<p>Hi, I've been admitted to USC, Purdue and RPI for their part-time Computer Science MS program (through DEN, ProEd, EWP respectively). My employer will pay for most of my tuition (60% ~ 100%) so money isn't too big of an issue. I did not apply Columbia (CVN@FU SEAS) but I don't mind applying for Fall 08 if that's really worth it.</p>
<p>Most of the core classes are taught through distance learning, although for a few interesting electives I would have to take them on campus. I'm currently in southern California near Bakersfield so USC would be a much better choice if I have to visit campus frequently. Rensselaer has a residency requirement that makes you come visit Professor 2 to 4 times each semester. Purdue has no such requirement.</p>
<p>Engineering Ranking-wise USC has some slight edges over Purdue, both are considered to be top 20 engineering schools. RPI is less known in California, but I heard it's job placement is excellent. Columbia CS is comparable to USC in terms of both Engineering college and CS Department ranking (around 20), but the school name is much more respected.</p>
<p>So what school should I choose and why? Is it worth it to abandon all three schools and apply for Columbia this coming fall?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I don't know anything about the others, but I've heard really good things about Purdue.</p>
<p>I am confused. Why not try Berkeley or Stanford? The MS shouldn't be nearly as difficult to get in as their PhD program.</p>
<p>Try Carnegie Mellon, or Illinois.</p>
<p>umm, Berkeley doesn't have any distance learning option other than its extension program. CMU offers Master of Software Engineering through DL but has some tedious requirement on corporate sponsorship:</p>
<p>The Master of Software Engineering (MSE) provides an environment for mastering the discipline of software engineering for professionals. The degree will be received upon successful completion of the five core courses, four electives and the Studio. In order to qualify for this program, students must have corporate sponsors and have six co-located students, in addition to meeting the individual admission criteria.</p>
<p>Stanford DOES offer distance learning on CS Master, but it would be a far reach for me with my 3.2 Undergrad GPA in CS from a mid-UC, and 1250 combined GRE with 4.5 W. Not much research experience other than three years of working experience as a software developer.</p>
<p>Any other schools I should consider that is consider a match ? Thanks!</p>
<p>I've also applied to all the aforementioned programs except Stanford. I was originally going to go to Cornell full-time but decided to go to Columbia CVN. My reasons including that I am from the city and will receive 100% reimbursement from my employer. </p>
<p>Along with earning an indistinguishable degree from the full-time counterparts, you also have all the same benefits as those in the traditional program (except that you pay more for the video feed). You can go to class and use their facilities (i.e. libraries, etc) and register for classes that are not listed in CVN. I'm not sure USC offers that as well.</p>
<p>What you might consider is taking classes at USC and apply to Columbia. The CVN program accepts transfer credit while the full-time one does not. This way you don't lose any time in earning your degree.</p>
<p>Wow thanks! Do you know if CVN students could transfer into regular full-time status if they choose so? What about convert from full-time back to CVN? I know in USC it's really easy to change part-time to full-time, and the same goes other way.</p>
<p>One more question, once you get your diploma, will it say SEAS on it? or CVN?</p>
<p>I recall having an e-mail conversation with CVN staff asking the same questions. </p>
<ol>
<li>They said that there wouldn't be a real point in transferring full-time b/c CVN students get all the benefits. I believe you can enroll full-time if you desire.</li>
<li>I was watching one of the testimonials about someone who converted from full-time to CVN so I guess it's possible.</li>
<li>Your diploma will say SEAS. The CVN degrees and transcripts are identical. (<a href="http://www.cvn.columbia.edu/how_it_works.php%5B/url%5D">http://www.cvn.columbia.edu/how_it_works.php</a>)</li>
</ol>
<p>For #1 and #2, you should e-mail the CVN staff just to make sure and #3 is stated on their website.</p>
<p>Good luck if you decide to apply!</p>