Hello all, I’m a freshmen at UTSA about to finish my 1st semester. After many months of thinking I have decided to major in Computer Science. My interests are programming and app development which I understand are only a part of a Comp Sci program (I do coding regularly on my own time, and I am in the iOS developer program). However, I am also interested in cybersecurity and other IT type work, and am considering a career in that field (considering I don’t make millions on a flappy bird-type game, that’d be nice haha).
Now, I am considering transferring to UT Austin, which is known to have a top ten comp. sci program nationwide. UTSA is not even in any top 100 lists for comp sci programs that I have looked at. However, apparently, UTSA is the “Number one in the nation for cybersecurity, according to a national survey of certified IT security professionals”.
http://www.utsa.edu/today/2014/02/cyberranking.html
It’s my understanding that subspecialties within Computer science programs such as Cybersecurity and Software engineering are generally just fluff and filler, aka just for show so schools can get more funding. My question is, how is it possible that UTSA’s comp sci program is virtually unknown nationally yet they claim to have the best cybersecurity program in the nation? Is this just a bull claim that no employer would virtually care for?
If it helps, I’d really actually prefer to stay in my home town of San Antonio. But I am willing to transfer to Austin if going to a top school is important to developing my future career. I’d appreciate any input.