Austin Townsend

When did you enroll in the MS-CS on Coursera program?

September of 2023

Were you in the non-credit version prior to enrolling in the for-credit version?

Yes, but only briefly. I originally signed up for the non-credit version because the previous semester was about to end, and there wasn’t enough time to complete the class. This initial experience actually really made me appreciate the flexibility of the program, because I was able to almost complete my first course before the next semester even started. I’ve regularly made use of the non-credit version of courses as a bridge between semesters since. Especially during long breaks like the December-January transition.

What was your educational and work experience background before you enrolled in this program? 

When I first started this program I was working as a long haul truck driver, and had just finished an undergraduate degree in Software Engineering at Western Governors University. It was always my dream to pursue a graduate degree, and I knew it wouldn’t hurt my job search so I enrolled right away. It wasn’t too long after starting (and putting it on my linkedin/resume) that I was invited for an interview for a software engineering position, which I ultimately succeeded in getting.

What attracted you to this program in the first place (e.g. faculty, curriculum, performance-based admission, Coursera platform)?

To be honest, what most attracted me was the performance-based admissions. While attending WGU I didn’t think about the need to make connections for recommendation letters for grad schools, as I wasn’t aware of that requirement at the time. My entire focus was learning and completing the program so that I could transition careers. I had applied to another program, and the only reason they denied me was because I had 2 out of 3 recommendation letters. Another program denied me because my degree was in Software Engineering and not Computer Science, even though Software Engineering is a subfield of Computer Science. I knew I could do the work, and this program allowed me to prove it. Also the flexibility of being able to take non-credit versions of courses to make sure you are ready, and bridge gaps in semesters really worked with my lifestyle.

What are your thoughts about performance-based admission (if not mentioned above)?

I think I went into enough detail above, but simply put, it’s great!

Were you considering other alternatives?

Yes I had applied to both UT Austin, who denied me because of my degree not being in CS, and GT who denied me because of my lack of recommendation letters. GT did reach out to me to apply again, because my original application was late in the process and earlier applications were given priority. 

How did you learn/hear about CU Boulder’s MS-CS on Coursera program? 

To be honest I can’t really remember, but I believe I saw someone mention it on a WGU reddit post about grad schools and people experiencing the struggles mentioned above.

Can you tell us how the MS-CS on Coursera program fits into your life? 

It fits perfectly, the flexibility works well for someone who works full time. I’m able to work on coursework before and after work or on the weekends, whenever I have time to do it. The only deadlines are finishing everything by the end of the semester. If life gets too busy I know I can always start with non-credit first and upgrade when I’m ready for the final. It has to be the most flexible program out there, I love it.

What are some of the other key aspects of your life (work, family, etc). How do you balance it all?

My family is really important to me, and making sure I spend time with them is a priority. Life is too short! We love to go on hikes at some of the beautiful parks around Las Vegas. The flexibility of this program allows me to still do that, and work on school when I’m at home. Work is also really hectic, since I’m currently at a startup. I feel like the key to success is clearly managing your time and setting up blocks of time to work on classwork daily. You can do it whenever you want, so it’s up to you to make it work. For me I find getting up and studying two hours before work, then 2-3 hours after work is really productive. On the weekends I try to spend half my time studying and the other half with my family.

What are your favorite parts of the program (e.g. Favorite classes, projects, faculty members, etc.)?

My favorite part, other than the flexibility, is the high quality of a lot of the classes. You can tell some professors really care about giving you the best learning experience possible. I’d say the highlights so far have been the algorithms, networking, and ethics classes. They were all well done, and the professors genuinely seemed to enjoy teaching you the material. I just wish more classes were released and you had more options to choose from. The options currently are really limiting, and topics I’d love to learn about like operating systems or compilers simply don't exist. This program will really shine when you have more options to choose from.

What do you hope to do with your MS-CS degree?

To leverage it to show my passion for this field, and find advanced positions in software engineering. For me specifically, I’d love to build up to working on large distributed systems.

Has it already impacted your career in any way?

It has! I’m not sure if I would have been given the opportunity I have now without it. My boss has a PhD and he really valued that I was seeking a graduate degree in my application.

What benefits have you seen?

Mainly what is mentioned above. Now that I am close to graduating, I’ve been given a raise and talks of promotions next year.

Would you recommend this program to others? Why or why not?

I would, especially for someone in my position! I’d only be hesitant if there was something specific they really wanted to study, because the options right now are limiting.

What would you say to a friend or colleague who is considering the program?

I’d tell them to make sure they have the time to take it seriously, because it won’t be easy.