Help me pick a CS grad school

[DT4K]

Decide my fate. (or at least influence my decision)
I have a BS in CS and I've been a software developer for 3 years. I'm looking at distance education masters degrees.

Here are the programs I'm considering right now:

Virginia Tech -
Masters of Information Technology

North Carolina State University
- Master of Computer Science
- Master of Engineering (concentration in computer science)

University of Colorado
- Master of Engineering in Computer Science

DePaul University
- Master of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Software Engineering

I also considered University of Illinois, but it seemed to focus more on the same theoretical concepts as a standard undergrad program and didn't offer as much in the way of skill-building software engineering type classes.
I also considered Columbia and USC, but both would require me to take a significant number of prerequisite classes before I could apply for admission. My undergrad CS degree was weak on math and had virtually no work in digital circuits, etc. That means lots of money and no financial aid for those prerequisites.

All 3 of these schools also require GRE's, which I haven't taken yet. Having to prepare for and take the GRE's would push me past the deadline to be admitted for the spring term so I would probably have to wait to start until fall 2005. Or summer semester possibly.

If you anyone thinks it is worth spending the extra time and money and taking longer to complete the degree in order to go to UI, Columbia, or USC, let me know.

 

[DT4K]

 

[cchen]

Its not worth the money to go to the more expensive grad programs (like Columbia) unless an employer is picking up the tab. Its too expensive out of pocket.

 

[DT4K]

Here is my rough estimate of the cost of each program.

Virginia Tech: 18k
NCSU: 20k
University of Colorado: 17k
DePaul: 28k

UIUC: 24k
Columbia: 35k
USC: 30k

 

[DT4K]

anyone?

 

[maddogchen]

why don't you take your GREs then apply and see if you can get into any of them. Then after that give us the list of the ones that accepted you.

 

[Triforceofcourage]

Why would you want a degree in Counter-Strike. The game is getting pretty old. You should go for UT 2004, now that has a future

 

[DT4K]

Originally posted by: maddogchen
why don't you take your GREs then apply and see if you can get into any of them. Then after that give us the list of the ones that accepted you.

The programs I linked to don't require GRE scores.
Which means I can apply and get admitted in time to start classes spring semester. If I decide I want to go to University of Illinois or USC, I will need to take the GRE's and I will miss the application deadline for spring semester and have to wait until summer or fall of 2005 to begin. I'm not opposed to this if there is a big advantage to going to one of those schools. But if there isn't a big advantage, I'd rather start this program sooner rather than later.

DePaul is on a quarter system and has no set application deadlines. I talked to an advisor there and it may be possible for me to get admitted in time to start classes next month. I also really like the look of their program. Their MSCS degree has a lot of flexibility and they offer a wide selection of classes each term. So from looking at the programs, I'm leaning towards DePaul at the moment. But I don't know how their reputation is and whether it would be more advantageous to go to a school that is more nationally recognized as a top program in CS. On the other hand, I don't know if I could even get into one of the highly competitive schools like UIUC or USC. I've got an undergrad CS gpa of 3.7, but from a local state college. I guess it would depend on how well I did on the GRE's.

 

[DT4K]

any other opinions?

 

[cchen]

so I guess you're paying out of pocket??

 

[DT4K]

Originally posted by: cchen
so I guess you're paying out of pocket??

Yep. But I'll be taking out student loans.
My employer used to pay tuition reimbursement, but because of budget cuts the past few years, they are no longer doing that.

 

[cchen]

Originally posted by: DT4K

Originally posted by: cchen
so I guess you're paying out of pocket??

Yep. But I'll be taking out student loans.
My employer used to pay tuition reimbursement, but because of budget cuts the past few years, they are no longer doing that.

DePaul for 28k is a bit expensive IMO.... if you're gonna spend that much you might as well look at applying to Columbia or USC

But frankly, it really depends on your career goals. I know many employers won't care where you got your masters from as long as its a reputable school. Then again, if you're in certain fields, the school where you got your masters matters a lot.

 

[Imdmn04]

I would do UIUC, very reputable program, top five I think? The cost is not that bad considering the reputation of the school.
Since the market is still on the rebound, it is best to have a degree that is from a recognized school. This is not like the mid-90s where any schmuck can find an IT job from places as long as their degree has something to do with computers. The job market is still competitive, a reputable school just might be that tie breaker for 2 applicants of equal skills.

 

[DT4K]

Originally posted by: Imdmn04
I would do UIUC, very reputable program, top five I think? The cost is not that bad considering the reputation of the school.
Since the market is still on the rebound, it is best to have a degree that is from a recognized school. This is not like the mid-90s where any schmuck can find an IT job from places as long as their degree has something to do with computers. The job market is still competitive, a reputable school just might be that tie breaker for 2 applicants of equal skills.

I think they are all "reputable" schools. I guess the question is how much more value is there in going to a top ranked school vs. just a reputable school. I'm not sure how much I should base this decision on school reputation and how much I should base it on content of the program.

 

[DT4K]

I'm eliminating a couple schools from consideration.
Virginia Tech because it seems to have a more business oriented focus and I really want to keep my hands in the technical stuff.

University of Colorado because the course offerings are very limited and it looks like it would be hard to get the courses I might want.

So right now, I'm thinking my options are:
1. Apply to DePaul and/or NCSU right now and start classes in September or January.
2. Take the GRE's in the next couple of months, apply to UIUC, Columbia, and/or USC and start classes in June '05 or Sept '05.

 

[cchen]

Originally posted by: DT4K
I'm eliminating a couple schools from consideration.
Virginia Tech because it seems to have a more business oriented focus and I really want to keep my hands in the technical stuff.

University of Colorado because the course offerings are very limited and it looks like it would be hard to get the courses I might want.

So right now, I'm thinking my options are:
1. Apply to DePaul and/or NCSU right now and start classes in September or January.
2. Take the GRE's in the next couple of months, apply to UIUC, Columbia, and/or USC and start classes in June '05 or Sept '05.

I highly recommend Columbia's CVN....

Positives
1. Reputation - Enough said, Ivy League for grad school is obviously prestigious
2. Quality
3. Flexibility - the classes are all online and taped, so you can download them and watch them whenever you have time

Negative
1. Cost
2. I've heard its pretty hard to get accepted, esp if you don't have an employer backing you. But study hard for the GRE and you should be fine

 

[bolido2000]

Originally posted by: DT4K
Here is my rough estimate of the cost of each program.

Virginia Tech: 18k
NCSU: 20k
University of Colorado: 17k
DePaul: 28k

UIUC: 24k
Columbia: 35k
USC: 30k

I think USC is more like 20K a year. Its 1K per unit and students usually take 9 units each semester

 

[cchen]

Originally posted by: bolido2000

Originally posted by: DT4K
Here is my rough estimate of the cost of each program.

Virginia Tech: 18k
NCSU: 20k
University of Colorado: 17k
DePaul: 28k

UIUC: 24k
Columbia: 35k
USC: 30k

I think USC is more like 20K a year. Its 1K per unit and students usually take 9 units each semester

I think he meant the total cost of the program