<p>My d was accepted to SMU and she's trying to make a decision on where to go. She's been accepted to schools that are ranked higher in Engineering in USNWR, but rankings aren't necessarily everything plus she has received quite a bit of merit money there. We've heard that SMU is really trying to improve their engineering program to compete nationally. Does anyone know how the computer and electrical engineering programs are at SMU and whether many companies recruit there for internships and permanent positions.</p>
<p>My son is a current freshman computer science major at SMU. He chose SMU because of the fantastic engineering facilities (3 new buildings), close proximity to high tech internships in Dallas, Coop program and curriculum among other things. The engineering school is extremely dynamic, with lectures, special programs, visits by companies, and engineering service opportunities practically daily. The opportunities outside of the classroom in engineering are seemingly endless, and he has only barely begun to take advantage of them. He has joined the engineering fraternity, which is very active and has quite a large number of members. If your daughter is interested in Coop, they actually have you start the process first semester of freshman year!</p>
<p>Thank you Bruin Alum. That tells me alot. She is seriously interested in Northeastern because of the co-op program there. She loves the Boston area and has visited NEU several times. We have also visited Dallas a number of times too for nonschool reasons and she really likes it there too. We haven’t visited SMU campus yet, but it sounds like we should definitely make the trip for her to look at it before making a decision. Another week and we should know about all the schools she applied to and can decide what to go see!</p>
<p>My son was accepted at Northeastern also. Wait until you see SMU’s campus. That might really sway you! SMU’s campus is a classic beauty. We felt Northeastern was so stressful with the train and major street bisecting the campus.</p>
<p>I agree with Bruin Alum re: SMU’s campus. I’m not an engineering major, nor do I know a lot about SMU’s engineering programs, but if the three new engineering buildings on campus are any sign, they are on the rise.</p>
<p>DALLAS (SMU) SMUs Bobby B. Lyle School of Engineering will gain a powerful platform for developing innovation for a global society as the University dedicates the new Caruth Hall in an all-campus ceremony at 3 p.m. Friday, April 16.</p>
<p>More on this here: [New</a> Caruth Hall Extends SMU Engineering Outreach - SMU](<a href=“http://www.smu.edu/News/2010/caruth-dedication-14april2010.aspx]New”>New Caruth Hall Extends SMU Engineering's Outreach - SMU)</p>
<p>Hi There,</p>
<p>Yes, I can say as a senior electrical engineering student at SMU that the school has improved dramatically. They actually just finished constructing their third engineering building, and it is the most impressive of the three. There is a strong push at SMU to extend their engineering influence, and as a student I bear witness to that everyday. Although we still have some time until the pedigree schools (MIT, Standford, Caltech, etc.) begin appreciating our contributions more fully, we are on the right track. We have a dynamo dean who loves the school, and new exciting research proposals being funded every day. In fact, in the new “Caruth” building, we have an entire “innovation gymnasium” funded by “Lockheed Martin” (big defence contractor) which will host multiple design challenges per semester.</p>
<p>I would like to mention, that I too was accepted into a few other great engineering programs with larger rankings (UT specifically). And I will be brutally honest, as a student applying into other Phd programs, it is often hard to have an edge over someone graduating from UC Berkely or UIUC. However, there are SO MANY opportunities here. Due to our condensed class sizes, there are more opportunities to participate in research, join proactive engineering councels (such as the EE student advisory board), and you are encouraged to engage with your faculty.</p>
<p>I have to admit, I am a little partial to the EEs though :). I am fully convinced that the EE department is on the cusp of great things. Our faculty have been awarded huge research grants through DARPA, NSF, NAVY, and many others (and that’s just this past year). Also, the current EE chair is awesome. I strongly encourage you to check out the EE department at SMU. It is a great place to be right now.</p>
<p>I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any specific questions (I currently am a TA and RA for the EE department and could definitely help you and your daughter find the answers). Take care!</p>
<p>And oh yeah, if you have specific questions about the Co-op program at SMU I could also probably be of help. I completed two seperate Co-ops, the latest at a defense contractor. Dallas really is a pretty large hub for engineering, and there are many opportunties to work at places such as TI, Raytheon, Lockheed, L-3 Communications, etc. </p>
<p>Take care!</p>
<p>I am selected at SMU and Purdue (moe desicions will come…but if only these two are choices). What should I chose ?</p>