<p>I'm finishing my bachelor's in computer science this semester, and I submitted applications for graduate study in the same field at a few universities: University of Chicago's Computer Science Professional Program, CMU's Entertainment Tech Center, and the University of Miami's graduate program (where I completed my undergrad). As these departments show, I'm interested more in a master's for professional work as opposed to research/academia. My specializations & interests are in computer graphics and AI with an emphasis on real-time applications (games, visualization, planning algorithms). I've completed an internship involving the application and prototyping of social robotics in the health care sector, as well.</p>
<p>I've been accepted to Miami w/ an assistantship, so I would come out having made money while completing my degree. From what I've heard, this is rare for a pure master's student. Miami's CS department has excellent professors (though few), especially in graphics and automated reasoning, and it is in the process of initiating new programs which are relevant to my interests. My primary concern is that it doesn't have a strong reputation outside of the connections I may have with faculty. On the other hand, attending Chicago (or CMU - I would be applying for 2010) would offer a more recognizable name, but I'm fairly certain I would carry a hefty debt with the limited financial aid they offer master's students (practically none). </p>
<p>My hope is that connections with professors and impressive graduate work outweighs the name on my diploma, especially after my first full-time job. I'm interested in hearing any other opinions on the matter, so please share!</p>
<p>I’m always baffled by people who think the rank of a school is worth tons of debt. I mean, the name on the diploma will probably not guarantee such a substantial difference in salary that a person will come out ahead after 20 years of loan repayments. Plus we’re talking about a masters here. Reputation won’t mean much to potential employers in industry-- work experience and your portfolio will.</p>
<p>Thank you, that’s exactly my line of reasoning and it’s nice to hear it shared. I’ve never been motivated by an increase in salary, only missed opportunities.</p>
<p>Why so sure that CMU would carry hefty debt with it without applying? With your creds and internship, I think it fits right up CMU’s ally. If your grades are good, you may get a very competitive aid package. I am an undergrad grad of CMU (not in CS but in Eng)…the name carries such a great rep in CS that I’ll think you’ll have much better job prospects. Why not wait a year and go big? You can probably either defer or reapply and get a similar package with Miami next year as well if CMU doesn’t pan out. I agree its not worth carrying a ton of extra debt, but a modest debt may be preferable. Why not apply and see what develops?</p>
<p>Looking at their tuition, that would amount to over 100k in student loans for 2 years. I’d love to go to CMU, but I’d probably be paying that debt off for quite some time (mind you, the games industry does not have the highest salaries).</p>