<p>Hi, I plan to major in Chemical Engineering next year, and I'm trying to decide between UCSB and Cal Poly Pomona in terms of where I want to spend the next four years of my life. I know CPP leans toward the more practical side of education and UCSB is more theoretical, but how big of a difference is it if I plan to work for a couple years after I graduate then pursue a PhD or Masters? Also, would the "prestige" of attending a UC be of worth to employers?</p>
<p>I've also heard that a lot of students find it hard to graduate on time at CPP, if that makes any difference at all.</p>
<p>I don’t know any ChemEs from CPP. However, I do know ChemEs from UCSB and they are top notch and very practical in their approach. In ChemE it is hard to teach practicality, mainly because what we work on is pretty expensive. The theory is an excellent foundation to work in the industry for a few years before furthering your education. Most education is suppose to work that way; teach theory that you then apply. </p>
<p>Therefor, if it were my decision, as a ChemE graduate of UC Davis with 10 years practical experience and knowledge of only one of those schools, I would go with UCSB, you’ll get a quality education there for sure.</p>