UIUC CS MCS v/s Cornell CS MEng v/s TAMU MS CS thesis

[_silverSpoon]

Hi,

 

I needed help/advice…

 

I applied for MS for Fall 2014 season last year to some universities in US. I wanted to know input about which university should I choose? I have admits from:

 

1. UIUC University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

CS MCS Professional Masters of Computer Science program (non-thesis program - 3 semesters)

2. Cornell University

CS MEng Master of Engineering program (non-thesis program - 9 months)

3. TAMU Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

CS MS program (thesis program - 2 years)

 

I don’t know if I would want to do PhD in the future after I complete my Masters and pay off the loan.

So, I want to keep the option for going to PhD open, if possible.

 

I'm confused as to which university should I choose.

 

I've equal inclination for both thesis and non-thesis programs. But, I think I'll be ruining my chances if I go for TAMU MS (thesis) and then don't get PhD into a better college.

 

 

Query#1:

What is the return on investment(ROI) of TAMU compared to UIUC/Cornell? Will an MS CS thesis from TAMU make my profile better to get PhD from a better university in the future?

 

However, if I choose Cornell/ UIUC, the brand tag and my hard work will always get me a great job.

 

Query#2:

If I choose a non-thesis program, which of the two ( UIUC and Cornell ) is better?

 

I am also mentioning my analysis for UIUC and Cornell so far:

 

                        UIUC

 - PRO: Internship and TA opportunity

 - PRO: More projects done as part of courses

 - PRO: Cheaper ( i-20 57k) - Around 25lac INR

 - Will get a job a bit late.

 - Public IVY league

 - Have some time to settle down and plan degree according to ones liking.

 - CON: Will have to take Courses just to complete breadth requirement.

 

                      Cornell

 - CON: No internship and TA opportunity

 - CON: Only one project

 - CON: Costlier ( i-20 67k) - Around 35lac INR

 - Will get a job 6 months earlier. Can make up for the additional cost.

 - IVY league

 - Hectic from day one. Need to be well prepared and should have planned course structure well in advance. Have to start looking for fulltime job soon.

 - PRO: Can tailor courses as I please.

 

Please reply with your opinions/feedback. Let me know if you need more information.

 

Thanks,

Jatin Ganhotra

[vedhavyas]

Hi jatin,

Of the three what did you pick finally.

I'm planning to apply to those non-thesis programs this spring.  Any suggestions for me?