Profile Improvement for MS CS

Question

Hi, I am planning to apply for MS in CS for Fall 2023. I did my undergrad in Chemical Engineering. Currently working as Software Engineer (Aug 2020-present).

I would like to know if any online MOOC courses would be of help in improving my profile. If yes, pls let me know the courses or any other ways to improve my profile apart from publishing research paper.

Thanks.

A D · Answer

Hi Rahul,
Some facts you should know before applying. Truthfully, it's getting harder for a student from computer science(CS) undergrad student to get a CS degree from top 100 universities. So, it will be even more difficult for you to get into a CS program as you are from a different background. Many universities have started giving CS subjects to other programs like computer engineering(CE), electrical and computer engineering(ECE), and information systems(MIS).  It will be easier for you to get into a good CE or ECE or MIS program than an average CS program. Work experience won't be that major of a factor unless it is from a product-based company like Flipkart, etc than a service-based company like TCS. Most universities give information like the number of applicants each year, the number of admitted students each year, number of enrolled students on their university website. Please check the enrollment and demographics webpage of the universities before applying. Most universities give mass rejects due to the very high number of applicants for computer science programs. You can apply externally to an undergrad university or apply for online credit courses and ask if you could take subjects like data structures and algorithms, discrete mathematics, computer architecture, and object-oriented programming. These are core subjects that many universities will look for in your transcript. This will help you more than an online MOOC course. You can also apply for the google summer school of code. Courses from organizations like Coursera won't have that much of an effect but professional certifications like AWS, Azure cloud, and data bricks will have some sort of impact. Here is a list of some Coursera courses that will help you gain knowledge and is still good to have on a resume:   
https://www.coursera.org/specializations/algorithms
https://www.coursera.org/specializations/data-structures-algorithms
https://www.coursera.org/specializations/object-oriented-programming
You can shortlist universities using yocket college finder:
https://yocket.com/college-finder

rahul kasliwal · Answer

DMed !

Shafiq reshid · Answer

Hi Rahul,
MOOC's are hardly recognized by admission committee. 
Its good if you have completion certificates from coursera or udemy, but they don't add much value to your profile.
Instead, start doing hands-on projects and add them to your github profile.
Try building your own personal website and add that to your resume.
Contribute to writing technical blogs and open source.
These will give an edge to your profile.

Kishan Mouar · Answer

Dm me May be i can suggest some universities.

Profile Improvement for MS CS

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