<p>I know CMU can't be beat when it comes to Computer Science, but I'm deciding between a CS degree at USC and an IT degree at CMU focused in software engineering. The degree is in the CS school, but not in the CS department. Even though the degree is from CMU and the curriculum is on software engineering (my career interest is being a software engineer), will the fact that it's an IT degree be a disadvantage compared to having a CS degree from a school like USC?</p>
<p>Personally, I think of IT degrees as system admin, information systems management, etc, more soft skills pseudo-management stuff rather than heavy technical material. So I'm worried when looking for jobs this is the kind of impression employers will have when they see it on my resume. The curriculum itself is fine and suited for my career aspirations, it's just that the IT designation misrepresents it.</p>
<p>So does anyone know if I'd be better off going to USC to get a degree that says Computer Science?</p>
<p>I think your perception of IT degrees is off a bit. If you want to be a software engineer, there’s no better place than the home of SEI (CMU). Let’s walk through the typical hiring process. Most HR folks couldn’t tell the difference between IT and CS (it’s all tech to them) and those who know anything about IT/CS know CMU is right at the top. Door opened. The technical hiring manager looking for software engineers will also like your CMU degree, especially if your resume contains concrete examples of engineering. To me you’re assuming employers know more than they actually know. Once you’re in the door and interviewing, your degree becomes useful in a close decision. Again, CMU is very impressive. As an IT project manager (who does hire), I’m more likely to go with a CMU candidate.</p>
<p>wow, thanks rmac - this was a lot more helpful response than I was expecting.</p>
<p>As you are someone who hires, is there a big difference between CMU and USC in hiring prospects? Basically, is there a big advantage in having an MS from CMU over USC, or are my prospects roughly the same from both schools?</p>
<p>USC is a very good school (#20 in CS) and the tuition is much cheaper than CMU. I just wanted to know if CMU’s job prospects are that much greater, because if I ended with similar jobs after graduation I think I would rather go to USC.</p>
<p>Do you have somewhere near USC you could stay for free or are you getting a scholarship? Both schools should be roughly the same in total cost of attendance since they’re both rather expensive privates.</p>
<p>I don’t believe CMU’s School of Computer Science (SCS) has a Masters in CS on its own. SCS has always focused on undergrad and PhD (for research). I think the one you are referring to is a joint program between SCS and SEI which is the closest you can come to a Masters in Computer Science at CMU. </p>
<p>In terms of job prospect, I can’t say anything about USC but CMU gets pretty much all of the big name tech companies to come to Pittsburgh twice a year for career fair. Google in particular recruits heavily from CMU and I believe CMU used to be the only university that hosted a Google office (now moved off-campus due to office expansion but they still run free shuttle between campus and Google office). </p>
<p>I don’t know anyone from SEI but the vast majority of the INI MS-IT students and even most Heinz’s MISM (Information Systems Management) students get technical jobs so you should be more than fine. Both of these CMU programs are more on the management side than yours.</p>
<p>Also, INI allows you to go to CMU’s Sillicon Valley campus in the second year. You may be able to do the same with SEI.</p>
<p>zerolife- just fyi, CMU is admitting students for the first year of its new MS CS program this fall. Yes the one I am referring to is the Software Engineering program within SCS, I was aware that CMU previously lacked a master’s CS program.</p>
<p>Also: is it a big disadvantage not to be able to use the career fair to get a job? The SEI program would end in August, so too early for the fall technical career fair.</p>
<p>P.S. do you know how many students are in the INI and MISM programs?</p>
<p>I doubt you’ll have much trouble even if you miss a career fair. Most people get hired through online applications and internal referrals anyway.</p>
<p>INI has around 20-30 people per degree program, so around 100 would be a good bet. MISM takes in about 45-50.</p>
<p>thanks didn’t know about the new MS CS program.</p>
<p>Actually MISM takes in 150+ now with all tracks. Heinz’s website has more detailed stats:
[MISM</a> Class Profile : Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College](<a href=“Master of Information Systems Management | Business is the Engine. Technology is the Power. | Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College”>Master of Information Systems Management | Business is the Engine. Technology is the Power. | Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College)</p>
<p>Please note that the stats are a 3 years average and the actual head count is actually even higher because the last class has significantly increased in number. Not sure what they are doing this year.</p>
<p>I agree with arronnie career fair is not necessary the best place to get a job but the large number of companies flying in does indicate that their is a strong interest for hiring CMU student. So missing the bigger Fall career fair shouldn’t be a deal breaker.</p>