Should I Take Merrimack College’s Online MS in CS with AI or Software Engineering Concentration? /u/KA_82205 CSCQ protests reddit

Hey everyone,

I’m currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business Analytics, but I’m eager to expand my knowledge in AI, machine learning, and computer science. My ultimate goal is to work in big tech, AI research, or aerospace, with companies like Google, Apple, Tesla, SpaceX, Blue Origin, or OpenAI in mind.

I’m considering Merrimack College’s online Master’s in Computer Science program and trying to decide between the AI concentration and the Software Engineering concentration.

Here’s what I’m thinking:

• AI Concentration: I feel like this aligns more with my long-term goal of working on AI-driven projects, whether in aviation, space, or general tech. However, I’m concerned about whether it provides enough programming/software development depth for industry jobs.
• Software Engineering Concentration: This seems like it would give me stronger programming fundamentals and might open more doors in tech, but I worry that it might not focus enough on AI, which is what I’m passionate about.

Since my undergrad is in business analytics, I don’t have a super strong programming background yet, but I’m willing to put in the work to build my skills in Python, SQL, and AI-related technologies. My goal is to be in a position where I can develop AI solutions or work on cutting-edge AI projects within aerospace or big tech.

What do you all think? Should I go for the AI concentration to stay focused on my passion, or would Software Engineering give me a better foundation and flexibility in the job market?

I’d love to work for companies like OpenAI, Google, Tesla, IBM, or similar tech giants, but I’m also interested in the aerospace industry with companies like SpaceX, NASA, or Blue Origin.

Computer Science | Online Master’s | Merrimack College

Hey everyone,

I’m currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business Analytics, but I’m eager to expand my knowledge in AI, machine learning, and computer science. My ultimate goal is to work in big tech, AI research, or aerospace, with companies like Google, Apple, Tesla, SpaceX, Blue Origin, or OpenAI in mind.

I’m considering Merrimack College’s online Master’s in Computer Science program and trying to decide between the AI concentration and the Software Engineering concentration.

Here’s what I’m thinking:

• AI Concentration: I feel like this aligns more with my long-term goal of working on AI-driven projects, whether in aviation, space, or general tech. However, I’m concerned about whether it provides enough programming/software development depth for industry jobs.
• Software Engineering Concentration: This seems like it would give me stronger programming fundamentals and might open more doors in tech, but I worry that it might not focus enough on AI, which is what I’m passionate about.

Since my undergrad is in business analytics, I don’t have a super strong programming background yet, but I’m willing to put in the work to build my skills in Python, SQL, and AI-related technologies. My goal is to be in a position where I can develop AI solutions or work on cutting-edge AI projects within aerospace or big tech.

What do you all think? Should I go for the AI concentration to stay focused on my passion, or would Software Engineering give me a better foundation and flexibility in the job market?

I’d love to work for companies like OpenAI, Google, Tesla, IBM, or similar tech giants, but I’m also interested in the aerospace industry with companies like SpaceX, NASA, or Blue Origin.

Computer Science | Online Master’s | Merrimack College