<p>How would you compare the two schools? I understand SLO is more selective in general. How would you compare the two programs? Is 5 years BS+MS in CS superior to 4 year BS at SLO? What are job prospects of the two? Thanks.</p>
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<p>It's all about how you want to be taught. From what I understand, UC's are more research based schools to where they typically get you prepared for a masters degree, whereas cal poly philosophy in learn by doing is to actually get you prepared for your career to where once you graduate, you know what to fully expect and be ready. We may not have the best answers exactly on which one is better, I don't know much about riverside besides there putting a lot of money into there research, from what I heard there building a new research facility for science I'm not sure exactly, but with Cal poly, there highly ranked in the engineering/architecture/science/agriculture and I guess business as well. Best bet is to research both schools, maybe find a contact you can communicate with from both schools and ask for information.</p>
<p>j.irvin020, thanks for your post. My D will be more inclined on the theory side than learn by doing too early. </p>
<p>Is UC Riverside reserach oriented in their CS program? How is the faculty? Pouring money in Science lab won't necessarily result in bettiring CS program.</p>
<p>Oh i know, but some people like the idea about how a school is investing in a new engineering building or science lab or any other sorts shows that there determined to become a big time university ya know? But another factor also, is location. I'm not too familiar with riverside, but I have heard from people that the location isn't all that great. You're close to the mountains to where if you want to go snowboarding snow valley, big bear are close by so you would have some outdoor extra-curricular activities in that sort. other than that don't know what else there is to do. San luis obispo on the other hand, is probably one of the most gorgeous campuses nestled in an amazing city. The weather is perfect, doesn't get to hot in the summer, and will get particularly cold in the winter due to the ocean breeze and stuff. Also the beach is nearby, have a lot of extra curriculars to get into as well. If you want, one of my friends just transferred to riverside this semester, i'll ask him how the faculty is and let you know as soon as i hear something. But the way it sounds riverside is really trying to become a good UC school.</p>
<p>One of the great things about any engineering bachelor's degree is that it really prepares you for serious work upon graduation. This has been true for a very long time. A BS in engineering IS a working degree. </p>
<p>But some schools really do emphasize theory while others emphasize practice. Both are important, and I agree with j.irvin that this difference is a sound basis for choosing among schools.</p>
<p>I don't know Riverside, and I only know CPSLO from their literature and a college tour, but CPSLO students and faculty are definitely hands-on builders. If you love theory, go to a research campus and besides doing your classwork, volunteer to work in a lab. You want to be in a place where theories are being tested and re-shaped, not just in a place where theories are being applied to build cool new stuff.</p>
<p>j.irvin & maxwell, thanks for the posting. Appreciate both your thoughts. Seems like SLO is better location from social life point of view. That is an important factor. SLO has good hands on program. While I have preference for more theory early on (and couple w/ internship), I don't know if Riverside is good on either (practice of theory). Thanks.</p>