<p>I haven't found a detailed thread on this yet. I'm basing my university decision according to the difference between the computer science programs at the USC and UCSD (computer science is my major). I know UCSD's program is very strong, stronger than USC's, but if USC's is close to as good as UCSD's, then I will attend USC.
I want to know (1) how big is the comp sci program (in terms of variety, classes, students), (2) opportunities in research & how many people get internships at companies such as Google, Facebook, etc. and how easy is it to get interviews, (3) how hard are the classes/professors, and (4) if you are a student, how is/was your experience in the program and how are your prospects after graduation? Would you recommend it?</p>
<p>to be clear, please don’t mention price or location or anything like that. to me they are equal (I got a scholarship at sc)</p>
<p>Hey! My name is Chandler and I am a sophomore studying computer science at USC. I completely understand your desire to go to the university where you feel you will be the most successful and you seem to be in an optimal position in terms of having great options.</p>
<p>I honestly don’t think you can make a “wrong” choice and I believe you can be equally successful at both schools and end up in top companies like Google, Facebook, etc. regardless of the school you attend. It is all about choosing the school where you feel most comfortable and at home. </p>
<p>Although I do not know specific statistics, the computer science program is well represented in the Viterbi School of Engineering. Classes vary from artificial intelligence to compiling languages, to web and mobile development or gaming. If you are interested in making video games, the CS games program is quite new and highly esteemed in the gaming world.</p>
<p>As for research, there are many ways to get involved if you are proactive. Viterbi has a research pairing system where you enter what sort of research you are interested in, and professors post research opportunities. In addition, one of the classes you take in your first 3 semesters involves a series of guest speakers, all professors, who come to speak about what they are working on, classes they teach, and how to get involved. </p>
<p>Each semester there is always a career fair where companies from all over (including top tech companies like Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Yahoo, Intel, Qualcomm, etc.) come to collect resumes, pre screen, and interview on the spot. As for opportunity, the program at USC (as well as USCD) is plenty rigorous for you to succeed in these interviews. In fact, it was through the career fair, as well as a conference I attended through USC, that I ended up with my internship with Microsoft this summer working with the Xbox. </p>
<p>Personally, the program at USC has been a great fit for me. I considered some more technical schools but ultimately decided I loved the balance at Viterbi between opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom. I am working hard on some impressive projects, but I also have time to be involved in a number of things including a sorority, a club sport and a number of student organizations (which also help with networking) both inside and outside of engineering. You can read a full description of my life as a computer science major at Viterbi here: [Engineering</a> in my own words: Computer Science](<a href=“http://viterbivoices.usc.edu/chandler/engineering-in-my-own-words-computer-science/]Engineering”>Engineering in my own words: Computer Science - Viterbi Voices) </p>
<p>If you have any more questions, feel free to check out viterbivoices.usc.edu where you can read about student orgs, student housing, watch a short video about computer science, or read about some of my past projects. </p>
<p>Hope this helped and good luck with your decision :)</p>