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 its 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!
I have a Masters in IE. I am not familiar with the IE programs at any of the three schools, but I wouldn’t worry at all about rankings. If you’re leaning towards Arizona State, I don’t see any reason not to go there. It does make sense that Phoenix would have more internship and work opportunities than Gainesville, although you need to be aware of various restrictions for internationals who want to work in the US.
simba9, Currently I am not leaning towards any particular school. I was leaning towards UF originally but I feared that it’s presence in Gainesville might make it harder to get internships and jobs. So at this point I am not leaning towards any school in particular and I need help in making my decision.
AnishRay, It seemed like you were discounting Arizona State because it wasn’t ranked as high as the other two. I was just trying to say don’t rule out Arizona State because of that. Otherwise, I don’t have any particular preference when it comes to the three choices, other than to say Florida and Arizona State are much more well known in the US than Northeastern.
I understand your point simba9. I am not trying to rule out any of these three universities. Since you too don’t have a clear preference I will try to figuring out based on other variables that I can think about. Reputation as you mentioned is a thing but other things need to be considered too.