<p>Hey guys (and gals), </p>
<p>I'd like to know any opinions on the computer science department at UVA. How does it compare to programs at other relatively close public universities like UMarylandCP and Georgia Tech?</p>
<p>I can’t compare to those programs specifically, though the recession hit the department hard and just now are they “replacing” professors who left (with lecturers). It’s very theoretical and grad school oriented. HTH</p>
<p>That’s pretty concerning…</p>
<p>I just graduated with a BS in CS in May, and I’d have to echo some of hazelorb’s sentiments. A combination of faculty retiring, faculty not being hired at a rate to replace those who are leaving, and an absolute overflow of students who are minoring in CS or getting a BA in CS (which has recently been capped, but I’m afraid for the next two years or so the department will be flooded with more students than it can handle) mean that the department isn’t at its strongest now.</p>
<p>That being said, I had a very positive experience with the program. I found my professors, particularly those who are classified as “teaching faculty” (focus less on research/grad students and more on how best to teach undergraduates) very engaging and caring about the success of their students. I got a lot of exposure to interesting electives, completed a thesis project that I was really excited about with an awesome professor.</p>
<p>I can’t speak to the strengths of the other two programs, but I think it depends on your in-state/out-of-state status for each of the schools, along with what your desired end goal is (industry, academia, etc.).</p>
<p>Thanks for the great response. I was thinking about applying, but I’m not sure if I should if the program is on the decline somewhat…</p>
<p>I’d say it hit its bottom point a few years ago and is on the up at this point. But if you’re not looking for theoretical cs and/or staying in state versus tech, then it might not be the best school imho.</p>
<p>Well I am out of state, and I think UVA’s a great school, but obviously not as strong right now for computer science. Thanks guys!</p>
<p>Do you feel that the CS undergrads are getting good internship opportunities and jobs?</p>
<p>I definitely think they get good internships and jobs. Lots of microsoft, jhu apl, etc.</p>
<p>Two of my sons rm’s, and several of his friends from hs, are comp sci. All had internships lined up prior to the winter holiday. This did not bode well for my mech’e son whose plans were still unknown. Mom & Dad wanted to know why ‘everyone else’ had an internship lined up. He said he honestly didn’t know a CS major without something lined up by that point. Mech’es were having a harder time as many places wanted third year students. </p>
<p>This was second year. It did eventually work out for my son who ended up in his dream internship with an amazing mentor. He’s hopeful he’ll be asked back. Here’s a tip to every kid and parent. If your student lands an internship they really should write a note of gratitude to the person that recruited them. This seems like a nobrainer but it is not happening. The person my son wrote had evidentially never received a thank you note in all his years of helping young people. He was very impressed and moved. He followed my sons progress all summer, keeping in touch, making time to see him when he was in town. It is very likely my son will be brought back next summer at one of the largest sites, where this man is based. Write the thank you note. Handwritten. They matter, your peers aren’t doing it, and it may help you get noticed long enough to form a very meaningful relationship with a mentor. (Stepping off soapbox now)</p>
<p>To follow Blue’s suggestion, I always wrote a thank you letter to the person who oversaw/mentored me during the internship after a few weeks of being back in school. This allowed me to update them with my current academic process and let them know that the guidance/things learned are helping me through the school year. One of my mentors was blown away that a program he taught me how to use was a focal point of one of my classes that he volunteered to come and speak to the class. </p>
<p>Blue: glad that internship worked out for your son :)</p>
<p>Son graduated in CS and another major this spring and is now at a top grad school. The program served him well. He was fortunate to get a research opportunity early and it opened up a lot for him. Some of the classes were excellent and others not, which could be true everywhere. Some fellow students were really strong at CS, with deep knowledge and skills, and of course there was a range there, too.</p>