Ask HN: Masters in Computer Science to learn more about low level programming? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: Masters in Computer Science to learn more about low level programming?

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Hello all,

I want to learn more about low level programming and thought a part-time masters might be a great way to do it.

I was curious if anyone here has done a masters and loved their professors (because I think professors make the class) in that area?

Searching online, I only saw Stanford and Carnegie Mellon mentioned for specifically systems and as a person with only a computer science minor and 3.5 GPA, I am not sure I would make the acceptance cut.

I saw George Tech online and U of Washington, but neither say anything too specific about the quality of the low level programming courses.

Thanks!

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in my experience that stuff is better self studied. CS programs focus on teaching concepts and a way of problem solving and thinking. you might get some useful tidbits from comp architecture courses. IMHO you can learn a lot by doing. get a raspberry pi and arduino and get some books and get into the linux kernel code base.

If you're looking into Georgia Tech's OMSCS, I can provide some resources to help guide your decision. Here[0] is a list of courses that are geared towards computing systems/low-level programming. You can also find student reviews of the classes here[1].

[0] - https://omscs.gatech.edu/specialization-computing-systems

[1] - https://www.omscentral.com/

If you choose the right programme I think you'll have way more output from a BSc than a MSc. Either that or a more "open" curriculum where you can cram in the appropriate undergrad courses as credits. Maybe look for top technical universities in cities with a strong historical technical sector (which means the local demand has likely shaped the curriculum).

IMO you'll learn more of the math than anything, unless you take some embedded systems track. An embedded systems track will get you working closer to the metal.

That depends entirely on what CS masters program you select. I've been eyeing the GT OMSCS for next year and you can take the entire thing almost entirely focused on low-level systems if you want, without much (if any) math beyond whatever their algorithms courses cover (one or two are required IIRC).

MSCS is about the THEORY, not PRACTICE ie coding.

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