USC vs UMich Engineering (CS/CE)

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Michigan
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<p>I've been accepted to UMich and am fairly sure I'll be accepted to USC, and I'm looking into the pros/cons of each, or more just strengths of each since I know they're both great programs.</p>

<p>I know they're both great programs, but definitely different.</p>

<p>Typically, USC ranks above (but by only 1 spot last time I checked) UMich, but specific fields of engineering differ greatly, for example I know that UMich is the #1 Nuclear Engineering school, even over MIT/Stanford. </p>

<p>I'm looking into Computer Engineering/Computer Science and looking for what has the best program for me. USC seems to have more options, and I know they have a diversity of options for even Computer Science itself, even a major titled: "Computer Science (Games)", which sounds cool to me, but not sure if I'd major in it.</p>

<p>From what I've looked around and seen myself it seems that UMich places more of an emphasis on the electrical engineering component of computer engineering and people regard programming as a nuisance more than anything, however I think this is a common response to programming classes?</p>

<p>Also, something very, very important, is networking. How do the job opportunities differ from each school? I know I've heard specific recruiters that go to UMich, as well as many other job opportunities, but haven't read too much about USC's job opportunities.</p>

<p>I'm posting this in both the USC and UMich forums.</p>

<p>Any input would be greatly appreciated!</p>

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<p>Hmmm… I looked at the requirements for that Computer Science (Games) degree and there seem to be a lot of Game development focused courses. I think that if you’re pretty sure that you want to be in game development, and you aren’t instate for Michigan, that you should go to USC.</p>

<p>Their curriculum is pretty inflexible though. There’s pretty much the required 76 Computer Science + Game development credits, which you have to take all of, and cannot switch for anything else. The Michigan curriculum seems way more flexible.</p>

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<p>“Typically, USC ranks above (but by only 1 spot last time I checked) UMich,…” </p>

<p>Not typically. I assume you are referring to the USNWR rankings. It terms of overall ranking, Michigan has been ranked higher than USC each and every year except for this year. Unfortunately, unless the USNWR stops using its current auditing process and formula, given the USNWR formula, USC will continue to rise in the USNWR and Michigan will continue to drop. Eventually, all publics will drop from the top 25, with USC settling at around #22 or #23 and Michigan at around #30 or #31. Of course, there is no difference between #23 and #30 when you consider the fact that the formula itself is very subjective, the data easily manipulated and each little detail blown out of proportion in order to creat the illusion of a difference. If one were to objectively compare the top 50 universities using the USNWR formula, only 5 universities would stand out over the rest. From a purely academic point of view however, Michigan is considered better than USC. Academically, Michigan is generally considered one of the top 10 or top 15 universities in the nation whereas USC is generally not quite as highly regarded.</p>

<p>“…but specific fields of engineering differ greatly, for example I know that UMich is the #1 Nuclear Engineering school, even over MIT/Stanford.”</p>

<p>In terms of Engineering in generall and in specific, Michigan is slightly stronger than USC. Michigan’s College of Engineering was ranked #7 in the nation and USC’s College of Engineering was ranked #26 in the nation according to the latest USNWR undergraduate rankings. </p>

<p>As far as Computer Engineering goes, Michigan, wich is ranked #7 in the nation is again ranked slightly higher than USC, which is ranked #18 in the nation. And in Computer Science, there is virtually not difference, with Michigan’s CS department being ranked #13 in the nation and USC’s CS department ranked #20 in the nation</p>

<p>In terms of networking, both schools are excellent. They large, loyal and successful alumni all over the nation, although their concentration does varry by location. For example, USC alums will have a larger presence in the Southwest and in Southern California whereas Michigan alums will have a larger presence in the Midwest and Northeast. In the Bay area, both schools will have a large following.</p>

<p>I would say that overall, you canno tgo wrong, but the two schools have very different feels, and that it would be wise to chose a school on fit if the other factors cancel each other out.</p>

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<p>michigan has a better engineering school, and a better name in engineering. from that standpoint, i would goto michigan. </p>

<p>however, if you would like to work in california after graduation i’d goto usc.</p>

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<p>Go to Michigan. They just keep getting better at everything. Join the fun. </p>

<p>[World’s</a> Best Universities; Top 400 Universities in the World | US News](<a href=“http://www.usnews.com/education/worlds-best-universities-rankings/top-400-universities-in-the-world]World’s”>http://www.usnews.com/education/worlds-best-universities-rankings/top-400-universities-in-the-world)</p>

<p>Currently they’re ranked the 14th best University of the Planet! Ikr, most people don’t know that. They’re pretty much good at everything.</p>

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<p>ogie. Why did you resurrect a thread that was almost two years old?</p>