UMass vs UCLA for AI

[weiner]

Common wisdom is that UCLA is better for probabilistic reasoning (Judea Pearl), and UMass is better for machine learning, planning, and reinforcement learning. Overall, UMass is ranked higher for AI, but UCLA is ranked higher for computer science in general. However, the usnews AI rank is sketchy; from what I've heard, they just ask a bunch of professors who is best and count the frequencies. Anyone have a second opinion? I would be doing a masters.

[dat_nerd]

Are you interested in a particular subfield of AI?

[weiner]

I went with UMass, but for discussion sake, no I haven't settled on a specialty.

[hvasilev]

 Have I been living in a lie this whole time, thinking that I should specify a specific subfield or I have absolutely no chance of admission .... for even a MS degree?

[DFitz]

My sense is that specifying a subfield is encouraged but is not a dealbreaker.

[dat_nerd]

I think it depends on the degree. For a masters degree, it doesn't seem very important to have decided on a specialty. If you're deciding between two programs though, it helps you make a decision as each program has their own individual strengths.