Is Columbia University better than UMass Amherst for an MS in computer science?

Is Columbia University better than UMass Amherst for an MS in computer science?

  • I have admits from both UMass Amherst and Columbia for MS CS, and I'm interested in the field of ML/AI. UMass Pros: 1. Highly Selective 2. Cheaper 3. Research Opportunities 4. A friend who joined in fall 2013 Columbia Pros: 1. Higher Ranked MS CS. However for AI it is one rank below UMass. 2. 3 semester course 3. NYC 4. Ivy league My focus is more on getting a job after my masters than pursuing a Phd. Does living in NYC helps? Also which school will be better for overall academic and career growth if money is not an issue? Please give any suggestions regarding the selection of university as I am at my wits end. Any pointers would be helpful. Thanks.

  • Answer:

    You are right that UMass Amherst's CS MS program is highly selective. Its acceptance rate is less than 10%. Among its other strengths, the School of Computer Science is extremely well-known for its AI program and its many faculty working in the area of machine learning. The MS program is not a professional degree -- it is an academically rigorous program, with MS students taking the same (tough) classes as PhD students. However, if you are not interested in getting involved with research and are more focused on getting out early, you should probably consider looking elsewhere.

Emery Berger at Quora Visit the source

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Other answers

First of all, one rank below UMass doesn't mean Columbia is inferior to UMass. Rankings include a lot of factors which may not be relevant to you. Since you want to work in the industry after graduating, NY city factor will definitely help. If money isn't the concern and getting a job is the aim, then Columbia will be a better option. Ivy League badge is not that relevant when it comes to engineering. All the best.

Anshuman Dogra

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