I was recently accepted into SDSU (Online) and CSU Northridge (in person) for MS in CPE.
I was wondering which of these schools would be a better choice for the purposes of employment.
I have summarized any courses that seemed relevant/interesting to me for both schools:
CSUN - SOC, Digital Design, Machine Learning, Data Mining, Advanced Computer Graphics, Software Verification/Validation, Advanced OS, Fault Tolerant Software, Intro to AI
So far, both schools seem to have a good foundation of coursework, with CSUN having a bit more variety, since it is in person. The SDSU program is completely online, and the available coursework seems to be more limited compared to CSUN.
Looking at LinkedIn profiles, it seems like SDSU MS grads have more gainful employment than those at CSUN, so that is something I’m also considering.
If anyone has any experience with either of these programs, it would greatly help me to hear your opinion on which of these programs would be better, thanks!
What do your undergrad professors recommend?
Is location or affordability an issue?
Are you an international student?
It would be beneficial, in my opinion to attend an in person university, for not only the contacts, but also to strengthen your social environment. Our son had to do part of his schooling during Covid, and online learning became tiresome.
Our son has a B.S. degree in computer engineering and he has not had an issue with employment. Our daughter also has a double major degree (EECS) and has not had issues with finding employment. Both, however have had very strong resumes in their internships and experiences.
Both, also have strong leadership and social skills, so this may have been a factor in their employability and stability. There were some layoffs last summer, at both of their companies, but both survived the layoffs because both have a strong work ethic and are visible in their offices.
Both CSU’s have Career Centers.
If you require sponsorship, none of the three companies (where my family members are employed), are hiring non-citizens.