CMU vs. UC-Boulder

[faythfulwings]

Hi everyone, 

 

I'd like some advice. I've been accepted into both the University of Colorado - Boulder Masters of Computer Science and Carnegie Mellon Masters of Entertainment Technology program. I'm not sure which offer to accept. Both are good programs, though one is a traditional CS degree and the other is more geared towards graphics, video game development, and the entertainment technology industry. Neither have offered me funding so that is not a consideration. I'm not sure which one to pick as I think I would do well in either. Any suggestions? 

[ArtHistoryandMuseum]

If I had to go with location, I'd go with sunny Boulder over Pittsburgh any day. (I'm an east coaster, who has been to Boulder many times <-- take that for what it is worth!).

 

BUT you should select a program that will prepare you the best for the future. I'm guessing that you will looking for employment after your degree? Entertainment Technology may give you the right connections and experience. However, you should consult someone, who really knows the field and the reputations of each of the school's programs. Good luck!

[faythfulwings]

Thanks for your reply. Both schools do have good reputations, though the Carnegie Mellon program is perceived as "better" because of the school's reputation. I was able to visit the campus and speak with a student there, as well as look at post graduation employment data. Though the program doesn't strictly describe itself as a video game development program specifically, from what I understood, you will work on interdisciplinary teams and the entire program is project based, much like how you would work in that industry. In addition, after going through the employment data for that program specifically, most of the graduates did end up in a gaming company, some well known, some not so well known. 

 

While I do feel like this program would definitely get my foot in the door, I don't necessarily want to limit myself to this area of industry, in case I want to change careers down the line. I have gotten many mixed answers from the internet and people I've talked to. Some say it doesn't matter what degree you get because, 5+years down the line it's about experience. Some say the reputation of the school, even if I'm unsure about the degree and the direction it takes me post graduation, would help open doors for me regardless. Still others say to get the Computer Science degree because its more respected and would show I would be able to apply skills in general, and not specifically the gaming industry. 

 

To be honest, though I do have some interest in exploring the gaming industry, I have no previous experience and am not 100% sure that's the direction I want to go, job-wise. And, because of that, it's making me lean more towards CS at Boulder, since I would be exposed to multiple areas of CS. 

 

Anyone have any thoughts? comments? 

[kcyc]

I would say cmu.

To get your foot in the field of your choice, u can just take classes at cmu in that field, do project/research in non gaming field.

 

CS is broad, so even with CS degree the recruiter will look at your experiences to see if you're a good fit.

 

In gaming you learn graphics, web applications, machine learning (I'm guessing) so those skills are actually more practical than theoretical and better for jobs, I'm guessing

 

Though I'n not anexpert in this matter.

Edited April 5, 2014 by kcyc