Hi,
I was wondering of anyone could shed some light on the pros and cons of the Masters in Robotics programs at each of these universities.
Though Northwestern is miles ahead in terms of engineering subject rankings, the MS program is short (1 year) and more expensive with seemingly little scope for RA/TA/institutional funding. Is the short course duration a big disadvantage? I realize a PhD right after my masters is virtually impossible to get since applications will have to be submitted 3 months after I begin my course, which isn't enough time to do anything significant. Will finding a job be just as tough? (I haven't decided between a PhD and a job)
Oregon State seems to have some good professors and a lot of ongoing research in robotics. It's also a lot cheaper, is a 2 year program giving me more time for meaningful research, and has the possibility of funding after a semester.
I've found professors of interest in both places, and they seem equally good in terms of research work and publications. My primary concern with Oregon is the ranking. I see all these posts claiming rankings don't matter, but I'm not entirely convinced. With Northwestern, it's about how much I can get out of one year.
I've been scouring through the alumni lists of these universities to see what they are up to, but being new programs, it's hard to find information. Can someone please shed some light?
Thanks in advance.