CS PhD@Princeton vs Robotics MS@CMU

[Elvaesis]

I've got admitted to computer science as a Ph.D at Princeton, and Robotics institute as a master at Carnegie Mellon University.

I'm particularly interested in computer vision, but Princeton is more focused on computer graphics and the interdiscipline of computer graphics and computer vision. And in CMU, there are prestigious professors doing computer vision projects.

so the pros and cons are:

Princeton: pros: PhD funding,

cons: research focus would transfer from vision to graphics(I'm not saying it's not interesting, but I don't want to give up on vision easily)

CMU: pros: great projects, and famous professors in computer vision field, good for my future career

cons: not sure if it's usual to start as a 3rd year PhD after graduation from the MS program

It's really a decision between interests and offer, never been easy one. Could anyone give me any suggestions?

And if you are at Robotics Institute of CMU, could you tell me how is the procedure of transfer from MS to PhD program?

Thanks!

[Elvaesis]

What kind of job offers does CMU Robotics Institute MS graduates receive?

Thanks!

[habanero]

This is a hard decision, and I can definitely understand your position. I had the same issue (with different schools). I ended up accepting the PhD.

Points of consideration:

-You will have 1-2 years before you need to find a POI, right? Interests change and funding can change.

-Many professors will follow what YOU want to do your thesis in.

-A PhD in Computer Science from Princeton isn't anything to sneeze at (putting it lightly).

-Getting PAID to do research is far better than going into debt.

-Famous professors won't matter so much if you are just doing your Masters.

-Famous professors won't have as much time to advise you.

Best of luck!