<p>I got into JHU MSE in Computer science and UNC Chapel Hill Master in Information and Library Science; both without full funding.</p>
<p>Both are good schools, but I wonder if JHU has an edge over UNC in terms of reputation and network, which might mean a better job prospect, networking, etc. Also, negative things about going to a Computer Science graduate program is that I am not quite interested in pure computer engineering stuffs like Architecture and Operating System, yet things like algorithms and artificial intelligence really are my dishes.</p>
<p>The program in UNC is not Computer science, but information and library science; I see they have some very interesting courses too; also they emphasize interdisciplinary studies; besides, there are opportunities to get access to academic resources in Duke and NCSU. Besides all these, sometimes I think UNC is a bigger school, who has more programs to offer, so I can satisfy my diverse interests, though perhaps not directly relevant to my graduate studies :></p>
<p>I am in such a dilemma and I am afraid I have to make a quick decision. But I am just an international student who has never visited either school, therefore I am not sure if I can make an informed decision at this stage. So your help, opinion and any inside scoops about these two schools, either in terms of academics, campus spirit or some others, are more than welcome.</p>
<p>I really doubt that you’ll get super helpful advice on this forum since this is mostly for people looking at undergrad. But if I were you this is what I’d do.</p>
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<li>What are you looking at these degrees for? Is it for employment prospects, or just out of interest? Whichever one it is, I’d research to see which one offers more opportunities. Honestly, computer science is a pretty stable field… but information and library science kind of is, too. Again, I’m not going to be helpful.</li>
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<p>If you’re just doing this for your own happy benefit, it’s awesome that you have two choices with full funding. I say go somewhere you think you’d enjoy. Look up descriptions of both areas and see if that’s where you might want to settle down or spend a few years. Both of these degrees are beneficial and so if you have the room to make it a personal decision, do that.</p>
<p>Hope that helps. Also… there might be forums other than this that are more helpful!</p>
<p>There’s also a BIG difference between the two campuses and general areas…JHU is an urban school in a far from desirable neighborhood in Baltimore…UNC is in a small college town that is practically indistinguishable from the campus.</p>
<p>I also agree with cloying that you might try posting this in one of the Parent Forums as well…there are lots of very experienced and well traveled folks there. One thing you have to be careful of in any “anonymous” forum is agenda and bias. One thing that no one will disagree with is that CC tends to have some elitism and bias to Ivies and private schools prevalent among it’s many posters. For some, no public school will ever measure up to one of the top privates so just be aware and try to look for the real discerning information and facts that will help you determine what is the best fit for you.</p>
<p>I think that for a masters you need to pick based on cost and academic content. Which school is better known for the stuff you are actually interested in? Try talking to faculty in your current or former college - they really should be able to advise you.</p>