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Computer Science Graduate Schools

While my planned graduation date is scheduled for the end of Summer 2005, I have already begun to research graduate schools in preparation for the next phase of my education. While the next step is to get a Masters degree in Computer Science, my ultimate goal is to successfully complete a Ph.D. program. Some might ask why I want to get a Ph.D. as statistics show there is very little monetary gain that results from having a Ph.D. versus a Masters degree. My answer would be that I've worked in software development across various industries for 20+ years and I've pretty much done everything that I want to do. Since I don't have the temperament for management and I love Computer Science, I want to try my hand at research and/or teaching. In preparation for graduate school, I've been researching my options and I've decided to share some of my thoughts here.

In choosing a graduate school, I need to consider several qualities:

Curriculum - breadth, depth and areas of concentration
Delivery Method - are they local or do they offer distance learning?
Thesis-based Masters - a thesis-based Masters is better preparation for a Ph.D.
Cost - its the sad truth, but I can only afford so much.
Program Reputation - I don't have the option to go to MIT, but I want my Masters degree to be respected.

In the final analysis, both cost and delivery method loomed large leading me to look at Florida institutions that offer graduate degrees via distance learning. Listed below are the schools to which I will be applying and are displayed in the order of preference.

Preference University Department Degrees Offered Admission Requirements Prerequisites Distance Learning

1 University of Florida Computer and Information Science and Engineering M.S.C.S.+
M.S.C.S.
Ph.D.+

Minimum GRE - 1100

Computer Science Subject GRE Recommended

Minimum GPA - 3.0 / 4.0 (Upper level classes)

Three Letters of Recommendation

Statement of Purpose

Two semesters of Calculus

One course in Statistics

One course in discrete math/structures

High level programming language

Introduction to Computer Science

Computer Organization

Data Structures and Algorithms

Operating System Principals

Yes - FEEDS

DL courses/sem: 11
(Spring 2004)

While UF is less exclusive in their minimum requirements vis-a-vis USF, the averages of test scores and GPAs of accepted applicants are higher presumably indicating they are more exclusive. Currently, only about 1 in 10 applicants are being accepted to their graduate program. UF offers a broad curriculum and is well funded in terms of research. It is by far the best funded research institution of the programs I have researched. This would be a wonderful program to attend for a Ph.D. as well; however, I would have to be prepared to move to Gainesville. Overall, UF is my top choice for a graduate school for a Masters degree in Computer Science.

As an added bonus, they are the only institution I have listed here that offers a graduate level course in advanced data structures! I would love to be able to delve more deeply in this topic.

2 Florida Atlantic University Computer Science and Engineering M.S.C.S.+
M.S.C.S.
Ph.D.+

Concentrations in Software or Internet Engineering

Minimum GRE - 1000

Minimum GPA - 3.0 / 4.0 (Last 60 hours)

Computer Design / Architecture

Data Structures

Computer Operating Systems

Design / Analysis of Algorithms

Formal Languages & Automata Theory

Calculus I & II

Discrete Math

Probability and Statistics

Yes - FEEDS

DL courses/sem: 13
(Spring 2004)

FAU has a graduate program that is concentrated in Internet technologies, Software Engineering, Distributed/Parallel Systems and Telecommunications. They have very liberal admission requirements and surprisingly, neither recommendation letters nor a statement or purpose are required! My impression is that they are trying to build the CS graduate school enrollment. Based on statements by the department chair, the department appears to be (with the encouragement of local industry) trying to build their image as a research university. Currently, I don't believe they are rated higher than mediocre in this regard.

FAU is probably my second choice (after UF) for a graduate school. They offer many courses per semester which should allow me to avoid any delays in completing my Masters degree. Also, they offer a broad curriculum which in my mind better prepares me for a Ph.D. program compared to USF.

3 University of South Florida Computer Science and Engineering M.S.C.S.+
M.C.S.
Ph.D.+

Minimum GRE - 1200

Minimum GPA - 3.3 / 4.0 (Last two years)

Three Letters of Recommendation

Statement of Purpose

Calculus through Diff. Eq.

Logic Design

Computer Architecture

Data Structures

Operating Systems

Algorithms

Yes - FEEDS

DL courses/sem: 2
(Spring 2004)

USF has a graduate program that is very concentrated in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Machine Vision and VLSI design. For me it also has the advantage of being a school where I could actually attend classes without having to relocate. While USF is definitely one of the schools I will be applying to, it is not my top choice for a Masters degree simply because of the lack of breadth of their program. However, if you are interested in concentrating your entire graduate school experience in their areas of concentration, then there is simply no better institution in Florida to attend. When I consider schools for Ph.D. work, USF will probably be top on my list.

Preference	University	Department	Degrees Offered	Admission Requirements	Prerequisites	Distance Learning
1	University of Florida	Computer and Information Science and Engineering	M.S.C.S.+ M.S.C.S. Ph.D.+	Minimum GRE - 1100 Computer Science Subject GRE Recommended Minimum GPA - 3.0 / 4.0 (Upper level classes) Three Letters of Recommendation Statement of Purpose	Two semesters of Calculus One course in Statistics One course in discrete math/structures High level programming language Introduction to Computer Science Computer Organization Data Structures and Algorithms Operating System Principals	Yes - FEEDS DL courses/sem: 11 (Spring 2004)
While UF is less exclusive in their minimum requirements vis-a-vis USF, the averages of test scores and GPAs of accepted applicants are higher presumably indicating they are more exclusive. Currently, only about 1 in 10 applicants are being accepted to their graduate program. UF offers a broad curriculum and is well funded in terms of research. It is by far the best funded research institution of the programs I have researched. This would be a wonderful program to attend for a Ph.D. as well; however, I would have to be prepared to move to Gainesville. Overall, UF is my top choice for a graduate school for a Masters degree in Computer Science. As an added bonus, they are the only institution I have listed here that offers a graduate level course in advanced data structures! I would love to be able to delve more deeply in this topic.
2	Florida Atlantic University	Computer Science and Engineering	M.S.C.S.+ M.S.C.S. Ph.D.+ Concentrations in Software or Internet Engineering	Minimum GRE - 1000 Minimum GPA - 3.0 / 4.0 (Last 60 hours)	Computer Design / Architecture Data Structures Computer Operating Systems Design / Analysis of Algorithms Formal Languages & Automata Theory Calculus I & II Discrete Math Probability and Statistics	Yes - FEEDS DL courses/sem: 13 (Spring 2004)
FAU has a graduate program that is concentrated in Internet technologies, Software Engineering, Distributed/Parallel Systems and Telecommunications. They have very liberal admission requirements and surprisingly, neither recommendation letters nor a statement or purpose are required! My impression is that they are trying to build the CS graduate school enrollment. Based on statements by the department chair, the department appears to be (with the encouragement of local industry) trying to build their image as a research university. Currently, I don't believe they are rated higher than mediocre in this regard. FAU is probably my second choice (after UF) for a graduate school. They offer many courses per semester which should allow me to avoid any delays in completing my Masters degree. Also, they offer a broad curriculum which in my mind better prepares me for a Ph.D. program compared to USF.
3	University of South Florida	Computer Science and Engineering	M.S.C.S.+ M.C.S. Ph.D.+	Minimum GRE - 1200 Minimum GPA - 3.3 / 4.0 (Last two years) Three Letters of Recommendation Statement of Purpose	Calculus through Diff. Eq. Logic Design Computer Architecture Data Structures Operating Systems Algorithms	Yes - FEEDS DL courses/sem: 2 (Spring 2004)
USF has a graduate program that is very concentrated in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Machine Vision and VLSI design. For me it also has the advantage of being a school where I could actually attend classes without having to relocate. While USF is definitely one of the schools I will be applying to, it is not my top choice for a Masters degree simply because of the lack of breadth of their program. However, if you are interested in concentrating your entire graduate school experience in their areas of concentration, then there is simply no better institution in Florida to attend. When I consider schools for Ph.D. work, USF will probably be top on my list.

+ - Thesis/dissertation required

FEEDS is a statewide system in Florida providing access to graduate and undergraduate level courses at corporate sites and cooperating university centers. Placebound engineers has access to degree programs, courses and certificates.

Note: Many universitys (all those listed above) provide online access to FEEDS courses in addition to video tape and satellite feed.

Last updated 8/11/2004.