SJSU vs SCU vs Berkeley vs UCI - CS comparisons

Gumbymom
Tue, 27 Apr 2021 16:43:15 +0000

I will give you my perspective about CS programs in general. First I like to check the ABET accredition website to see if the programs are accredited. This is not necessarily as important for CS vs. other Engineering majors, but it indicates that each program “ meets the quality standards that produce graduates prepared to enter a global workforce.”

Second, I look at the CS curriculum for each school to see if they are some CS electives that are more of an interest to the student. ie. Artificial Intelligence, Game Design, Cybersecurity etc…

Santa Clara due to size and being private would probably have the best student to professor interaction depending upon class size. The UC’s and Cal states require the student to be proactive and meet with professors during office hours so more up to the student to advocate for themselves.

Regarding internships and post grad jobs, the location for UCB, SJSU and SCU are helpful for the Silicon Valley but many employers recruit widely throughout the US. Each school’s career center will determine which employers recruit on each campus so I suggest looking at the schools websites.

Again, much is up to the student and no one is going hand them an internship or job on a platter.

After a year or two post grad, it will make little difference where the student attended Undergrad since job experience will out weigh other considerations.

My younger son attended SDSU as a CS major (not considered a powerhouse in CS) but was able to land 2 internships in Cybersecurity (his emphasis) on his own during his Undergrad. Found a job right out of college and 2 years post is working for double his original salary at his dream job.

A CS degree is highly marketable so the best CS program would be where your student feels he fits in best (financially, academically and socially).