Stanford vs. Berkeley, CS MS

[cs010101]

Hey folks,

So I know that there have been recent discussions of Stanford vs. UCB's PhD programs, but does anyone have any thoughts on how their Master's programs stack up?

I'm interested in systems and/or databases, but am not really sure I want to pursue a PhD afterwards (which is one of the reasons I applied for an MS instead of PhD).

Stanford:

I like the focus on entrepreneurship, proximity to SV, industry contacts, breadth of required coursework

I'm concerned about:

- The large size of the program w/over 100 master's students and what I've heard is a less welcoming attitude from professors vis-a-vis the PhD students

- Reputation among employers and schools -- true or not, I've heard some people refer to it as Stanford's cash cow diploma mill (probably due to HCP)

- Should I decide to pursue a PhD in the future, would the pre-professional focus of this program hold me back?

Berkeley:

I like that it's a smaller program, presumably with more access to professors, etc.; I like the town better, too.

I'm concerned that:

- It would be overly research focused -- how useful would this be if I do not end up going for a PhD?

- It seems like there might be fewer recruiting opportunities there than at Stanford, especially with startups, due to location?

Neither is offering significant funding, but Berkeley would be cheaper overall.

Thanks!

Edited April 11, 2011 by cs010101

[Kirov]

I'd be interested to hear this too.. although I've already accepted Stanford anyway. Just out of curiosity, where are you coming from for undergrad?

[Azazel]

If you have to spend money either way, and you are interested in entrepreneurship/startups, I'd say go with Stanford.

I agree its possible (probable?) that MSCS students may be treated as second class citizens in certain respects (e.g. no "offices" in Gates), and that you may have a harder time getting research opportunities with faculty. But if you are interested in startups, these things shouldn't be your primary concern ;-)

Good luck with the decision.

Edited April 12, 2011 by Azazel

[cs010101]

I'd be interested to hear this too.. although I've already accepted Stanford anyway. Just out of curiosity, where are you coming from for undergrad?

What were you choosing between? What influenced your decision to accept the Stanford offer? I did my undergrad at one of the big 3 schools back east (HYP), but have a fairly non-traditional background (i.e., degree in the humanities) and am applying after working and studying cs/math elsewhere for a couple of years (non-degree).

If you have to spend money either way, and you are interested in entrepreneurship/startups, I'd say go with Stanford.

I agree its possible (probable?) that MSCS students may be treated as second class citizens in certain respects (e.g. no "offices" in Gates), and that you may have a harder time getting research opportunities with faculty. But if you are interested in startups, these things shouldn't be your primary concern ;-)

Thanks for your thoughts!

Edited April 12, 2011 by cs010101

[Amogh]

What were you choosing between? What influenced your decision to accept the Stanford offer? I did my undergrad at one of the big 3 schools back east (HYP), but have a fairly non-traditional background (i.e., degree in the humanities) and am applying after working and studying cs/math elsewhere for a couple of years (non-degree).

Thanks for your thoughts!

Well i am quite sure you have heard of the grass is greener on the other side syndrome. That is exactly what is happening when people say mscs students are treated worse than phd students. Talk to a phd student and he/she'll say the exact opposite. so dont worry about that. Each place is what you make of it.