<p>What is the general consensus about which to attend for an engineering degree? I know it's a very general question. But assuming you could attend say Tufts university (or another small school with engineering) or the University of Wisconsin (or other big ten schools) All factors of prestige aside, which do you think is better to attend for the job market?</p>
<p>Big state school for engineering. Bigger alumni network, more employers at job fairs (more competition as well). Regardless, UW is much better than Tufts for engineering. The Big 10 has several extremely good engineering programs and virtually no bad ones.</p>
<p>ok, thanks!</p>
<p>I disagree with Mister Payne. You need to consider your learning style and the opportunities available to you. Will you be sucessful at a big state school?
There is definately more competition. Will you have a better chance at research opportunities in one setting versus the other? Are small classes important?</p>
<p>I strongly agree with GolfingMom. I'm in a big state school and it's very hard to get research unless you're an honors student. The classes are so big that it's hard to get to know professors. ALso, big state schools are usually BIG party schools and students tend not to be motivated. There are several bright, motivated students but there are much fewer of them than the alcoholics and these bright kids tend to get distracted by all the partying. Big state schools dont have that 'academic' feel. When i came to this school i joked that weekends start on wednesday nights around here.</p>
<p>I guess it would then depend on the school.</p>
<p>I go to the biggest undergraduate engineering school in CA. With over 4000K undergrad engineers and my classes aren't big at all.</p>
<p>If you are looking for a "job"(not grad school), then research is a much lower priority (and not valued for the vast majority of engineering jobs).</p>
<p>UW vs. Tufts in engineering? Seriously? That's a no-brainer.</p>
<p>well i'm very very spoiled in high school...my classes are small and I have good relationships with all my teachers. They are all very interactive and things are very discussion based. I guess I benefit from this, but I can't help but think that a larger state school-engineering power house will provide one with more opportunities than does like smaller schools like lafayette, bucknell, lehigh, villanova (all good engineering schools).</p>
<p>I pretty much agree with Mr Payne. Research is not something everybody takes into consideration. In fact, I personally know only a handful of people who want to take on research opportunities.</p>
<p>I'll have to take a different stance here -- I'd say go with the smaller school. You have way more opportunities for research (more money to go around), and more chances for one-on-one interaction with faculty. Tufts, in particular, emphasizes its undergraduate education and this is clearly felt in its relatively small engineering school which is very tight-knit.</p>
<p>tufts and wisconsin were just random schools, btw. I just can't decide which learning environment I would thrive in.</p>
<p>In a big classroom, you might not receive the amount of individual attention that you would from a small classroom. So depending on how you learn better, look into the sizes of the classes rather than the university since big classroom sizes don't always correlate with big universities. You'll want to go where you'll learn better at because if you can demonstrate superior technical competence, I think that employers would care less about the university you went to. I could be wrong though. Sorry if I'm reiterating what you already know. Just my two cents..</p>
<p>If the BS will be your only engineering degree, then you may be better off at a larger school. You will probably have a broader choice of majors and courses, it's more likely that you will be exposed to cutting-edge technology, you will join a bigger alumni network, and are likely to see more job recruiters.</p>
<p>If you plan to go on for an advanced degree, then you may be better off at a smaller school for the BS. You will probably get smaller classes with fewer TAs, and develop better relationships with professors (which in turn lead to better research opportunities, better academic counseling, and better letters of reference, all of which are key for graduate school). The smaller school may not offer the same specialized coursework, alumni network, or job opportunities, but your graduate degree will compensate.</p>
<p>What if one plans to go to grad school a couple of years after the B.S.
(During the mid 20s to late 20s)</p>
<p>
[quote]
What if one plans to go to grad school a couple of years after the B.S.
[/quote]
In this case, your choice of school for the BS may be less important. If you go straight to grad school after the BS, then your qualifications will be based mostly or entirely on your academic track record. But if you work for a few years before grad school, then you will have a professional track record too, and so your academic qualifications won't be the only consideration.</p>
<p>The larger school might be more likely to put you into a better job after the BS. On the other hand, the professors at the smaller school might be more likely to remember you a few years after graduation, when you need letters of recommendation or general advice for grad school.</p>
<p>I guess I would advise that you choose the size of the school irrespective of the major. Many kids prefer either a larger school or a smaller school, and are apt to be more successful (and happier!) at the one that fits them best.</p>
<p>If you do well in engineering at any school, and get fully engaged by seeking co-ops and/or internships, you should not have a problem finding a good job!</p>
<p>(Also, I find alumni networks are sometimes even stronger in smaller schools - fewer contacts, maybe, but stronger.)</p>
<p>In response to all those who believe you are at a researching disadvantage in larger schools: Yes, the undergraduate research positions are being competed over by more students at larger schools, but there are also many more research opportunities to get involved in. The great thing about research at a larger University is that you have so much more variety in your options (for research and almost everything else).</p>
<p>For example, I plan on going to graduate school after I complete my undergraduate studies, and I selected the University of Minnesota Twin Cities (large school) over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (small school) for undergrad. because Twin Cities has so many more research opportunities than Rose. I believe that this is the case for almost all big and small schools (depending on your major).</p>
<p>The bottom line is that you can explore more options at a larger university and really find out what you are interested in due to the virtually unlimited opportunities offered there.</p>
<p>I selected Rose Hulman over U of Mich and U of Ill because of the individual attention I would get. I spoke to a student (electrical eng) that went to U of Ill his Freshman year, and he said that the larger classes, bus rides, and the TAs were a draw back. He has transferred to Rose during his Soph year and loves it. I also spoke to a student at U of Mich and Purdue basically the same story. I did ask about the graduate research and it seemed limited.</p>
<p>Spent a lot of time researching the big and the small school they both have their pros and cons. In my case I seclected the smaller school due to the advantages. </p>
<p>Another idea is to spend some time at large and small schools. I got to spend a week at U of Mich and visit twice. Then do two visits to Rose. </p>
<p>I also talked to several people in the industry from engineers, HR, Directors, and Presidents (with Eng degrees). It is amazing how much information you will get. Rose was very well known and respected. </p>
<p>Since you are spending so much for college......spend the time visiting and researching about what its really like as an undergrad. </p>
<p>I plan to go to a larger school for my graduate degree but after the hours, weeks, and months of researching I feel Rose was best choice.</p>
<p>i wish placed like rose hulman had chicks though.</p>
<p>i'm not shallow. I just don't like sausage fests.</p>
<p>Guess what I am a "chick" and I'm going to Rose. In fact there is several of us</p>
<p>admitted, I was rude, and I apologize for the slight. I didn't intend to insult any women (not "chicks"</p>
<p>However, you can't deny the ratio. But maybe it isn't that bad.</p>