<p>I was wondering what some of the differences are between a UC and a CSU when it comes to Master's programs. Also, will attending a MS at a UC or CSU put me at a disadvantage if I decide to go to a PhD program down the line?</p>
<p>UC’s are more theoretical/research oriented, while the Cal States are very job preparation focused. If you are seriously considering pursuing a PhD, and if you can get accepted at a UC, I would recommend it over a Cal State. The UC system will give you an opportunity to get research experience, and if you are lucky, you could even get a research assistantship, which will cover almost all of the costs of attending a UC (but no guarantees on this one, as most assistantships are reserved for PhD students only).</p>
<p>On the other hand, if you are fine with just getting a Masters and getting a job, apply to both the UC system and the Cal State system, and only pick the UC if they offer you an assistantship.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Other things being equal, a CSU degree will definitely be a disadvantage.</p>
<p>Could be a disadvantage but not a be all end all. I was looking at someone’s credentials the other day on the CSU Fresno website. Some guy got a BS and MS from CSU Fresno and got his PhD at UC Berkeley.</p>
<p>Think I might go with CSUs since the UCs look too specialized and competitive for me at this point.</p>
<p>In that case, apply to the Cal Polys first. If you don’t get in to them, try to go to a CSU that is located in the region where you want to land your first job. For example, if you eventually want to find work in the Silicon Valley / Bay Area, SJSU or SFSU would be the way to go (although I have a bias towards SJSU). For Southern California, go for SDSU or CSULB. You’ll want to network like crazy while you’re studying, so location matters.</p>