FAQ for MS students in the ML track

Please also see FAQs for Current MS Students, which may already answer your questions.
Please also see Fieldwork/CPT FAQs, which may already answer your questions about Fieldwork/CPT.

Q: What courses should I take?
- Please see the ML Track website for the course requirements.
- If you are primarily interested in the practice of machine learning, I recommend fulfilling the “Required Track Courses” requirement by taking at least one “Group A” course and at least one “Group B” course.
- If you are interested primarily in the theory of machine learning, I recommend taking at least one of COMS 4252 (Introduction to Computational Learning Theory) and COMS 4773 (Machine Learning Theory), and a non-theory course (either from Group A or Group B).
- Historically, COMS 4771 (Machine Learning) was the “main” ML course to start with, but I think now one can get this introductory material in many other courses (perhaps from a different perspective).
Q: I already know the material from course XYZ, which is one of the Required Track Courses. Can I waive this requirement?
- No, you should just take a different course that satisfies the requirement.
Q: I am worried about the prerequisites for a course. What should I do?
- You should talk to the course instructor.
Q: Can you help me get into a course? I am on the waitlist, but I need it to graduate.
- No, I cannot help with this. Please talk to the course instructor.
Q: Can you tell me about course XYZ?
- Probably not, but here is what I know about some of the courses.
- COMS 4771: This is a basic introduction to the key concepts and methods in machine learning. The specific topics may differ depending on the instructor. Here is my course website for COMS 4771. This is not a theory course.
- COMS 4772: Not really offered anymore.
- COMS 4773: This is an introduction to machine learning theory. Here is my course website for COMS 4773. See that page for information about how it differs from COMS 4252.
- COMS 4774: This is an introduction to unsupervised machine learning. The specific topics may differ depending on the instructor. Here is my course website for COMS 4774. When I teach the course, there is a heavy emphasis on theory.
- For other courses, please talk to the course instructor.
Q: How can I get involved in research?
- I recommend checking out the Computer Science Research Fair in the first week (or so) of classes each semester. Information is usually sent out from Student Affairs about this close to the start of each semester.
- Besides this, you can try talking to the instructor of an advanced course you have taken and done well in.
- This page may also be relevant.
Q: Can I get approval for this Non-CS/Non-Track course?
- Fill out the requisite form, and make sure to write something explaining the relevance to the ML track in the appropriate place. Then send me the form and I will sign it if everything looks to be in order.
Q: Can I count course XYZ for a breadth requirement?
- No, unless it is already explicitly allowed on https://www.cs.columbia.edu/education/ms/breadthRequirement/.
Q: Can I count course XYZ for a (non-breadth) degree requirement?
- It’s likely I don’t know what course XYZ is. So please provide a syllabus that describes the course topic, evaluation criteria, and comparable course that is already approved to count towards the degree requirement.
- Please also specify the degree requirement you are proposing to satisfy with the course, and how you are planning to satisfy all of the other degree requirements. For example: “I would like course XYZ to count as a TRACK ELECTIVE. For REQUIRED TRACK COURSES, I already took courses ABC (Group A) and DEF (Group B). For TRACK ELECTIVE, I plan to take course GHI and am requesting to count course XYZ; GHI is 6000-level. For GENERAL ELECTIVES, I plan take two of courses JKL, MNO, and PQR; MNO and PQR are 6000-level. For BREADTH REQUIREMENTS, …”
Q: Can I count this independent/supervised study/research course for a (non-breadth) degree requirement?
- Please specify the degree requirement you are proposing to satisfy with the course, and how you are planning to satisfy all of the other degree requirements. (See above.)
- Please also have the sponsor/supervisor confirm the purported relevance of the study/research project. (Include the sponsor/supervisor in cc in any emails.)
Q: I am a CVN student. Can I get approval for a courseload increase?
- Please contact ms-advising.
Q: Can I get a courseload reduction (a.k.a. reduced course load)?
- Please contact ms-advising.
Q: Can you check if I am on track to graduate?
- Please contact ms-advising.
Q: I finished my CPT, now what?
- This is addressed in the Fieldwork/CPT FAQs. The Post-CPT report should be as suggested in the answer on that page (local copy). The due date is also given there. There are no other requirements from me.
Q: Can we set up an advising meeting? I have some questions.
- If your questions are not already answered in one of the links from above or on this page (and cannot be answered over email), please send me an email with a list of specific questions you would like answered, along with a list of possible 10 minute time slots.