UT Austin Chem V. UCLA Materials Engineering

[JAG0417]

I got accepted to UT Austin's Chemistry PhD program and UCLA's Materials Science and Engineering program.

 

I have strong interests in the research at both. The professor I am most interested in at UT is new and still working to develop his name. The one at UCLA is established and is very well known. 

 

I think I would prefer to live in Austin, but I think a degree in Engineering might give me better job prospects after graduation.

 

What do you guys think?

Edited March 7, 2013 by JAG0417

[shetanak13]

Did you get funding for UT Austin? UCLA's funding scenario is a bit uncertain. It doesn't seem they are able to guarantee all of their first years fellowships, and the subsequent years funding is up to the advisor. This is what I learned from their open house, which is a little troubling for myself. Anyway, I think it depends on what type of work environment or field you think you'd like to stay in. UCLA obviously has a great name and lots of companies nearby, but if your sights are set on TX maybe you should look more into what options you have there with a chemistry PhD.

Edited March 10, 2013 by shetanak13

[JAG0417]

I'm fully funded at UT Austin.

I am looking to leave the country after graduating, so job prospects around the university aren't that important.

I wish I could have gone to UCLAs open house...

Thanks for the reply btw

[shetanak13]

The open house was informative, at least, but I wasn't impressed with it. It wasn't coordinated well. I was also disappointed about the funding. Sigh.

If you're going out of the country, I'd focus on what work you're doing and who you're working with.

Edited March 10, 2013 by shetanak13

[JAG0417]

The department seemed a little unorganized, they let me know about the visiting weekend 3 days before!

UT Austin's visiting weekend is later this month, I guess I just have to wait until then to even try to decide.