Hi everyone ! I am an international student and intend to begin my graduate education in the US this fall. I need some guidance in university selection. I have been accepted to the MS in Industrial Engineering program at Arizona State University, the MS in Industrial and Systems Engineering program at University of Florida and the MS in Industrial Engineering program at Northeastern University. I have a few more decisions pending but I wish to decide between these three universities.
UF and ASU are ranked higher than Northeastern for Industrial Engineering but Northeastern is known for it’s Co-op program. I don’t intend to pursue a PhD after my masters (at least right now) hence getting a good job post graduation is important for me. I also value a good education and wish to go a school that is known for great professors and an engaging learning experience. UF initially seemed like the most “reputed” university out of the three (considering US News university rankings) but I have heard that getting internships and jobs while staying in Gainesville is a lot harder. Northeastern despite having apparently better job opportunities is also the costliest. ASU also seems like a good choice but the other two universities are ranked higher.
Any advice on which university I can choose would really help.
Thanks !
Which location, school size, culture, etc. appeals to you most?
Consider choosing that school.
Hi boneh3ad. All of the three are pretty large schools and based on my studies have a lot of diversity too. UF has a very strong school spirit being a state flagship school. But I have heard graduates saying positive things about the culture and vibe in the other two schools as well. It is not possible for me to visit the schools personally before making my decision so I am only relying on what I hear from others. I personally prefer studying in a warmer place (like Florida) but I don’t want weather to be the reason for missing good opportunities ( that I might find in Boston or Phoenix). Could you please tell me what is your opinion on the engineering (in particular Industrial engineering program) in these two schools ?
Do you not consider Phoenix to be a warm place? It’s one of the hottest cities in the country. Either way, you aren’t likely to be hurting for opportunities regardless of which school you pick.
Thanks for the help. Yes I understand Phoenix is a pretty warm place. Do you really feel that all of these schools are equal in terms of opportunities ? I am asking as UF despite being a good school is located in Gainesville Florida. Not just Gainesville but the entire state of Florida has much fewer tech companies as compared to say Boston or Phoenix or Silicon Valley. Do you also feel that getting internships ans jobs will be much harder for someone staying in Gainesville ?