Thinking of capplying to UTD for Business Analytics/AI or Cybersecurity. It seems like a good practical option for placements. The coursework looks intense. For context: I’m not an academic topper, just a regular student.
Any Indians at UTD tell me straight up:
Is it survivable for an average student?
How bad is the grind really?
Please help me out here!
Bro, first of all, relax. 
We all felt this.
To answer your Q: Yes, it’s survivable. 100%. But “survivable” depends on you.
The grind is… real, ngl. 
You’ll have to put in the hours. But it’s not IIT-level toxic. People are competitive but not in a cut-throat way. Mostly just trying to get a bag. 
You’re not competing against toppers, you’re competing against your own assignments. If you keep up, you’re golden.
Adding on: The average student is the standard here. Not everyone is a coding god. You’ll find your people.
The key is time management, fr. The sem gets busy out of nowhere. But the syllabus is designed for you to learn, not to fail you.
Placements? If you have a decent GPA (like 3.2+) and you’ve done a few projects, you’re in the game. Companies hire a lot from here.
It’s a good choice. You’ll be fine. 
UTD is definitely survivable for an average student the grind is there, but it’s more about staying consistent than being a topper. The Business Analytics & AI program is rigorous but well-taught, and many students without a hardcore CS background still manage fine if they keep up with projects and practice. Cybersecurity at UTD leans more toward policy and concepts rather than deep technical hacking, so it depends on what you’re aiming for. Overall, it’s not easy, but it’s not impossible either steady effort and using resources like prof office hours and peers makes it very doable.
hey @Khurana.Atharv
Yes, absolutely—but be ready to work.
It’s not a casual walk in the park, but it’s doable with effort and strategy. One student put it best:
“It’s not easy, but not hard where it’s stupid… courses are taught really well and exams force you to think, not memorize.”
(Reddit)
On the flip side, you might find some pressure when it comes to job placement:
“Literally the worst masters degree… no jobs for CS majors… MSBA students are kinda pushed aside.”
(Reddit)
If you’re not super ‘top-of-the-class,’ don’t stress. The curriculum is demanding but practical:
Programs include hands-on tools like Python, R, Hadoop, Spark, and industry-relevant coursework.
(Naveen Jindal School)
Internships are real and well-paid—avg around $27/hr, with opportunities at companies like Amazon, Apple, IBM.
(Naveen Jindal School)
83% of graduates land a job within 90 days, with average annual starting packages around $93,000.
(Naveen Jindal School)
If you’re willing to put in effort—even if you’re not an academic all-star—you can survive and succeed at UTD. Expect:
A clearly structured curriculum that’s challenging, not punishing.
Lots of practical, career-focused learning and good internship/job outcomes.
Some social or placement bumps for non-CS majors—but nothing you can’t overcome with prep and persistence.