I’ve been exploring Stanford’s AI courses online and was blown away by the wealth of resources available. From CS221 (AI: Principles & Techniques) to CS236 (Deep Generative Models), these courses offer a comprehensive education in AI and machine learning. And the best part? They’re free and accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
But this raises an interesting question: why would someone still pursue a traditional master’s degree? Is it really worth the cost and time commitment when you can learn from the same experts and materials online?
Of course, there are some benefits to pursuing a formal degree. You’ll have access to lab resources, peer interaction, and a sense of community that’s harder to replicate online. But with online platforms like GitHub, Kaggle, and Reddit, it’s easier than ever to connect with others who share your interests and find collaborators for projects.
So, is a formal degree still necessary? In my opinion, unless you’re looking to attend a top-tier program like Stanford or MIT, self-studying online resources can be a more practical and cost-effective way to learn. And with the rise of online learning, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the traditional university model is no longer the only path to a high-quality education.
What do you think? Do you believe a formal degree is still necessary in today’s digital age?