I’ve chosen FSU as where I am going to go to college, and am planning to major in Computer Science. This was my main reason for choosing FSU over UF, which I was both admitted into, in addition to the scholarship I got from FSU. I like both schools a lot, but FSU’s CS major seemed more programming focused, while at UF it seemed there was a large focus in the major on computer engineering, rather than CS/programming/development of software. I am not very interested in engineering or excited to learn about it, so FSU seemed like a better fit.
I’d like to hear from people in both programs, although posting here I’m expecting more people from FSU. How good is the CS program at FSU, especially for me, with my concerns. If your currently in or have graduated from the program, how have your internship/job offers been? Comparable to people from UF? I’ve heard that both programs are good, but it matters more about how you apply yourself to determine your success level post college. Would you say that going to either program puts one at a disadvantage?
Also, if anyone has experience in the MD program for CS, let me know what your experience in it was like, and if youd recommend it. I think they have a program to get a 5 yr degree in it, so with AP credits I have, I think I could potentially get my masters in 4 years total. Let me know about this also, thanks
How well you perform in a job interview is largely what will determine whether or not you are hired. I don’t think that the difference in recognition between UF and FSU CS is that significant, especially outside of Florida. I’m sure some gators will disagree. I know of FSU CS students who were contacted by recruiters from places like Microsoft and Google, and were subsequently hired. I’m sure the same is true of UF.
UF’s program has a higher ranking in USNews. I think this may be because UF’s CS department is under their College of Engineering, which is highly-regarded, regionally. You are correct that UF’s CS programs seems to include more general non-CS specific engineering courses, while FSU seems to be more “pure CS.” I think this is required due to CS being under the CoE umbrella at UF. FSU’s CS program is independent (not a part of their CoE) and therefore has a bit more flexibility. Whether or not this is good or bad depends on your interests. Personally, the computer engineering oriented courses that we were required to take at FSU for the CS degree were more than enough engineering for my tastes. I prefer the software side of things.
The FSU CS program is part of the school of Arts & Science. This allows students to take diverse classes in arts and science along with higher level mathematics. UF’s CS program is part of the school of engineering where the core curriculum has a stringent STEM foundation.
FSU’s CS program course diversity allows students to specialize in several different programming strains . UF’s CS program leans heavy towards Computer Engineering.
It all depends on what you feel more comfortable in taking.
Both programs are fantastic. FSU’s CS program is the only one in the state that has both CAE IA/CD and CAE-R certifications designated by the NSA/DHS.
Congrats on being accepted to FSU, and for reviewing the course curriculum as part of your decision making. More folks should do that…
FYI: UF has two CS programs, one within the College of Engineering (BS-CSE) and one within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, CLAS (BS-CSC). The CLAS program “offers students considerable freedom but provides less technical depth in computer science than the programs offered through the College of Engineering”.
FSU also offers two programs; a BS and BA in Computer Sciences.
I was surprised to see that neither of the computer science programs at UF (CSE & CSC) are ABET accredited nor are they listed on the Centers of Academic Excellence list of certified CS programs for the NSA/DHS.
FSU’s BS-CS program is not only ABET accredited but also is one of only thirty-six U.S. institutions with both the CAE IA/CD and CAE-R designations certified by the Center of Academic Excellence.
It’s not that uncommon for CS programs to not be ABET accredited…ABET is useful as an indicator of a basic level of academic rigor and is often requirement for many (non-CS) Engineering roles. However, UF has 12 other ABET accredited programs, and hasn’t seem interested in getting CS accredited.
UF was recently designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research, the websites haven’t been updated yet.
As Gator88NE notes, ABET is not that important for CS. It is important for Engineering, however.
That being said, the fact that a prestigious engineering accreditation group endorses FSU CS should reassure you that the program requires a certain level academic rigor to complete.