Applied Math@UCLA vs CSE@Gatech

[A1icia]

Hi there! I am deciding between these two program and I really need some suggestions from you.

I career goal is to continue to do academia which I would probably fail so my back-up plan is to become a machine learning engineer.

Here are some information I know.

UCLA: pros The school has a better location and reputation. Stipend 31K/year. There are several professors do stuff in machine learning. Nice climate.

            cons The core requirements are too theoretical: Numerical Analysis, Applied ODE/PDE. Relatively weaker networks in Industry compared to Gatech.

Gatech: pros Though the home unit is math department, there is a large flexibility in selection of courses and advisors. The core requirements are very practical and useful: numerical methods, discrete algorithms, modeling and simulation, computational data analysis, high performance computing. Better connection is industry.

               cons life in Atlanta could be too simple. The location and reputation is just fine.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Please help me out!!!!

 

[rosebud123]

How are classes in applied differential equations and numerical analysis too theoretical?

[Bayesian1701]

6 hours ago, rosebud123 said:

How are classes in applied differential equations and numerical analysis too theoretical?

Agreed. If you want a PhD the theory could help you.  Plus if it’s a CS program their version of those courses may not be as theoretical as courses targeted at Math PhD students.  Plus the better reputation should help you in PhD admissions later on.  

What’s the funding like at GA Tech?  31k isn’t a lot for LA. 

Edited February 27, 2018 by Bayesian1701

[A1icia]

On 2/27/2018 at 12:51 PM, Bayesian1701 said:

Agreed. If you want a PhD the theory could help you.  Plus if it’s a CS program their version of those courses may not be as theoretical as courses targeted at Math PhD students.  Plus the better reputation should help you in PhD admissions later on.  

What’s the funding like at GA Tech?  31k isn’t a lot for LA. 

Well, they are not that theoretical but they are definitely not very practical. GA Tech is about 2400/month. I know LA is running out of their fund lately. Another reason I don't wanna go... I just don't feel like doing research that are too ahead of the industry and will never be used or applied in real world problems while I am still alive.