.0 GPA from 8 years ago. Mostly A's in quant courses.

• Recent coursework Linear Algebra (A+) and Calculus (A+) at community college.

• Completed Penn MOOCs.

• No GRE.

Experience: Product Manager at SaaS tech company in growth and B2C space (think Grammarly, Braze scale). Previously data analyst.

Motivation: My goals are to transition into more technical and platform-focused product roles, substantiate knowledge that's largely been self-taught, and genuinely close the gap between myself and the engineers I collaborate with every day.

I’m planning to apply to the UPenn MSE-AI (online) program for Spring 2027 and want to take some MOOCs to strengthen my application. I’ve gone through a bunch of older Reddit threads, but most of the advice is from a year ago, so I’d really appreciate input from anyone who was recently admitted on which MOOCs actually helped their application.

I was hoping people enrolled in the program can be brutally honest with me. Quick background, I applied to MCIT last summer and got rejected. Ended up doing another online program instead. Cost is about the same. I really enjoyed my first Intro to Java course. Had a great teacher. It was challenging but I learned a lot. Now I am wrapping up my Data Structures course and I have to say, I’m extremely disappointed with the caliber of this class. The teacher hardly explains shit in the lecture videos and the readings are more just definitions and small examples, then the homework assignments are tenfold the level of difficulty of anything we learned. Consequently because of all this I do not feel I’m walking away with a very good understanding of data structures and algorithms, which I’ve heard is one of the more important CS classes. I also just found out I will have 2 more fundamental bridge courses with this teacher — which has me very upset. It’s one thing to power through one poorly taught class, it’s another to say 60% of your bridge courses were taught by that same person.

Now that I have 2 online CS courses with good grades under my belt, I considered re-applying for fall entry and just taking the L on one semester. However, I don’t want to find myself in a situation of thinking it wasn’t worth it if I did get accepted and transferred. I’m just trying to get a solid CS education in one of the most competitive times of this field.

So my question is — how do you feel the quality of classes has been in this degree? Do you feel like the lectures and assignments are in line with each other? Do you feel like the teachers explain things well or is it a lot of self learning? How long do you spend each week on lectures and assignments? Do you feel confident at the end of each class? Are classes a full semester or are they 2 classes split in a semester? Do you feel like you’d be marketable in the CS field with what you’ve learned? Do you feel the rigor of the program is paying off compared to doing more basic programs?

And for any alumni’s who didn’t already have a tech job going in, do you feel it a helped you transition into the field with success?

Lots of questions, I know. I’m sorry. I have about a week to make a decision on this and just trying to weigh my options.

My goal is to move into entrepreneurship. It’s my dream to build something from the ground up. But if that doesn’t work, AI, SWE, aerospace, or development (apps, smart contracts, full stack/front-end).

Any input would be super appreciated. Thanks

Hey guys looking for some feedback on how many classes I can do max.

I don’t work in the fall so I was planning to do 3 in a semester while I’m not working. Is that doable?

Hi everyone,

I’m down to the wire and need to make a final decision soon. I’ve been admitted to UPenn’s MSE-AI Online program and Columbia’s MS in Artificial Intelligence via CVN.

I’m currently a Junior Software Engineer at a MedTech company, working on MRI/CT-related software systems. I’ll be studying part-time while working full-time.

My long-term goal is to become a “bridge” talent between AI engineering and AI governance/policy, especially in areas like healthcare AI, trustworthy AI, and responsible deployment of AI systems.

I recently had the chance to visit both Philadelphia and NYC on business trips, and I really liked both campuses/cities. That made the decision even harder.

My main questions are:

1. Research access:

For online master’s students, how realistic is it to get involved with faculty, labs, research groups, or independent research? I’m especially interested in AI ethics, governance, trustworthy AI, and healthcare AI.

2. Career/networking value:

If I’m open to eventually relocating near the school, which ecosystem gives a better long-term edge for someone interested in MedTech + AI engineering + AI policy/governance?

3. Online student integration:

For students/alumni familiar with Penn Engineering Online, MSE-AI Online, or similar online graduate programs, how included do online students feel in campus resources, networking, career events, and faculty access?

I know both are strong options, and I’m not expecting a perfect answer. But if you were choosing mainly based on research access, online student support, and long-term networking value in the NYC/Philly corridor, which would you pick?

Any honest insight would be really appreciated~

How will this degree appear on my diploma and/or transcript? Will it show the word Online?