computer science graduate school. outline of discussion what is graduate school like? is graduate...
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Computer Science Graduate School
Outline of Discussion
What is graduate school like?What is graduate school like?
Is graduate school for me?Is graduate school for me?
What schools should I consider?What schools should I consider?
How do I apply?How do I apply?
How will they evaluate me?How will they evaluate me?
Question and AnswerQuestion and Answer
What is graduate school like?What is graduate school like?
Is graduate school for me?Is graduate school for me?
What schools should I consider?What schools should I consider?
How do I apply?How do I apply?
How will they evaluate me?How will they evaluate me?
Question and AnswerQuestion and Answer
Grad school is not for everyone• Plenty of smart people go right to industryPlenty of smart people go right to industry
– Learn on the jobLearn on the job
– Advance within company or hop jobsAdvance within company or hop jobs
– Entrepreneurs cannot afford to waitEntrepreneurs cannot afford to wait
• For some, grad school providesFor some, grad school provides
– A way to one-up UVa on the resume A way to one-up UVa on the resume (degree as status symbol)(degree as status symbol)
– A fast track to a job A fast track to a job (faster than working your way up)(faster than working your way up)
– Unique opportunities Unique opportunities (no other way to be professor)(no other way to be professor)
– A great opportunity to focusA great opportunity to focus
• Plenty of smart people go right to industryPlenty of smart people go right to industry
– Learn on the jobLearn on the job
– Advance within company or hop jobsAdvance within company or hop jobs
– Entrepreneurs cannot afford to waitEntrepreneurs cannot afford to wait
• For some, grad school providesFor some, grad school provides
– A way to one-up UVa on the resume A way to one-up UVa on the resume (degree as status symbol)(degree as status symbol)
– A fast track to a job A fast track to a job (faster than working your way up)(faster than working your way up)
– Unique opportunities Unique opportunities (no other way to be professor)(no other way to be professor)
– A great opportunity to focusA great opportunity to focus
What is Graduate School Like?
A professor’s perspective…A professor’s perspective…
• Every professor runs a small companyEvery professor runs a small company
– Product: Invents and develops long-range researchProduct: Invents and develops long-range research
– Customer: typically Federal Government (National Customer: typically Federal Government (National Science Foundation, Defense Advanced Research Science Foundation, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency – DARPA)Projects Agency – DARPA)
– Annual Revenue: $300,000 - $1,000,000Annual Revenue: $300,000 - $1,000,000
– Employees: Grad studentsEmployees: Grad students
A professor’s perspective…A professor’s perspective…
• Every professor runs a small companyEvery professor runs a small company
– Product: Invents and develops long-range researchProduct: Invents and develops long-range research
– Customer: typically Federal Government (National Customer: typically Federal Government (National Science Foundation, Defense Advanced Research Science Foundation, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency – DARPA)Projects Agency – DARPA)
– Annual Revenue: $300,000 - $1,000,000Annual Revenue: $300,000 - $1,000,000
– Employees: Grad studentsEmployees: Grad students
What is Graduate School Like?M.S. DegreeM.S. Degree
• 1.5 - 2 years1.5 - 2 years
• Coursework similar to senior-level undergraduate coursesCoursework similar to senior-level undergraduate courses
• Usually provided an opportunity to specializeUsually provided an opportunity to specialize
– Can easily start degree without selecting area of focusCan easily start degree without selecting area of focus
– Good schools provide opportunity to take many focused Good schools provide opportunity to take many focused courses in your favorite area courses in your favorite area
• Research (in form of thesis) may be requiredResearch (in form of thesis) may be required
• Tuition and stipend are possible Tuition and stipend are possible
– (full tuition + $16k / 9 mos + summer job)(full tuition + $16k / 9 mos + summer job)
M.S. DegreeM.S. Degree• 1.5 - 2 years1.5 - 2 years
• Coursework similar to senior-level undergraduate coursesCoursework similar to senior-level undergraduate courses
• Usually provided an opportunity to specializeUsually provided an opportunity to specialize
– Can easily start degree without selecting area of focusCan easily start degree without selecting area of focus
– Good schools provide opportunity to take many focused Good schools provide opportunity to take many focused courses in your favorite area courses in your favorite area
• Research (in form of thesis) may be requiredResearch (in form of thesis) may be required
• Tuition and stipend are possible Tuition and stipend are possible
– (full tuition + $16k / 9 mos + summer job)(full tuition + $16k / 9 mos + summer job)
What is Graduate School Like?Ph.D. DegreePh.D. Degree
• 4 - 7 years4 - 7 years
• Similar coursework to Master’s Degree plus seminars and courses Similar coursework to Master’s Degree plus seminars and courses related to researchrelated to research
• Research requiredResearch required
• Tuition and stipend scholarships are standard Tuition and stipend scholarships are standard
– ($16k / 9 mos + some summer jobs)($16k / 9 mos + some summer jobs)
• Required to specializeRequired to specialize
– Helpful to know research interests from day one to expedite Helpful to know research interests from day one to expedite selection of research focusselection of research focus
– Many select research focus after starting schoolMany select research focus after starting school
Ph.D. DegreePh.D. Degree
• 4 - 7 years4 - 7 years
• Similar coursework to Master’s Degree plus seminars and courses Similar coursework to Master’s Degree plus seminars and courses related to researchrelated to research
• Research requiredResearch required
• Tuition and stipend scholarships are standard Tuition and stipend scholarships are standard
– ($16k / 9 mos + some summer jobs)($16k / 9 mos + some summer jobs)
• Required to specializeRequired to specialize
– Helpful to know research interests from day one to expedite Helpful to know research interests from day one to expedite selection of research focusselection of research focus
– Many select research focus after starting schoolMany select research focus after starting school
Is Graduate School for You?
What are your career goals?What are your career goals?
• Sick and tired of schoolSick and tired of school
• Learn on the job (job hopping)Learn on the job (job hopping)
• EntrepreneurEntrepreneur
• Technology management (manage engineers)Technology management (manage engineers)
• ProfessorProfessor
What are your career goals?What are your career goals?
• Sick and tired of schoolSick and tired of school
• Learn on the job (job hopping)Learn on the job (job hopping)
• EntrepreneurEntrepreneur
• Technology management (manage engineers)Technology management (manage engineers)
• ProfessorProfessor
Is Graduate School for You?
• Do you enjoy learning - becoming an expert?Do you enjoy learning - becoming an expert?
– PhD makes you world’s expert in PhD makes you world’s expert in foofoo
• Do you like being a big fish in a small pond?Do you like being a big fish in a small pond?
– Question applies to job and school optionsQuestion applies to job and school options
• Do you prefer constancy or change?Do you prefer constancy or change?
– Higher degrees are entree to management Higher degrees are entree to management and provide you with more controland provide you with more control
• Financial situationFinancial situation
• Do you enjoy learning - becoming an expert?Do you enjoy learning - becoming an expert?
– PhD makes you world’s expert in PhD makes you world’s expert in foofoo
• Do you like being a big fish in a small pond?Do you like being a big fish in a small pond?
– Question applies to job and school optionsQuestion applies to job and school options
• Do you prefer constancy or change?Do you prefer constancy or change?
– Higher degrees are entree to management Higher degrees are entree to management and provide you with more controland provide you with more control
• Financial situationFinancial situation
Is Graduate School for You?
Degree pros and consDegree pros and cons
• Bachelor’s DegreeBachelor’s Degree
– Good starting salary ($50k) but peaks earlyGood starting salary ($50k) but peaks early
– More job openingsMore job openings
– Opportunity to swap jobs or move to managementOpportunity to swap jobs or move to management
– But many jobs are entry levelBut many jobs are entry level
– Less control of day-to-day tasksLess control of day-to-day tasks
– Employer usually benefits from not promoting youEmployer usually benefits from not promoting you
– May become bored – have to hop jobsMay become bored – have to hop jobs
Degree pros and consDegree pros and cons
• Bachelor’s DegreeBachelor’s Degree
– Good starting salary ($50k) but peaks earlyGood starting salary ($50k) but peaks early
– More job openingsMore job openings
– Opportunity to swap jobs or move to managementOpportunity to swap jobs or move to management
– But many jobs are entry levelBut many jobs are entry level
– Less control of day-to-day tasksLess control of day-to-day tasks
– Employer usually benefits from not promoting youEmployer usually benefits from not promoting you
– May become bored – have to hop jobsMay become bored – have to hop jobs
BS in CS Job Satisfaction
1992 CS graduates were surveyed in 19971992 CS graduates were surveyed in 1997
• Reported high satisfaction with working conditions Reported high satisfaction with working conditions (and the economy only got hotter 1997 – 2001… (and the economy only got hotter 1997 – 2001… it’s’ cold now)it’s’ cold now)
From: www.nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2001165
1992 CS graduates were surveyed in 19971992 CS graduates were surveyed in 1997
• Reported high satisfaction with working conditions Reported high satisfaction with working conditions (and the economy only got hotter 1997 – 2001… (and the economy only got hotter 1997 – 2001… it’s’ cold now)it’s’ cold now)
From: www.nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2001165
Show Me the Money
2001 Undergraduate Salaries2001 Undergraduate Salaries2001 Undergraduate Salaries2001 Undergraduate Salaries Econ/FinanceEcon/Finance $40,577$40,577
CommerceCommerce $38,449$38,449
MISMIS $45,585$45,585
CSCS $52,723$52,723
Information Information ScienceScience
$45,182$45,182
Computer EngComputer Eng $53,924$53,924
EEEE $52,910$52,910
PetroleumPetroleum $53,878$53,878
EnglishEnglish $31,501$31,501
SociologySociology $28,812$28,812
PsychologyPsychology $30,338$30,338
HistoryHistory $30,375$30,375
Political SciencePolitical Science $32,744$32,744
www.naceweb.org/press/display.cfm/2001/pr071101.htm
Show Me the Money
AccountingAccounting $40,293 up 3.2%$40,293 up 3.2%
MarketingMarketing $35,374 up 1%$35,374 up 1%
BusinessBusiness $35,209 down 7.1% (14% $35,209 down 7.1% (14% -> 1% consultants)-> 1% consultants)
CSCS $50,352 down 3.6 (most $50,352 down 3.6 (most sought-after grads)sought-after grads)
Software EngSoftware Eng $54,922$54,922
Information SystemsInformation Systems $41,414 down 7.4%$41,414 down 7.4%
Chemical EngChemical Eng $51,254 steady$51,254 steady
Elect EngElect Eng $50.387 down 3.5%$50.387 down 3.5%
Civil EngCivil Eng $40,848 down 1%$40,848 down 1%
Mechanical EngMechanical Eng $48,654 steady$48,654 steady
Liberal ArtsLiberal Arts $28,667 down 5.6%$28,667 down 5.6%
2002 Undergraduate Salaries2002 Undergraduate Salaries2002 Undergraduate Salaries2002 Undergraduate Salaries
http://www.naceweb.org/press/display.asp?year=2002&prid=155
http://www.naceweb.org/press/display.asp?year=2002&prid=164
Show Me the Money
AccountingAccounting $41,360 up 2.6%$41,360 up 2.6%
Economics/financeEconomics/finance $40,764 up 1.8%$40,764 up 1.8%
BusinessBusiness $36,515 up 3.7% (mostly $36,515 up 3.7% (mostly sales and mgmt trainee)sales and mgmt trainee)
CSCS $46,536 down 7.6% (sixth $46,536 down 7.6% (sixth consecutive drop)consecutive drop)
Information Systems / Information Systems / SystemsSystems
$39,800 down 3.8%$39,800 down 3.8%
Chemical EngChemical Eng $52,169 up 1.8%$52,169 up 1.8%
Elect EngElect Eng $50,566 steady$50,566 steady
Civil EngCivil Eng $41,067 up 0.5%$41,067 up 0.5%
Mechanical EngMechanical Eng $48,659 steady$48,659 steady
Liberal ArtsLiberal Arts $29,543 up 3.1%$29,543 up 3.1%
2003 Undergraduate Salaries2003 Undergraduate Salaries2003 Undergraduate Salaries2003 Undergraduate Salaries
Show Me the Money
UVa-specific salary info for 2002-2003 UVa-specific salary info for 2002-2003 school yearschool year
Average SalariesAverage Salaries
• CS - $55,000 (max $77,000) – 18 respondentsCS - $55,000 (max $77,000) – 18 respondents
• Systems - $50,750 – 33 respondentsSystems - $50,750 – 33 respondents
• Computer Engineering - $54,000 – 9 respondentsComputer Engineering - $54,000 – 9 respondents
• EE - $53,000 – 13 respondentsEE - $53,000 – 13 respondents
UVa-specific salary info for 2002-2003 UVa-specific salary info for 2002-2003 school yearschool year
Average SalariesAverage Salaries
• CS - $55,000 (max $77,000) – 18 respondentsCS - $55,000 (max $77,000) – 18 respondents
• Systems - $50,750 – 33 respondentsSystems - $50,750 – 33 respondents
• Computer Engineering - $54,000 – 9 respondentsComputer Engineering - $54,000 – 9 respondents
• EE - $53,000 – 13 respondentsEE - $53,000 – 13 respondents
Is Graduate School for You?
Master’s Degree Benefits Master’s Degree Benefits
• Better starting salary ($70k)Better starting salary ($70k)
• Many job openingsMany job openings
• Potential to start at management levelPotential to start at management level
• Opportunity to swap jobsOpportunity to swap jobs
• More control of day-to-day tasksMore control of day-to-day tasks
Master’s Degree Benefits Master’s Degree Benefits
• Better starting salary ($70k)Better starting salary ($70k)
• Many job openingsMany job openings
• Potential to start at management levelPotential to start at management level
• Opportunity to swap jobsOpportunity to swap jobs
• More control of day-to-day tasksMore control of day-to-day tasks
Is Graduate School for You?
Master’s Degree ConsMaster’s Degree Cons
• Still not in charge of project Still not in charge of project
• 1.5 - 2 years of lost wages (less if paid during school)1.5 - 2 years of lost wages (less if paid during school)
• May become bored by repetitive tasksMay become bored by repetitive tasks
• May become frustrated by poor employees and lack May become frustrated by poor employees and lack of support from upper-level managementof support from upper-level management
Master’s Degree ConsMaster’s Degree Cons
• Still not in charge of project Still not in charge of project
• 1.5 - 2 years of lost wages (less if paid during school)1.5 - 2 years of lost wages (less if paid during school)
• May become bored by repetitive tasksMay become bored by repetitive tasks
• May become frustrated by poor employees and lack May become frustrated by poor employees and lack of support from upper-level managementof support from upper-level management
Is Graduate School for You?
Ph.D. Degree BenefitsPh.D. Degree Benefits
• Better starting salary ($100k+)Better starting salary ($100k+)
• Large amount of control over workLarge amount of control over work
• Opportunity to teach in universityOpportunity to teach in university
• Management skills assumedManagement skills assumed
• You’ll be the world’s expert in ________You’ll be the world’s expert in ________
Ph.D. Degree BenefitsPh.D. Degree Benefits
• Better starting salary ($100k+)Better starting salary ($100k+)
• Large amount of control over workLarge amount of control over work
• Opportunity to teach in universityOpportunity to teach in university
• Management skills assumedManagement skills assumed
• You’ll be the world’s expert in ________You’ll be the world’s expert in ________
Is Graduate School for You?
Ph.D. Degree ConsPh.D. Degree Cons
• 3 - 4 years of income beyond the masters is lost3 - 4 years of income beyond the masters is lost
• Overqualified to make large jumps between fieldsOverqualified to make large jumps between fields
• It’s a lot of hard work with few clear pathsIt’s a lot of hard work with few clear paths
Ph.D. Degree ConsPh.D. Degree Cons
• 3 - 4 years of income beyond the masters is lost3 - 4 years of income beyond the masters is lost
• Overqualified to make large jumps between fieldsOverqualified to make large jumps between fields
• It’s a lot of hard work with few clear pathsIt’s a lot of hard work with few clear paths
Total numbers in grad school
Year 2002 Data From: www.cra.org/statistics/Year 2002 Data From: www.cra.org/statistics/
16,907 BS degrees produced16,907 BS degrees produced• 19% women, 3.4% African American, 3.6% Hispanic19% women, 3.4% African American, 3.6% Hispanic
7,031 MS degrees produced by top 407,031 MS degrees produced by top 40• 26% women, 1.1% African American, 1.2% Hispanic26% women, 1.1% African American, 1.2% Hispanic
700 PhDs produced in US700 PhDs produced in US• 18% were women18% were women
• Only 9 were African American (1.3%)Only 9 were African American (1.3%)
• Only 11 were Hispanic (1.6%)Only 11 were Hispanic (1.6%)
• 45% were international students 45% were international students (50% decline in 2003 GRE takers)(50% decline in 2003 GRE takers)
Year 2002 Data From: www.cra.org/statistics/Year 2002 Data From: www.cra.org/statistics/
16,907 BS degrees produced16,907 BS degrees produced• 19% women, 3.4% African American, 3.6% Hispanic19% women, 3.4% African American, 3.6% Hispanic
7,031 MS degrees produced by top 407,031 MS degrees produced by top 40• 26% women, 1.1% African American, 1.2% Hispanic26% women, 1.1% African American, 1.2% Hispanic
700 PhDs produced in US700 PhDs produced in US• 18% were women18% were women
• Only 9 were African American (1.3%)Only 9 were African American (1.3%)
• Only 11 were Hispanic (1.6%)Only 11 were Hispanic (1.6%)
• 45% were international students 45% were international students (50% decline in 2003 GRE takers)(50% decline in 2003 GRE takers)
How Do I Apply?Application packet consists of the followingApplication packet consists of the following
• TranscriptTranscript
– Important, but not much you can do about this now…Important, but not much you can do about this now…
• Letters of RecommendationLetters of Recommendation
– Important – make or break marginal casesImportant – make or break marginal cases
– Establish relationships with 3 UVa profs now!Establish relationships with 3 UVa profs now!
• Personal StatementPersonal Statement
– Somewhat important – think about what you likeSomewhat important – think about what you like
• GREsGREs
– Sanity check only. Subject test is hard, but many do poorly.Sanity check only. Subject test is hard, but many do poorly.
Application packet consists of the followingApplication packet consists of the following
• TranscriptTranscript
– Important, but not much you can do about this now…Important, but not much you can do about this now…
• Letters of RecommendationLetters of Recommendation
– Important – make or break marginal casesImportant – make or break marginal cases
– Establish relationships with 3 UVa profs now!Establish relationships with 3 UVa profs now!
• Personal StatementPersonal Statement
– Somewhat important – think about what you likeSomewhat important – think about what you like
• GREsGREs
– Sanity check only. Subject test is hard, but many do poorly.Sanity check only. Subject test is hard, but many do poorly.
How Do I Apply?
TranscriptTranscript
• Your school’s reputation,Your school’s reputation,
• your gradesyour grades
• and your courses will speak for themselvesand your courses will speak for themselves
• Schools are sympathetic to GPAs that improve over Schools are sympathetic to GPAs that improve over time and weaknesses in outside areastime and weaknesses in outside areas
TranscriptTranscript
• Your school’s reputation,Your school’s reputation,
• your gradesyour grades
• and your courses will speak for themselvesand your courses will speak for themselves
• Schools are sympathetic to GPAs that improve over Schools are sympathetic to GPAs that improve over time and weaknesses in outside areastime and weaknesses in outside areas
How Do I Apply?
Letters of RecommendationLetters of Recommendation
• These carry a great amount of weightThese carry a great amount of weight
• Help your letter writer by reminding him/her of Help your letter writer by reminding him/her of significant interactions you have hadsignificant interactions you have had
• Help your letter writer by sharing your research Help your letter writer by sharing your research interests so he/she may find ways to write a letter interests so he/she may find ways to write a letter that complements your personal statementthat complements your personal statement
Letters of RecommendationLetters of Recommendation
• These carry a great amount of weightThese carry a great amount of weight
• Help your letter writer by reminding him/her of Help your letter writer by reminding him/her of significant interactions you have hadsignificant interactions you have had
• Help your letter writer by sharing your research Help your letter writer by sharing your research interests so he/she may find ways to write a letter interests so he/she may find ways to write a letter that complements your personal statementthat complements your personal statement
How Do I Apply?
Contact person at other schoolContact person at other school• This is very difficultThis is very difficult
• Strike up an email conversation with prof from another Strike up an email conversation with prof from another schoolschool
• Us profs get many such emails from Chinese and Us profs get many such emails from Chinese and Indian studentsIndian students
– Don’t sound desperateDon’t sound desperate
– Ask a reasonable question about the professor’s Ask a reasonable question about the professor’s research – showcase your qualificationsresearch – showcase your qualifications
Contact person at other schoolContact person at other school• This is very difficultThis is very difficult
• Strike up an email conversation with prof from another Strike up an email conversation with prof from another schoolschool
• Us profs get many such emails from Chinese and Us profs get many such emails from Chinese and Indian studentsIndian students
– Don’t sound desperateDon’t sound desperate
– Ask a reasonable question about the professor’s Ask a reasonable question about the professor’s research – showcase your qualificationsresearch – showcase your qualifications
How Do I Apply?
Personal StatementPersonal Statement
• This is a great opportunity to stand outThis is a great opportunity to stand out
• Research the schools in which you are interestedResearch the schools in which you are interested
• Ask professors to explain research areasAsk professors to explain research areas
• Try to sound like a student with experience, Try to sound like a student with experience, focus, and initiativefocus, and initiative
• Don’t limit your choices by writing something that Don’t limit your choices by writing something that makes you sound too focused (unless you are)makes you sound too focused (unless you are)
Personal StatementPersonal Statement
• This is a great opportunity to stand outThis is a great opportunity to stand out
• Research the schools in which you are interestedResearch the schools in which you are interested
• Ask professors to explain research areasAsk professors to explain research areas
• Try to sound like a student with experience, Try to sound like a student with experience, focus, and initiativefocus, and initiative
• Don’t limit your choices by writing something that Don’t limit your choices by writing something that makes you sound too focused (unless you are)makes you sound too focused (unless you are)
How Do I Apply?
GRE’sGRE’s• General test always requiredGeneral test always required
– General test is like SAT’s but slightly harderGeneral test is like SAT’s but slightly harder
– New for 2002 – Writing Component (true for SATs too!)New for 2002 – Writing Component (true for SATs too!)
Used to be called analytical section (multiple Used to be called analytical section (multiple choice)choice)
• Subject test frequently requiredSubject test frequently required
– Subject test is very detail orientedSubject test is very detail oriented
• Study! Purchase old tests for practice!Study! Purchase old tests for practice!
GRE’sGRE’s• General test always requiredGeneral test always required
– General test is like SAT’s but slightly harderGeneral test is like SAT’s but slightly harder
– New for 2002 – Writing Component (true for SATs too!)New for 2002 – Writing Component (true for SATs too!)
Used to be called analytical section (multiple Used to be called analytical section (multiple choice)choice)
• Subject test frequently requiredSubject test frequently required
– Subject test is very detail orientedSubject test is very detail oriented
• Study! Purchase old tests for practice!Study! Purchase old tests for practice!
Where Do I Apply
US News and World Report top 20US News and World Report top 20• Try to upgradeTry to upgrade
– UVa grad school is good, but you can probably do UVa grad school is good, but you can probably do better. Exposure to new school (breadth) is better. Exposure to new school (breadth) is encouraged unless you’re part of a special project encouraged unless you’re part of a special project here already that will make your graduate here already that will make your graduate experience really valuable hereexperience really valuable here
• Try not to worry about the moneyTry not to worry about the money
– Most schools have similar packages for their Most schools have similar packages for their students. Those who want funding can usually students. Those who want funding can usually find it.find it.
US News and World Report top 20US News and World Report top 20• Try to upgradeTry to upgrade
– UVa grad school is good, but you can probably do UVa grad school is good, but you can probably do better. Exposure to new school (breadth) is better. Exposure to new school (breadth) is encouraged unless you’re part of a special project encouraged unless you’re part of a special project here already that will make your graduate here already that will make your graduate experience really valuable hereexperience really valuable here
• Try not to worry about the moneyTry not to worry about the money
– Most schools have similar packages for their Most schools have similar packages for their students. Those who want funding can usually students. Those who want funding can usually find it.find it.
Where Do I Apply (US News 2003)
1. Carnegie Mellon University
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
3. Stanford University
4. U. of California–Berkeley
5. U. of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign
6. Cornell
7. U. of Texas – AustinU. of Washington
9. Princeton University
1. Carnegie Mellon University
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
3. Stanford University
4. U. of California–Berkeley
5. U. of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign
6. Cornell
7. U. of Texas – AustinU. of Washington
9. Princeton University
10. California TechU. of Wisconsin - Madison
12. Maryland, Georgia Tech
14. Brown University, UCLA, Michigan
17. Rice University, UNC, Penn
20. Columbia, Duke, Harvard, Purdue, UCSD
25. UMass – Amherst, Yale
27. U. of Southern Cal, U. of Virginia
29. Hopkins, NYU, Rutgers, SUNY-Stony Brook, UC-Irvine, Utah
10. California TechU. of Wisconsin - Madison
12. Maryland, Georgia Tech
14. Brown University, UCLA, Michigan
17. Rice University, UNC, Penn
20. Columbia, Duke, Harvard, Purdue, UCSD
25. UMass – Amherst, Yale
27. U. of Southern Cal, U. of Virginia
29. Hopkins, NYU, Rutgers, SUNY-Stony Brook, UC-Irvine, Utah
Soapbox (Dave’s Opinion)
Get a Master’s DegreeGet a Master’s Degree• You’ll have more control over your day to day tasks and have You’ll have more control over your day to day tasks and have
a leg up in managementa leg up in management
Only get the Ph.D. if you are strongly compelled to Only get the Ph.D. if you are strongly compelled to get what it providesget what it provides
Don’t go to work and think you’ll come back to Don’t go to work and think you’ll come back to school – it’s too hardschool – it’s too hard
Always remember to consider cost of living Always remember to consider cost of living adjustments when comparing salariesadjustments when comparing salaries• Silicon Valley is expensiveSilicon Valley is expensive
Get a Master’s DegreeGet a Master’s Degree• You’ll have more control over your day to day tasks and have You’ll have more control over your day to day tasks and have
a leg up in managementa leg up in management
Only get the Ph.D. if you are strongly compelled to Only get the Ph.D. if you are strongly compelled to get what it providesget what it provides
Don’t go to work and think you’ll come back to Don’t go to work and think you’ll come back to school – it’s too hardschool – it’s too hard
Always remember to consider cost of living Always remember to consider cost of living adjustments when comparing salariesadjustments when comparing salaries• Silicon Valley is expensiveSilicon Valley is expensive
Special Case
Get employer-paid M.S. while workingGet employer-paid M.S. while working
• Consider quality of school (in NoVa GMU and GWU)Consider quality of school (in NoVa GMU and GWU)
– If you weren’t working, a better school is possibleIf you weren’t working, a better school is possible
– A MS degree from GMU might not be worth much to A MS degree from GMU might not be worth much to you if you are capable of CMU (won’t open doors)you if you are capable of CMU (won’t open doors)
• Difficult to work and study – but you’re young and Difficult to work and study – but you’re young and might not have time committmentsmight not have time committments
• Consider that school will likely pay you tooConsider that school will likely pay you too
Get employer-paid M.S. while workingGet employer-paid M.S. while working
• Consider quality of school (in NoVa GMU and GWU)Consider quality of school (in NoVa GMU and GWU)
– If you weren’t working, a better school is possibleIf you weren’t working, a better school is possible
– A MS degree from GMU might not be worth much to A MS degree from GMU might not be worth much to you if you are capable of CMU (won’t open doors)you if you are capable of CMU (won’t open doors)
• Difficult to work and study – but you’re young and Difficult to work and study – but you’re young and might not have time committmentsmight not have time committments
• Consider that school will likely pay you tooConsider that school will likely pay you too