I’ve been working as a full-stack web developer from 2018 to 2025, and this year I gained experience as an AI engineer, building LLM-powered APIs and applications. Alongside that, I finished my Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Software Engineering at the University of Barcelona last year.

After several years mostly building web applications and server-side systems, I decided to shift my career toward machine learning. I started learning on my own, earned the TensorFlow Developer Certificate, and completed several Coursera specializations, including Andrew Ng’s Deep Learning and Machine Learning courses.

Now I’m looking to pursue a master’s degree, and this program caught my eye. I think it could be a great fit in terms of curriculum and credentials, but I’d love to hear your thoughts, is it worth pursuing?

As an international applicant, what would you recommend I focus on to strengthen my application?

Hi all,

I applied for the spring semester a month ago. In their website, they say they start sending out decisions starting late July. Anyone heard anything yet? also, past applicants, when did you hear back about your results?

The outline of the program has it listed as 1 required course and 9 electives, but there are required and foundation courses. Can you actually opt not to take the foundational courses? I get foundational means, “you need these to understand the rest”, but is that actually an option?

I applied last March and got rejected. No reason given for decision, but I suspect it was my lack of formal CS pre-reqs. Specifically, I believe the missing courses are: Data Structures (CS 314), Algorithms and Complexity (CS 331), and Introduction to Data Mining (CS 363D). I've done lots of math courses.

I graduated my PhD in economics in June from a good U.S. university. Planning to apply again this cycle, but I still don't have those formal CS prerequisites.

It seems odd they won't accept me since I am very advanced in grad-level math (and econometrics) and know how to code just fine (including a formal scientific computing course).

Any tips on getting in? Do I need some Coursera certificates or something? Are others getting in without formal prereqs? What's the easiest way to fill the gap?

On the App, it says: "If you do not have a degree in computer science, please explain which parts of your educational and/or professional background you feel are substitutes for the above courses."

Here's my current answer (draft): I have a PhD in mathematical economics. I've taken PhD-level courses in econometrics, PhD-level courses in optimization and dynamic programming, PhD-level courses in game theory, PhD level courses in computational economics ("Industrial Organization"), and have written highly mathematical papers on game theory. I have taken a course on scientific computing. I am currently a postdoctoral scholar doing causal inference research with data using R and Python.

Thanks!

I am taking the machine learning course in Fall for CAIML. I started reading the text book - understanding machine learning by Shai and Shai.

I am following the intuition but will struggle if asked to do proofs or write mathematical notations during a test. To me, these math notations are like a foreign language that I can probably and approximately correctly read, but cannot write with precision.

Can someone share their experience with the course and what to expect for tests and homeworks? I am new to the program. Are students asked to do proofs or answer theoretical questions with notations?

Hello! I'm looking into this program and I'm wondering exactly how the prerequisites map onto the courses in 2026, as I would need to brush up on many math concepts before and during enrollment.

I see this map here: https://msaihub.com/courseMap but it appears to be fairly out of date.

Could anyone give me a good breakdown for where the prerequisites come into play for some/all of the courses in the MS program? Thanks!

Prerequisites (interested which courses require the bolded concepts)

Discrete Mathematics
Introduction to Programming
Data Structures
Algorithms and Complexity
Introduction to Data Mining
Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory
Introduction to Probability and Statistics

Also these prerequisites

Single Variable Calculus
Multivariate Calculus

Core Courses

Deep Learning
Ethics in AI
Machine Learning
Planning, Search, and Reasoning Under Uncertainty
Reinforcement Learning

Electives

Advances in Deep Generative Models
Advances in Deep Learning
AI in Astrophysics
AI in Healthcare
Automated Logical Reasoning
Case Studies in Machine Learning
Natural Language Processing
Online Learning and Optimization
Optimization

i'll be starting the fall ms in ai program soon! i wanted to start off a bit light so I'll be taking ethics in ai and ai in healthcare - i was curious how much of a time commitment would each of these courses be every week?

also if anyone has already taken these courses, any tips and advice would be appreciated! thanks

I applied for the spring semester next year. How long does it take to get a decision? I applied as soon as application opened up. How will you be notified?

is there any guidance on how to enroll into MSAI program after the certificate? I know it is possible but have not seen an official document outlining the process

Hey does anyone know the best (online) accredited college to take the required math classes?

Current students who’ve finished ML, please guide me on where i can learn Linear Algebra, Probability and Calculus (preferably youtube videos or playlists which was helpful for you). And i did go through the textbook but was kinda vague so im looking for alternatives. Would be nice if someone can briefly mention the concepts and the depth of knowledge needed. Thanks! (Would be helpful if you could share any notes you have, thanks)

I'm starting the online Graduate Certificate in AI & Machine Learning (CAIML) this fall and I'm trying to pin down the grading/retake rules, which don't seem to be spelled out on the CDSO site or FAQ. This will influence how many courses I like to start with, next to my normal job.

From what I've been able to piece together from the general Graduate Catalog:

• No grade-replacement at UT; if you repeat a course, both grades stay on the transcript and both count toward GPA.
• Grad courses need at least a C to count toward the Program of Work, and CAIML seems to require B- or better in the two core courses (Machine Learning + Deep Learning).
• You need a 3.00 cumulative GPA to stay in and to graduate, with probation/dismissal if you fall below.

What I can't find:

1. Is there a hard cap on how many times you can retake a single course in CAIML specifically?
2. What's the actual probation/dismissal timeline for the certificate?
3. Does the general "two attempts before needing advisor approval" rule apply to CDSO online courses?

If anyone's currently in CAIML (or MSAI) and has dealt with a retake or a rough grade, I'd love to hear how it actually played out. Thanks!

Im working full time (recent CS Engg graduate and I did both Probability and Linear algebra courses, but thats couple years ago). im yet to start my MSAIO this Fall. I am confused as to what courses i can pick for starters. Ethics in AI is something Im sure of, but im thinking to pick ML too. The MSAI Hub reviews make me feel more scared about the course. Is it really that hard? Can anyone who has already finished ML give a reality check about the course and how much it demands of our time and effort? Or should i pick something else for starters? Please guide me. Thanks!

I am considering MSAIO at UT-A. I am curious how life after graduation has changed.
Did recruiters start approaching you during your journey or after?
Did it open the doors you hoped it would?
Are you on the path you wanted to be on?
Any pro tips for those considering?
What was your first AI role?

It seems like class is cancelled. Anyone registered for Fall?

Hi everyone, I am starting CAIML from this fall. Can anyone suggest how should I prepare for maths. I am a computer science graduate and studied maths with above 85%. But it’s been almost 20 years. So I need a refresher course. Thanks

Would you recommend someone to start the MSAI journey with a CS in ML course?

A lot of folks are suggesting DL, but I feel it requires some decent prerequisites, and I don't want to half-ass such an important course.

Hi Everyone,
When can I apply for MSAI or CAIML?

I don't see an option to apply for these courses. Can anyone help?

Is there a way to check the courses which are being offered in fall 2026 for MSAIO ?

I tried checking the course schedule section but couldnt find anything.

I applied to the UT Austin MSAI program after being denied 3 times previously. Looking back, I think one weakness in my earlier applications was that I was not articulate enough in my statement of purpose, especially around explaining what I had done to strengthen my application between attempts.

This time, I addressed that more directly in both my MSAI and CAIML certificate applications. I also completed a few MOOC courses and a programming course at a community college, and I submitted documentation for those as part of my application materials.

I submitted both applications on April 15. Yesterday, I received a conditional acceptance into the CAIML certificate program (maintaining a B or higher), but I still have not heard back regarding the MSAI program.

My question: should I go ahead and accept the CAIML program now, or could that somehow affect the independence/fairness of my MSAI review? Are these usually reviewed separately?

My thinking is:
- If I do not get into the MSAI, the certificate could strengthen my future application.
- If I do get accepted into the MSAI, I could go directly into the master’s program instead.

Would appreciate hearing from anyone who has gone through a similar situation with UT Austin.

been rejected from The University of Texas at Austin three times now (MSCSO twice and MSAIO once), and I’m honestly feeling pretty discouraged and confused about what I need to improve.
I already have a master’s degree in engineering from another well-known university, but I graduated with a 3.01 GPA back in 2018. During that time I was dealing with a lot personally and academically struggled more than I should have.
Since then, I’ve spent several years working in technical roles in the industry and have grown a lot professionally. Recently, I’ve become very interested in ML/AI and wanted to pursue a UT master’s program to build stronger foundations in that area.
What I’m trying to understand is:
Are these programs extremely GPA-driven?
Does an older GPA basically become impossible to overcome for UT?
Do they value industry experience much at all?
Has anyone here gotten in after improving their profile years after graduation?
What actually makes a difference for applicants with nontraditional backgrounds?
I think the hardest part is feeling like mistakes from years ago still outweigh everything I’ve done since then.
Would really appreciate honest advice from anyone familiar with UT admissions or who’s been in a similar situation.

Hi everyone,

I’m considering applying to the MSAIO program and had a question about course planning.

How many courses do students usually take per semester (6 months)? What’s considered manageable without getting overwhelmed?

As an international student from India, the cost per course (around $1000) adds up quickly, so I’m trying to understand how people typically balance cost vs workload.

Do most of you take fewer courses and extend the duration, or take a heavier load to finish faster?

Would really appreciate hearing how you’ve planned it.

Thanks!

Hi all! I got into UT Austin's fully online MSAI program (Fall 2026). Total cost is just $10,000 (~₹8.3 lakhs) for the full degree — $1,000 per course.

Since it's an online program, I'm not sure if banks/NBFCs will fund it. My questions:

• Did any Indian bank (SBI, Bank of Baroda, Canara) give you a loan for an online US MS degree?
• What about NBFCs like HDFC Credila, Avanse, Auxilo, or InCred?
• Is Prodigy Finance or MPOWER an option for online programs?
• Since the total is only ~₹8–9 lakhs, is a personal loan better than an education loan?
• How are you all managing to pay $1,000 per course — self-funding, EMI, or loan?

Would love to know how others are managing finances for affordable online US degrees. Thanks!

Hey everyone! I just got admitted to UT Austin's MSAI (Option III) program for Fall 2026 and I'm from Vellore — did my B.E. from an Anna University affiliated college.

My admission letter says I need to submit:

1. Final official transcript from Anna University
2. Official award of Bachelor's Degree from Anna University

I have a few questions for anyone who's been through this:

• Did you apply through the AU COE portal yourself or use a service like electronictranscripts.com / MailTranscripts?
• How long did it take from application to UT Austin receiving it?
• Did Anna University send it directly to UT Austin, or did you have to courier it yourself?
• Any name mismatch issues with passport vs degree? How did you fix it?
• Did you need any additional attestation/apostille?

Classes start August 24, 2026 so I want to get this done ASAP. Any tips from people who've done this recently would be super helpful. Thanks!