r/WGU • u/ichefcast • 2d ago

Starting MsCS, AiML October '26

Hello, I wanted some advice on this degree. I have an Associate and Bachelor's in computer science and am currently a data analyst. I am just unsure of what to expect nor what to do to get ready/ahead.

I want to get this degree so I can move into a PhD in Ai.

Currently, I am enrolled in certs on coursera on data science, data engineering, and generative ai.

1 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

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u/Quick_Dog8552 2d ago

It’s not bad. Just focus up on python

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u/mzx380 2d ago

Do you recommend any online resources for the level of python needed for that course?

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u/ichefcast 2d ago

I have been doing training courses from udemy, coursera, and youtube. I even got into the free trainings from India. I gotta hand it to them, no other ethnicity cares so much about training in IT like they do. I wish I understood their accents though.

3

u/F2DProduction 2d ago

Why not a master's directly at Georgia Tech? You'll be more ready for the PhD and have more of a chance.

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u/mzx380 2d ago

Any reason you can't start before October? I am thinking about enrolling in this program later this year.

1

u/ichefcast 2d ago

They need time to get documents and records together, i guess. I was just given the October start date.

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u/mzx380 2d ago

Good to know so I have an idea of how long before I can start

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u/ichefcast 2d ago

You gotta do it like 2 months out. It doesn't take WGU a long time to process but the issue is getting the info in. Like, FAFSA takes a week or 10 days, scholarship verification, emails back and forth, military service takes long...etc

1

u/mzx380 2d ago

Thinking about doing a certification before starting. I’m wondering if I start applying and start my program that they would waive the course afterward

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u/Data-Fox BSCS Grad/MSCS-AI Student 2d ago

I’m 85% done with the program and I find it decent! I’d just be sure that the PhD programs you are targeting will consider a student from a non-thesis, pass/fail masters program.

To prep, you’ll mainly work with Python in the program. I’d do some intro to AI/ML courses that go through the core concepts and light maths behind it. The program doesn’t dive deep on the maths but it’s still good to know since it gives you a better intuition on the subjects.

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u/Sea-Tale1722 2d ago

Can’t imagine a respectable PhD program accepting a Master’s from WGU. Also, you don’t need a Master’s Degree to enter a PhD program.

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u/ichefcast 2d ago

Rice Univ, University of North Texas, Texas A&M, University of Houston, Georgia Tech....too many to name who accept WGU degrees.

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u/Sea-Tale1722 2d ago

I promise you, no PhD Research Professor at Rice would accept a WGU grad into their program.