I just finished my first year of undergrad at Stony Brook (in-state, with scholarships), and am debating as to whether I should transfer out to a better school or wait until grad school for that to happen. I’m currently studying Computer Science, and am thinking of getting my Masters in C.S., as well as an MBA. Options I am considering include Michigan, Purdue, and UIUC. Since these are all out of state, I’m probably going to have to pay a ton more, so even though I want to transfer during undergrad, given that there is already the issue of getting credits to transfer, it makes more sense to stick it out at Stony and apply for grad. Just curious, how hard is completing a dual MBA/M.S. in Computer Science and what is life like as a grad student?
Stony Brook is fine for undergraduate. No need to pay out of state tuition to go to an equally large school. You will learn the same things and have the same research opportunities as at the other schools. The key is to take the most challenging curriculum that you can and put a lot of effort into your studies.
As for graduate school. MBAs are generally for those who already have significant experience in industry. You don’t want to do that immediately after your BS. The MS in CS is something you can certainly do right after your BS but if you can get the job you want, then no need. Simply work for a couple of years and then decide if an MBA or MS is the right path. It makes no sense to do the MBA/MS combination just after college or maybe even ever…
There’s no reason to transfer out - Stony Brook has a great CS department.