In 2011 I graduated from Boston College with a degree in Political Science. Unfortunately the recession has not been very kind to those in my field of study, and while I’m lucky to be employed I’m not making nearly what I like, or doing anything that I find intellectually engaging. For the past few months I have approached programming as an autodidact, acquainting myself with Python and UNIX/Linux. I’ve decided that I would like to go back to school for a second degree in CS. Of course, money is a priority - I already have loans and don’t want to compound them with one more degree from some place overpriced and private. There are several public schools I am considering:
- Stony Brook - Has a well regarded program in CS. Unfortunately spots are limited, and I've heard perhaps not even available for 2nd degree applicants - we just aren't priorities, which I actually understand. Still, I might apply anyway if I even have a slim chance of getting in.
- SUNY Farmingdale - Extremely accessible to me by car. This is the most convenient school for me to attend, but I don't know if it has much of a reputation among employers. To be fair, I'm not even sure if reputation is much of a factor, given the results-oriented bent of the field.
- Queens College / Brooklyn College - A little farther than SUNY Farmingdale, both have CS Programs but I know nothing about the quality of their respective departments.
- CCNY / Hunter College - It would be an onerous commute, but doable. I actually attended CCNY for two years before transferring to Boston College. I've heard good things about the grove school, but I'd like that to be corroborated if possible.
What do you guys think? Compared to a private institution the public options are dirt cheap, but aside from Stony Brook I don’t know if they’re well regarded. That being said, perhaps reputation is less important than I thought?