<p>Hi. I'm a mom helping my son to decide between MSU and OSU for a Computer Science undergraduate degree in the next few weeks. We've visited both and read extensively, but I can't get a handle on whether or not one is significantly advantageous academically over the other, if all else is equal. Any input from those in the know would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Well…</p>
<p>I am originally from Ohio…and my B.S. degree (Math/Computer Science) is from Michigan State.</p>
<p>So, ummm…that should tell my stance :-)</p>
<p>To be honest, both are about the same. Keep in mind that Ohio State also has a CIS (computer and information science) degree in the same department. That degree is NOT I.T.-like. It’s basically a CS degree emphasizing databases and networks where more software engineering jobs are related to anyway.</p>
<p>Thanks, GLOBALTRAVELER. Is it of any concern that the OSU CIS degree is not ABET certified or does that really not matter?</p>
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<p>For computer science, ABET accreditation does not matter…mainly because computer science is not part of the engineering college at every school. Also, software engineers will not seek a PE license since we have our own certifications (unix/linux, databases, networks, Java, etc).</p>
<p>I see; thanks again for your help GLOBALTRAVELER.</p>
<p>ABET accreditation in CS is not especially important, except for niche areas like patent law. It can, however, indicate that a lesser known school meets a decent minimum standard.</p>
<p>However, the courses and curriculum content of the degree program are important. It does seem odd that tOSU calls the degree CIS, which is often associated with IT-type or otherwise less-technical majors found in business divisions, even though it is a more technical degree like what most schools would just call CS.</p>
<p>Ohio State is a lot better…Michigan State is for people that could not get into University of Michigan…</p>
<p>Studying cs as my concentration in eng phys, so I can tell you about OSU cs education.</p>
<p>They have a wonderful philosophy for their first-year software engineering sequence that emphasizes portability, components, layering, reusability, design-by-contract, formal specifications, and bug-minimizing design.</p>
<p>Everybody who goes through this (tough) sequence absolutely hates it…until they start programming out in the real world and see how invaluable the experience was and how they have an advantage over other cs majors by being trained from the beginning in solid software engineering principles. Good software engineering and project design and management are rare skills in many areas of the software industry. In a sense, software engineering is decades behind other forms of engineering, and OSU is doing something about it.</p>
<p>I believe if you search my posting history you will find lots of complaining about cs at OSU. This is from when I was going through “boot camp” so to speak. One summer making software was like a big lesson in how I was wrong and OSU’s cse department was right.</p>
<p>I highly recommend OSU to your son for cs, I also recommend that he get involved in undergraduate research.</p>
<p>I should also add that OSU has two main cs majors: cis through the college of arts and sciences, and cse (computer science and engineering) through the college of engineerig, which I think is ABET accredited. We just went through a semester switch which may affect accreditation for a year or so.</p>
<p>If he goes the CSE route he will take engineering requirements like intro to engineering and perhaps more math than he otherwise would, but he does NOT have to take a foreign language, CISes do. Fewer gecs with the cse degree also. Cse puts more emphasis on computer hardware, but not at the cost of sacrificing regular cs classes. Cises study hardware too, but not to the same extent.</p>
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<p>Heh, heh, heh…I heard the same thing at most places that I have worked from U-M grads. The thing IS that they had to be sitting near me AT THE SAME EMPLOYER to say that, right?</p>
<p>LOL just LOL @XtremePower.</p>
<p>He said what I was thinking.</p>
<p>Columbus is a bit more ‘livable’ than Lansing…</p>
<p>Tho, one really has to be at OSU to fathom how huge the place is. Not that MSU is much smaller, but I’ve been to OSU and it makes your typical college look like a high school by comparison size wise. </p>
<p>Also consider tuition. Neither school is OOS friendly 
but Michigan schools take the cake for high OOS tuition in general.</p>
<p>Thanks for the input everyone. It’s always helpful to hear others’ views. My son actually really likes MSU’s campus and I’m an OSU alum so we’ve got a handle on the physical differences of the two campuses, I think. I should have pointed out from the start that the cost will be equal due to scholarship offers. Any other thoughts on the differences between the two are greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Its one thing to like Michigan State but turning down OSU for Michigan State is another thing. Michigan State has an average SAT of 1650 and Ohio State has average SAT of 1850. There is a 200 points difference. Also average GPA’s and ranks are higher at Ohio State. Conclusion: Ohio State will be a much much better learning environment. </p>
<p>Not intended to personally attack anyone. Its just a breakdown of student body.</p>
<p>LOL…folks will believe and follow any numbers they hear. Thank goodness there is no talk radio discussing rankings, SAT score differences and AP credits.</p>
<p>XtremePower, thanks for your input. Because of the sizes of the two schools, we’re looking closely at the specific program (Computer Science) that my son is interested in pursuing. It’s been my experience that sometimes one school can show higher stats overall, but there can be differences in the specific program that make one school a better fit over the other.</p>
<p>Computer science seals the deal. Ohio State has a lot better program than MSU. It is leaps and bounds ahead of Michigan State in computer science. Don’t take my word for it, check all the rankings and facts you can find. Michigan State should not be even under consideration now if your son is dead set on computer science.</p>
<p>Momma Mia…</p>
<p>Like I said before, I am used to hearing MSU bashing from Ohio State and U-Michigan grads, but then again…their office is right next to my office when they tell me that.</p>
<p>:-)</p>
<p>OSU is a better school than MSU. Unless you are in Michigan, otherwise, it should be an easy choice.</p>