Short, 16-month MS in CS course considerations (Columbia)

[Shreeyak]

I've recieved an admit to Columbia Univ's MS in CS program, and only now discovered that the course is only 16 months long, 3 semesters total. 

I'm choosing the thesis track, as it's important to me to conduct research. However, won't the short course duration be a disadvantage? 8 months less time to work in the lab compared to other 24 month programs. Also less time to prepare for interviews and apply to jobs in the last semester (assuming the internship doesn't convert to a full-time offer, or that you don't like their offer).

What're your thoughts? Columbia is a well-regarded univ as such, so it shouldn't be too big a deal, but it nags me anyhow.