USF? UF?

State Forums
,
1

I’m in Tampa, FL and am about to graduate with my AA from community college. My plan all along has been to transfer to USF for my bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. I’ve known that USF’s program has not been ranked high at all - it fact it’s almost at the bottom of US News’ rankings. But it hasn’t mattered to me because I can’t leave Tampa and it’s the only program offered in the city.

Then I found out about University of Florida’s online program and now I don’t know what to do. The program at UF is ranked in the top 50 in US News and is considered the #1 online Comp Sci program in the entire country on another ranking site I found. It’s also cheaper by about 25% and doesn’t require 1.5 hours per day of commuting. The thing is…the program at UF is not accredited by ABET. Which is actually very strange because it is the only Comp Sci program anywhere I have seen that isn’t accredited by ABET.

But…does it matter???

My other dilemma’s are that I really like face to face human interaction which I won’t get in an online program and that going to a non-ABET accredited school will disqualify me for scholarships I’ve applied for through The Society of Women Engineers.

Opinions please. Ok, go!

2

I wouldn’t worry about UF’s CS program not being ABET accredited (it never has been), they and several other very good programs are not. It really isn’t required for CS, but it is a good indicator of a certain level of quality (especially useful when looking at smaller, less well know programs).

Other than that, it’s really up to you. I would like the ability to study and work in labs with other students, as well as work with the career resource center, but you can still do that as an online student. You can also try it for a semester, if you don’t like it, transfer to USF.

I wouldn’t worry about USF’s ranking. Overall rankings it’s comparable to UM-BC, VCU, Mississippi State and Texas Techs, and USF is strong in engineering and CS.

It really sounds like USF is the best choice, if you want that face to face experience. I also think you’ll get a lot out of joining the local SWE group at USF, attending meetings and getting involved/engaged with campus. Finally, you can work closer with the career resource center and start your search for a summer 2017 internship or co-op. They can also help you with your resume, mock interviews, career fairs, etc.

Good Luck!!