Who Here Knows the CS Landscape for Undergrads?

<p>Rankings...oh rankings. You provide me with such good data. But for computer science hopefuls, you only compare graduate schools! </p>

<p>Many say that graduate rankings are a reflection of the quality an undergrad can expect to receive; others ardently disagree with this. </p>

<p>Here's the problem: There are tons of schools out there--good ones--that are undergrad only, and as a result have no chance to make it on the list. Others are so undergraduate oriented and focussed, that they may have a terrific CS undergrad program, but lackluster graduate programs. And furthermore (and conversely), there are others that have great graduate programs, but perhaps ignore the undergrads. </p>

<p>I am enlisting your support: I need someone who knows the undergraduate landscape to help me categorize the following schools. No, name value is not important. Just level of teaching, and perhaps some clout in the academic world--I do want a shot at a good graduate school, after all. </p>

<p>Lehigh, Purdue, Bucknell, Tufts, UMD, Case Western, Brandies, UChicago, GW, Lafayette, Rochester, WashU. </p>

<p>No need to rank each one--just pick a few out of those list that you think provide a nice, well-rounded and respected CS education to its undergrads. </p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>It’s Computer Science and Software Engineering. so it is a “what have you done for me lately” type of industry.</p>

<p>My advice: Save your money. A “2+2” CS graduate (2 years at community college and 2 years at State-U) with the right courses in Java, Linux, databases and networks will probably be sitting right next to you on your first day of work out of undergrad.</p>

<p>If you do not want to do a 2+2…then do 4 years as a CS major at State-U.</p>

<p>Hell, I was a Math grad with a “Super minor in CS” from a State-U and come July will be 25 years in software engineering with the last 10 as a contractor for NSA.</p>

<p>It’s ALL about your skill-set.</p>

<p>Well yes, although I fully plan on going to a 4-year institution. Also, let’s throw in Carleton into the list!</p>

<p>Look for the availability and frequency of offering of typical advanced CS courses:</p>

<p>algorithms and complexity
theory of computation, languages, and automata
operating systems
compilers
networks
databases
software engineering or project course or projects in other courses
hardware courses like digital systems and computer architecture
electives like graphics and artificial intelligence</p>

<p>ucbalumnus, great info. Now I’m crosschecking the courses with all of those classes!</p>

<p>A lot of the programs don’t have compiler design. Red flag?</p>

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<p>No. Compiler design is not a sub-field where there are tons of jobs. Most software jobs will revolve around the processing, distribution and storage/retrieval of data. You could equate “processing, distribution and storage/retrieval” to programming, networks and databases. On top of that, all 3 areas NEED an operating system…so there are 4 important CS courses right there.</p>

<p>Add to that, “algorithms and complexity” knowledge helps you design better and more efficient solutions to any of the above areas. Software engineering gives you a methodology (and structured processes) to apply to the above areas. The application of security (be it network-level, operating system level or data level) is even more popular now than ever.</p>

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<p>Probably a question mark if you intend to go on to PhD study in CS, not so much if you just want to work in industry (other than the relative niche area of writing compilers and translators).</p>