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parm289 | 4 years ago

Perhaps a bit off topic, but seeing the breadth of general discussion about online CS masters programs in this thread, figured I'd ask the HN crowd:

How is a program like the Penn MCIT Online degree[0] viewed by engineering and product hiring teams in industry? I am looking at transitioning from venture capital investing to SWE (and potentially product, given my business background) and this seems like a good option to facilitate that change - education in CS fundamentals (vs. a bootcamp) but still a reasonably short/practical program (10 courses).

Curious if there are engineers/PMs here that have gone through MCIT or similar to pivot into software from another field? Or, if any hiring managers here have hired graduates from these online degree programs and have insight/advice?

[0]: https://online.seas.upenn.edu/degrees/mcit-online/

discuss

autokad|4 years ago

I can't speak of the online degree, but the MCIT program is pretty good. I graduated from the standard CS but many of my friends were in the MCIT degree. Given they came from more varied backgrounds, I actually thought the student body was more impressive.

However, I dont know how all of this online stuff is going to effect things. I would just show up to wharton classes and wait for them to not kick me out, but online ... no chance. You also miss out on all the great conversations and doing study groups at the library, etc.

The program is strong, and it will help you get lots of interviews, but I'd do what ever possible to do the in person degree. I c an recommend good DS classes at the school if you are interested in that topic

EduToss|4 years ago

Throwaway as have done work slightly related to this industry.

I looked in to MCIT online but the outcomes appeared to be very mediocre. One of the testimonials was a student who got a job in sales at a tech company.

A big tell is if you go to their outcomes page it is a bit embarrassing in the lack of anything to boast about. https://online.seas.upenn.edu/degrees/mcit-online/outcomes/

First testimonial: "Halfway through her first year in MCIT Online, Xunjing Wu is considering applying for a product management role."

Pay $26,000 to consider applying for a role.

culopatin|4 years ago

Wow that is such a weak statement that I would be embarrassed to write it. “Considering applying”. Not even considering an offer. They are not even sure if they should apply? How is that an outcome you want to publish?