I visited Pitt earlier this summer during one of the Blue & Gold Days. There, I found out that the School of Computing and Information is going to become a freshman entry level school, rather than an upper level school that you transfer into from Dietrich. I’m planning on applying as an intended CS major and was wondering how this change would affect the program.
“In the coming months you will hear about new academic and certificate programs, new research alliances, new strategic hiring of faculty, and more.” Dean’s Welcome, http://sci.pitt.edu/about/deans-welcome/
I haven’t found much more officially released information regarding the new SCI from Pitt so I thought CC might have some info.
What changes will occur due to the new SCI?
Will there be a change in CS curriculum?
Will there be a change in general education requirements?
Will a new SCI building be constructed?
Based on what I’ve read online and discussed with current students, Pitt’s CS department is far from perfect. I assume hopes of program growth and improved educational quality prompted this change. I’ve heard about lack of funding, professors, and course availability in recent years. I’ve also heard competition with CMU lessens opportunities with big companies for Pitt students. Regarding curriculum, some say Pitt’s is outdated, focusing too much on Java and OPP while ignoring other programming paradigms (eg Function Programming) and essential CS foundational concepts. I’m hoping these issues (if actual issues and not just over exaggerated complaints) are addressed by this change.
I’m taking these issues I’ve heard about with a grain of salt, and I have high hopes for the new SCI. I hope the CS program will be in good shape if I choose to go to Pitt. It seems to be the best choice for me financially. Honestly, I’ve come to love the city of Pittsburgh and Pitt itself. This SCI transitional phase and possible outdated curriculum does worry me, though. I’ll also be applying to my dream schools like MIT and Stanford with a nearly perfect SAT score and 4.5+ GPA, but I’m really hoping Pitt will be able to offer me a good CS education for a much more affordable price since it’s also a school I like.