Computer Science Graduate School

Computer Science Graduate School

Presented by Kevin Skadron

Outline of Discussion

What is graduate school like?What is graduate school like?

Is graduate school for me?Is graduate school for me?

What schools should I consider?What schools should I consider?

How do I apply?How do I apply?

How will they evaluate me?How will they evaluate me?

Question and AnswerQuestion and Answer

What is graduate school like?What is graduate school like?

Is graduate school for me?Is graduate school for me?

What schools should I consider?What schools should I consider?

How do I apply?How do I apply?

How will they evaluate me?How will they evaluate me?

Question and AnswerQuestion and Answer

Slides mostly courtesy of Dave Brogan

Grad school is not for everyone• Plenty of smart people go right to industryPlenty of smart people go right to industry

– Learn on the jobLearn on the job

– Advance within company or hop jobsAdvance within company or hop jobs

– Entrepreneurs cannot afford to waitEntrepreneurs cannot afford to wait

• For some, grad school providesFor some, grad school provides

– A way to one-up UVa on the resume A way to one-up UVa on the resume (degree as status symbol)(degree as status symbol)

– A fast track to a job A fast track to a job (faster than working your way up)(faster than working your way up)

– Unique opportunities Unique opportunities (no other way to be professor)(no other way to be professor)

– A great opportunity to focus and/or pursue your interestsA great opportunity to focus and/or pursue your interests

• Plenty of smart people go right to industryPlenty of smart people go right to industry

– Learn on the jobLearn on the job

– Advance within company or hop jobsAdvance within company or hop jobs

– Entrepreneurs cannot afford to waitEntrepreneurs cannot afford to wait

• For some, grad school providesFor some, grad school provides

– A way to one-up UVa on the resume A way to one-up UVa on the resume (degree as status symbol)(degree as status symbol)

– A fast track to a job A fast track to a job (faster than working your way up)(faster than working your way up)

– Unique opportunities Unique opportunities (no other way to be professor)(no other way to be professor)

– A great opportunity to focus and/or pursue your interestsA great opportunity to focus and/or pursue your interests

What is Graduate School Like?

A professor’s perspective…A professor’s perspective…• Intellectual entrepreneurs: Every professor runs a Intellectual entrepreneurs: Every professor runs a

small companysmall company

– Product: Invents and develops long-range researchProduct: Invents and develops long-range research

– Customer: typically Federal Government (National Customer: typically Federal Government (National Science Foundation, Defense Advanced Research Science Foundation, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency – DARPA) and other academicsProjects Agency – DARPA) and other academics

– Annual Revenue: $300,000 - $1,000,000Annual Revenue: $300,000 - $1,000,000

– Employees: Grad students (you)Employees: Grad students (you)

A professor’s perspective…A professor’s perspective…• Intellectual entrepreneurs: Every professor runs a Intellectual entrepreneurs: Every professor runs a

small companysmall company

– Product: Invents and develops long-range researchProduct: Invents and develops long-range research

– Customer: typically Federal Government (National Customer: typically Federal Government (National Science Foundation, Defense Advanced Research Science Foundation, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency – DARPA) and other academicsProjects Agency – DARPA) and other academics

– Annual Revenue: $300,000 - $1,000,000Annual Revenue: $300,000 - $1,000,000

– Employees: Grad students (you)Employees: Grad students (you)

What is Graduate School Like?M.S. DegreeM.S. Degree

• 1.5 - 2 years1.5 - 2 years

• Coursework similar to senior-level undergraduate coursesCoursework similar to senior-level undergraduate courses

• Usually provided an opportunity to specializeUsually provided an opportunity to specialize

– Can easily start degree without selecting area of focusCan easily start degree without selecting area of focus

– Good schools provide opportunity to take many focused Good schools provide opportunity to take many focused courses in your favorite area courses in your favorite area

• Research (in form of thesis) may be requiredResearch (in form of thesis) may be required

• Tuition and stipend are possible – this varies from school to schoolTuition and stipend are possible – this varies from school to school

– (full tuition + $16k / 9 mos + summer job)(full tuition + $16k / 9 mos + summer job)

M.S. DegreeM.S. Degree

• 1.5 - 2 years1.5 - 2 years

• Coursework similar to senior-level undergraduate coursesCoursework similar to senior-level undergraduate courses

• Usually provided an opportunity to specializeUsually provided an opportunity to specialize

– Can easily start degree without selecting area of focusCan easily start degree without selecting area of focus

– Good schools provide opportunity to take many focused Good schools provide opportunity to take many focused courses in your favorite area courses in your favorite area

• Research (in form of thesis) may be requiredResearch (in form of thesis) may be required

• Tuition and stipend are possible – this varies from school to schoolTuition and stipend are possible – this varies from school to school

– (full tuition + $16k / 9 mos + summer job)(full tuition + $16k / 9 mos + summer job)

What is Graduate School Like?Ph.D. DegreePh.D. Degree

• 4 - 7 years4 - 7 years

• Similar coursework to Master’s Degree plus seminars and courses Similar coursework to Master’s Degree plus seminars and courses related to researchrelated to research

• Research requiredResearch required

• Tuition and stipend scholarships are standard Tuition and stipend scholarships are standard

– ($16k / 9 mos + some summer jobs)($16k / 9 mos + some summer jobs)

• Required to specializeRequired to specialize

– Helpful to know research interests from day one to expedite Helpful to know research interests from day one to expedite selection of research focusselection of research focus

– Many select research focus after starting schoolMany select research focus after starting school

Ph.D. DegreePh.D. Degree

• 4 - 7 years4 - 7 years

• Similar coursework to Master’s Degree plus seminars and courses Similar coursework to Master’s Degree plus seminars and courses related to researchrelated to research

• Research requiredResearch required

• Tuition and stipend scholarships are standard Tuition and stipend scholarships are standard

– ($16k / 9 mos + some summer jobs)($16k / 9 mos + some summer jobs)

• Required to specializeRequired to specialize

– Helpful to know research interests from day one to expedite Helpful to know research interests from day one to expedite selection of research focusselection of research focus

– Many select research focus after starting schoolMany select research focus after starting school

Is Graduate School for You?

What are your career goals?What are your career goals?

• Sick and tired of schoolSick and tired of school

• Learn on the job (job hopping)Learn on the job (job hopping)

• EntrepreneurEntrepreneur

• Technology management (manage engineers)Technology management (manage engineers)

• ProfessorProfessor

• Don’t know what you want to doDon’t know what you want to do

What are your career goals?What are your career goals?

• Sick and tired of schoolSick and tired of school

• Learn on the job (job hopping)Learn on the job (job hopping)

• EntrepreneurEntrepreneur

• Technology management (manage engineers)Technology management (manage engineers)

• ProfessorProfessor

• Don’t know what you want to doDon’t know what you want to do


• Do you enjoy learning - becoming an expert?Do you enjoy learning - becoming an expert?

– PhD makes you world’s expert in PhD makes you world’s expert in foofoo

• Do you like being a big fish in a small pond?Do you like being a big fish in a small pond?

– Question applies to job and school optionsQuestion applies to job and school options

• Do you prefer constancy or change?Do you prefer constancy or change?

– Higher degrees are entree to management Higher degrees are entree to management and provide you with more controland provide you with more control

• Financial situationFinancial situation

• Do you enjoy learning - becoming an expert?Do you enjoy learning - becoming an expert?

– PhD makes you world’s expert in PhD makes you world’s expert in foofoo

• Do you like being a big fish in a small pond?Do you like being a big fish in a small pond?

– Question applies to job and school optionsQuestion applies to job and school options

• Do you prefer constancy or change?Do you prefer constancy or change?

– Higher degrees are entree to management Higher degrees are entree to management and provide you with more controland provide you with more control

• Financial situationFinancial situation


Degree pros and consDegree pros and cons• Bachelor’s DegreeBachelor’s Degree

– Good starting salary ($50k) but peaks earlyGood starting salary ($50k) but peaks early

– More job openingsMore job openings

– Opportunity to swap jobs or move to managementOpportunity to swap jobs or move to management

– But many jobs are entry levelBut many jobs are entry level

– Less control of day-to-day tasksLess control of day-to-day tasks

– Employer usually benefits from not promoting youEmployer usually benefits from not promoting you

– May become bored – have to hop jobsMay become bored – have to hop jobs

– Less job securityLess job security

Degree pros and consDegree pros and cons• Bachelor’s DegreeBachelor’s Degree

– Good starting salary ($50k) but peaks earlyGood starting salary ($50k) but peaks early

– More job openingsMore job openings

– Opportunity to swap jobs or move to managementOpportunity to swap jobs or move to management

– But many jobs are entry levelBut many jobs are entry level

– Less control of day-to-day tasksLess control of day-to-day tasks

– Employer usually benefits from not promoting youEmployer usually benefits from not promoting you

– May become bored – have to hop jobsMay become bored – have to hop jobs

– Less job securityLess job security

Show Me the Money

2004 Undergraduate Salaries2004 Undergraduate Salaries2004 Undergraduate Salaries2004 Undergraduate Salaries AccountingAccounting $43,050 up 2.4%$43,050 up 2.4%

Economics/financeEconomics/finance $40,719 up 0.4%$40,719 up 0.4%

BusinessBusiness $38,254 up 6.2% (mostly $38,254 up 6.2% (mostly attributed to sales attributed to sales @$40,395 and marketing @$40,395 and marketing @$37,519)@$37,519)

CSCS $51,042 up 4.9%$51,042 up 4.9%

Information Systems / Information Systems / SystemsSystems

$43,471 up 3.9%$43,471 up 3.9%

Chemical EngChemical Eng $53,659 up 2.1%$53,659 up 2.1%

Elect EngElect Eng $51,113 up 2.4%$51,113 up 2.4%

Civil EngCivil Eng $43,159 up 5.1%$43,159 up 5.1%

PharmacistPharmacist $84,000$84,000

Liberal ArtsLiberal Arts $29,060 down 3.6%$29,060 down 3.6%

http://www.naceweb.org/press/display.asp?year=2005&prid=208

Show Me the MoneySalaries of UVa GradsSalaries of UVa Grads

• CS MedianCS Median

– 2003: $55,000 (max $77,000) – 18 respondents2003: $55,000 (max $77,000) – 18 respondents


– 2005: $57,000 (max 70,000) – 15 respondents2005: $57,000 (max 70,000) – 15 respondents

• CPE MedianCPE Median



– 2005: $55,000 (max 64,000) – 8 responses2005: $55,000 (max 64,000) – 8 responses

• Overall ordering at UVa: CS, EE, CPE/Sys (tied)Overall ordering at UVa: CS, EE, CPE/Sys (tied)

– Hours worked is an unknown, but important additional factorHours worked is an unknown, but important additional factor

Salaries of UVa GradsSalaries of UVa Grads

• CS MedianCS Median



– 2005: $57,000 (max 70,000) – 15 respondents2005: $57,000 (max 70,000) – 15 respondents

• CPE MedianCPE Median



– 2005: $55,000 (max 64,000) – 8 responses2005: $55,000 (max 64,000) – 8 responses

• Overall ordering at UVa: CS, EE, CPE/Sys (tied)Overall ordering at UVa: CS, EE, CPE/Sys (tied)

– Hours worked is an unknown, but important additional factorHours worked is an unknown, but important additional factor

http://www.seas.virginia.edu/careerdevelopment/2005SeasAnnualReport.pdf


Master’s Degree Benefits Master’s Degree Benefits

• Better starting salary ($66k)Better starting salary ($66k)

• Many job openingsMany job openings

• Potential to start at management levelPotential to start at management level

• Opportunity to swap jobsOpportunity to swap jobs

• More control of day-to-day tasksMore control of day-to-day tasks

Master’s Degree Benefits Master’s Degree Benefits

• Better starting salary ($66k)Better starting salary ($66k)

• Many job openingsMany job openings

• Potential to start at management levelPotential to start at management level

• Opportunity to swap jobsOpportunity to swap jobs

• More control of day-to-day tasksMore control of day-to-day tasks


Master’s Degree ConsMaster’s Degree Cons

• Still not in charge of project Still not in charge of project

• 1.5 - 2 years of lost wages (less if paid during school)1.5 - 2 years of lost wages (less if paid during school)

• May become bored by repetitive tasksMay become bored by repetitive tasks

• May become frustrated by poor employees and lack May become frustrated by poor employees and lack of support from upper-level managementof support from upper-level management

Master’s Degree ConsMaster’s Degree Cons

• Still not in charge of project Still not in charge of project

• 1.5 - 2 years of lost wages (less if paid during school)1.5 - 2 years of lost wages (less if paid during school)

• May become bored by repetitive tasksMay become bored by repetitive tasks

• May become frustrated by poor employees and lack May become frustrated by poor employees and lack of support from upper-level managementof support from upper-level management


Ph.D. Degree BenefitsPh.D. Degree Benefits• Better starting salary ($115k)Better starting salary ($115k)

• Large amount of control over workLarge amount of control over work

• Long hoursLong hours

• Opportunity to teach in universityOpportunity to teach in university

• Management skills assumedManagement skills assumed

• You’ll be the world’s expert in ________You’ll be the world’s expert in ________

• 30% go off to teach and 30% go to industry30% go off to teach and 30% go to industry

Ph.D. Degree BenefitsPh.D. Degree Benefits• Better starting salary ($115k)Better starting salary ($115k)

• Large amount of control over workLarge amount of control over work

• Long hoursLong hours

• Opportunity to teach in universityOpportunity to teach in university

• Management skills assumedManagement skills assumed

• You’ll be the world’s expert in ________You’ll be the world’s expert in ________

• 30% go off to teach and 30% go to industry30% go off to teach and 30% go to industry


Ph.D. Degree ConsPh.D. Degree Cons

• 3 - 4 years of income beyond the masters is lost3 - 4 years of income beyond the masters is lost

• Overqualified to make large jumps between fieldsOverqualified to make large jumps between fields

• It’s a lot of hard work with few clear pathsIt’s a lot of hard work with few clear paths

Ph.D. Degree ConsPh.D. Degree Cons

• 3 - 4 years of income beyond the masters is lost3 - 4 years of income beyond the masters is lost

• Overqualified to make large jumps between fieldsOverqualified to make large jumps between fields

• It’s a lot of hard work with few clear pathsIt’s a lot of hard work with few clear paths

Faculty vs. Industry

Very different lifestylesVery different lifestyles

Both are intenseBoth are intense

• Professor: tenure & funding struggles vs. tenure Professor: tenure & funding struggles vs. tenure security and more control over activitiessecurity and more control over activities

• Industry: survive in an era of constant downsizing and Industry: survive in an era of constant downsizing and project shakeups/cancellations, product focusproject shakeups/cancellations, product focus

Very different lifestylesVery different lifestyles

Both are intenseBoth are intense

• Professor: tenure & funding struggles vs. tenure Professor: tenure & funding struggles vs. tenure security and more control over activitiessecurity and more control over activities

• Industry: survive in an era of constant downsizing and Industry: survive in an era of constant downsizing and project shakeups/cancellations, product focusproject shakeups/cancellations, product focus

UVa students and grad school

2004 UVa-CS Survey2004 UVa-CS Survey

• 94 responding (26 CPE/47 CS)94 responding (26 CPE/47 CS)

– 16 (22.5%) going to grad school16 (22.5%) going to grad school

VaTech, MIT, UVa, UT-Austin, GaTech, UC-Riverside, VaTech, MIT, UVa, UT-Austin, GaTech, UC-Riverside, GWUGWU

2 lawyers2 lawyers

1 business1 business

1 biomed1 biomed

– 50% work in NoVa (egad)50% work in NoVa (egad)

2004 UVa-CS Survey2004 UVa-CS Survey

• 94 responding (26 CPE/47 CS)94 responding (26 CPE/47 CS)

– 16 (22.5%) going to grad school16 (22.5%) going to grad school

VaTech, MIT, UVa, UT-Austin, GaTech, UC-Riverside, VaTech, MIT, UVa, UT-Austin, GaTech, UC-Riverside, GWUGWU

2 lawyers2 lawyers

1 business1 business

1 biomed1 biomed

– 50% work in NoVa (egad)50% work in NoVa (egad)

How Do I Apply?Application packet consists of the followingApplication packet consists of the following

• TranscriptTranscript

– Important, but not much you can do about this now…Important, but not much you can do about this now…

• Letters of RecommendationLetters of Recommendation

– Important – make or break marginal casesImportant – make or break marginal cases

– Establish relationships with 3 UVa profs now!Establish relationships with 3 UVa profs now!

• Personal StatementPersonal Statement

– Somewhat important – think about what you likeSomewhat important – think about what you like

• GREsGREs

– Sanity check only. Subject test is hard, but many do poorly.Sanity check only. Subject test is hard, but many do poorly.

Application packet consists of the followingApplication packet consists of the following

• TranscriptTranscript

– Important, but not much you can do about this now…Important, but not much you can do about this now…

• Letters of RecommendationLetters of Recommendation

– Important – make or break marginal casesImportant – make or break marginal cases

– Establish relationships with 3 UVa profs now!Establish relationships with 3 UVa profs now!

• Personal StatementPersonal Statement

– Somewhat important – think about what you likeSomewhat important – think about what you like

• GREsGREs

– Sanity check only. Subject test is hard, but many do poorly.Sanity check only. Subject test is hard, but many do poorly.

How Do I Apply?

TranscriptTranscript

• Your school’s reputation,Your school’s reputation,

• your gradesyour grades

• and your courses will speak for themselvesand your courses will speak for themselves

• Schools are sympathetic to GPAs that improve over Schools are sympathetic to GPAs that improve over time and weaknesses in outside areastime and weaknesses in outside areas

TranscriptTranscript

• Your school’s reputation,Your school’s reputation,

• your gradesyour grades

• and your courses will speak for themselvesand your courses will speak for themselves

• Schools are sympathetic to GPAs that improve over Schools are sympathetic to GPAs that improve over time and weaknesses in outside areastime and weaknesses in outside areas

How Do I Apply?

Letters of RecommendationLetters of Recommendation

• These carry a great amount of weightThese carry a great amount of weight

• Help your letter writer by reminding him/her of Help your letter writer by reminding him/her of significant interactions you have hadsignificant interactions you have had

• Help your letter writer by sharing your research Help your letter writer by sharing your research interests so he/she may find ways to write a letter interests so he/she may find ways to write a letter that complements your personal statementthat complements your personal statement

Letters of RecommendationLetters of Recommendation

• These carry a great amount of weightThese carry a great amount of weight

• Help your letter writer by reminding him/her of Help your letter writer by reminding him/her of significant interactions you have hadsignificant interactions you have had

• Help your letter writer by sharing your research Help your letter writer by sharing your research interests so he/she may find ways to write a letter interests so he/she may find ways to write a letter that complements your personal statementthat complements your personal statement

How Do I Apply?

Contact person at other schoolContact person at other school

• This is very difficultThis is very difficult

• Strike up an email conversation with prof from another schoolStrike up an email conversation with prof from another school

• US profs get many such emails from Chinese and Indian US profs get many such emails from Chinese and Indian studentsstudents

– Don’t sound desperateDon’t sound desperate

– Ask a reasonable question about the professor’s research – Ask a reasonable question about the professor’s research – showcase your qualificationsshowcase your qualifications

– Read their web pages!Read their web pages!

Contact person at other schoolContact person at other school

• This is very difficultThis is very difficult

• Strike up an email conversation with prof from another schoolStrike up an email conversation with prof from another school

• US profs get many such emails from Chinese and Indian US profs get many such emails from Chinese and Indian studentsstudents

– Don’t sound desperateDon’t sound desperate

– Ask a reasonable question about the professor’s research – Ask a reasonable question about the professor’s research – showcase your qualificationsshowcase your qualifications

– Read their web pages!Read their web pages!

How Do I Apply?

Personal StatementPersonal Statement• This is a great opportunity to stand outThis is a great opportunity to stand out

• Research the schools in which you are interestedResearch the schools in which you are interested

• Ask professors to explain research areasAsk professors to explain research areas

• Try to sound like a student with experience, Try to sound like a student with experience, focus, and initiativefocus, and initiative

• Don’t limit your choices by writing something that Don’t limit your choices by writing something that makes you sound too focused (unless you are)makes you sound too focused (unless you are)

• Avoid platitudesAvoid platitudes

Personal StatementPersonal Statement• This is a great opportunity to stand outThis is a great opportunity to stand out

• Research the schools in which you are interestedResearch the schools in which you are interested

• Ask professors to explain research areasAsk professors to explain research areas

• Try to sound like a student with experience, Try to sound like a student with experience, focus, and initiativefocus, and initiative

• Don’t limit your choices by writing something that Don’t limit your choices by writing something that makes you sound too focused (unless you are)makes you sound too focused (unless you are)

• Avoid platitudesAvoid platitudes

How Do I Apply?

GREsGREs• General test always requiredGeneral test always required

– General test is like SATs but slightly harderGeneral test is like SATs but slightly harder

– New for 2002 – Writing Component (true for SATs too!)New for 2002 – Writing Component (true for SATs too!)

Used to be called analytical section (multiple Used to be called analytical section (multiple choice)choice)

• Subject test sometimes requiredSubject test sometimes required

– Subject test is very detail orientedSubject test is very detail oriented

• Study! Purchase old tests for practice!Study! Purchase old tests for practice!

GREsGREs• General test always requiredGeneral test always required

– General test is like SATs but slightly harderGeneral test is like SATs but slightly harder

– New for 2002 – Writing Component (true for SATs too!)New for 2002 – Writing Component (true for SATs too!)

Used to be called analytical section (multiple Used to be called analytical section (multiple choice)choice)

• Subject test sometimes requiredSubject test sometimes required

– Subject test is very detail orientedSubject test is very detail oriented

• Study! Purchase old tests for practice!Study! Purchase old tests for practice!

Where Do I Apply

US News and World Report top 20US News and World Report top 20• Try to upgradeTry to upgrade

– UVa grad school is good, but you can probably do UVa grad school is good, but you can probably do better. Exposure to new school (breadth) is better. Exposure to new school (breadth) is encouraged unless you’re part of a special project encouraged unless you’re part of a special project here already that will make your graduate here already that will make your graduate experience really valuable hereexperience really valuable here

• Try not to worry about the moneyTry not to worry about the money

– Most schools have similar packages for their Most schools have similar packages for their students. Those who want funding can usually students. Those who want funding can usually find it.find it.

US News and World Report top 20US News and World Report top 20• Try to upgradeTry to upgrade

– UVa grad school is good, but you can probably do UVa grad school is good, but you can probably do better. Exposure to new school (breadth) is better. Exposure to new school (breadth) is encouraged unless you’re part of a special project encouraged unless you’re part of a special project here already that will make your graduate here already that will make your graduate experience really valuable hereexperience really valuable here

• Try not to worry about the moneyTry not to worry about the money

– Most schools have similar packages for their Most schools have similar packages for their students. Those who want funding can usually students. Those who want funding can usually find it.find it.

Where Do I Apply (US News 2002)

1. Carnegie Mellon University

2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

3. Stanford University

4. U. of California–Berkeley

5. U. of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign

6. Cornell

7. U. of Texas – AustinU. of Washington

9. Princeton University

1. Carnegie Mellon University

2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

3. Stanford University

4. U. of California–Berkeley

5. U. of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign

6. Cornell

7. U. of Texas – AustinU. of Washington

9. Princeton University

10. Cal TechU. of Wisconsin - Madison

12. Maryland, Georgia Tech

14. Brown University, UCLA, Michigan

17. Rice University, UNC, Penn

20. Columbia, Duke, Harvard, Purdue, UCSD

25. UMass – Amherst, Yale

27. U. of Southern Cal, U. of Virginia

29. Hopkins, NYU, Rutgers, SUNY-Stony Brook, UC-Irvine, Utah

10. Cal TechU. of Wisconsin - Madison

12. Maryland, Georgia Tech

14. Brown University, UCLA, Michigan

17. Rice University, UNC, Penn

20. Columbia, Duke, Harvard, Purdue, UCSD

25. UMass – Amherst, Yale

27. U. of Southern Cal, U. of Virginia

29. Hopkins, NYU, Rutgers, SUNY-Stony Brook, UC-Irvine, Utah

Where do I apply

NSF rankingsNSF rankings

• 1-12: Stanford, MIT, Berkeley, CMU, Cornell, Princeton, Texas, 1-12: Stanford, MIT, Berkeley, CMU, Cornell, Princeton, Texas, University of Illinois, Washington, Wisconsin, Harvard, and Cal University of Illinois, Washington, Wisconsin, Harvard, and Cal TechTech

• 13-24: Brown, Yale, UCLA, UMd, NYU, UMass, Rice, USC, 13-24: Brown, Yale, UCLA, UMd, NYU, UMass, Rice, USC, Michigan, UCSD, Columbia, and PennMichigan, UCSD, Columbia, and Penn

• 24-36: University of Chicago, Purdue, Rutgers, Duke, UNC, 24-36: University of Chicago, Purdue, Rutgers, Duke, UNC, University of Rochester, SUNY (Stony Brook), GaTech, University of Rochester, SUNY (Stony Brook), GaTech, Arizona, UCalifornia (Irvine), UVa, and IndianaArizona, UCalifornia (Irvine), UVa, and Indiana

NSF rankingsNSF rankings

• 1-12: Stanford, MIT, Berkeley, CMU, Cornell, Princeton, Texas, 1-12: Stanford, MIT, Berkeley, CMU, Cornell, Princeton, Texas, University of Illinois, Washington, Wisconsin, Harvard, and Cal University of Illinois, Washington, Wisconsin, Harvard, and Cal TechTech

• 13-24: Brown, Yale, UCLA, UMd, NYU, UMass, Rice, USC, 13-24: Brown, Yale, UCLA, UMd, NYU, UMass, Rice, USC, Michigan, UCSD, Columbia, and PennMichigan, UCSD, Columbia, and Penn

• 24-36: University of Chicago, Purdue, Rutgers, Duke, UNC, 24-36: University of Chicago, Purdue, Rutgers, Duke, UNC, University of Rochester, SUNY (Stony Brook), GaTech, University of Rochester, SUNY (Stony Brook), GaTech, Arizona, UCalifornia (Irvine), UVa, and IndianaArizona, UCalifornia (Irvine), UVa, and Indiana

Soapbox (My Opinion)Get a Master’s DegreeGet a Master’s Degree

• If you can stomach it and do wellIf you can stomach it and do well

• You’ll have more control over your day to day tasks and have a leg up in managementYou’ll have more control over your day to day tasks and have a leg up in management

Only get the Ph.D. if you are strongly compelled to get what it providesOnly get the Ph.D. if you are strongly compelled to get what it provides

• You are not just limited to faculty jobsYou are not just limited to faculty jobs

It’s risky to go to work and think you’ll come back to school – it’s very hardIt’s risky to go to work and think you’ll come back to school – it’s very hard

• You make lifestyle commitments that aren’t very compatible with student lifeYou make lifestyle commitments that aren’t very compatible with student life

• But a boring entry-level job can really help you focusBut a boring entry-level job can really help you focus

Always remember to consider cost of living adjustments when comparing Always remember to consider cost of living adjustments when comparing salariessalaries

• Silicon Valley is expensiveSilicon Valley is expensive

Get a Master’s DegreeGet a Master’s Degree

• If you can stomach it and do wellIf you can stomach it and do well

• You’ll have more control over your day to day tasks and have a leg up in managementYou’ll have more control over your day to day tasks and have a leg up in management

Only get the Ph.D. if you are strongly compelled to get what it providesOnly get the Ph.D. if you are strongly compelled to get what it provides

• You are not just limited to faculty jobsYou are not just limited to faculty jobs

It’s risky to go to work and think you’ll come back to school – it’s very hardIt’s risky to go to work and think you’ll come back to school – it’s very hard

• You make lifestyle commitments that aren’t very compatible with student lifeYou make lifestyle commitments that aren’t very compatible with student life

• But a boring entry-level job can really help you focusBut a boring entry-level job can really help you focus

Always remember to consider cost of living adjustments when comparing Always remember to consider cost of living adjustments when comparing salariessalaries

• Silicon Valley is expensiveSilicon Valley is expensive

Special Case

Get employer-paid M.S. while workingGet employer-paid M.S. while working• Consider quality of school (in NoVa GMU and GWU)Consider quality of school (in NoVa GMU and GWU)

– If you weren’t working, a better school is possibleIf you weren’t working, a better school is possible

– A MS degree from GMU might not be worth much to A MS degree from GMU might not be worth much to you if you are capable of CMU (won’t open doors)you if you are capable of CMU (won’t open doors)

• Difficult to work and study – but you’re young and Difficult to work and study – but you’re young and might not have time commitmentsmight not have time commitments

• Consider that school will likely pay you tooConsider that school will likely pay you too

Get employer-paid M.S. while workingGet employer-paid M.S. while working• Consider quality of school (in NoVa GMU and GWU)Consider quality of school (in NoVa GMU and GWU)

– If you weren’t working, a better school is possibleIf you weren’t working, a better school is possible

– A MS degree from GMU might not be worth much to A MS degree from GMU might not be worth much to you if you are capable of CMU (won’t open doors)you if you are capable of CMU (won’t open doors)

• Difficult to work and study – but you’re young and Difficult to work and study – but you’re young and might not have time commitmentsmight not have time commitments

• Consider that school will likely pay you tooConsider that school will likely pay you too

Q&A

Show Me the Money

2001 Undergraduate Salaries2001 Undergraduate Salaries2001 Undergraduate Salaries2001 Undergraduate Salaries Econ/FinanceEcon/Finance $40,577$40,577

CommerceCommerce $38,449$38,449

MISMIS $45,585$45,585

CSCS $52,723$52,723

Information Information ScienceScience

$45,182$45,182

Computer EngComputer Eng $53,924$53,924

EEEE $52,910$52,910

PetroleumPetroleum $53,878$53,878

EnglishEnglish $31,501$31,501

SociologySociology $28,812$28,812

PsychologyPsychology $30,338$30,338

HistoryHistory $30,375$30,375

Political SciencePolitical Science $32,744$32,744

www.naceweb.org/press/display.cfm/2001/pr071101.htm

Show Me the Money

AccountingAccounting $40,293 up 3.2%$40,293 up 3.2%

MarketingMarketing $35,374 up 1%$35,374 up 1%

BusinessBusiness $35,209 down 7.1% (14% $35,209 down 7.1% (14% -> 1% consultants)-> 1% consultants)

CSCS $50,352 down 3.6 (most $50,352 down 3.6 (most sought-after grads)sought-after grads)

Software EngSoftware Eng $54,922$54,922

Information SystemsInformation Systems $41,414 down 7.4%$41,414 down 7.4%

Chemical EngChemical Eng $51,254 steady$51,254 steady

Elect EngElect Eng $50.387 down 3.5%$50.387 down 3.5%

Civil EngCivil Eng $40,848 down 1%$40,848 down 1%

Mechanical EngMechanical Eng $48,654 steady$48,654 steady


2002 Undergraduate Salaries2002 Undergraduate Salaries2002 Undergraduate Salaries2002 Undergraduate Salaries



Show Me the Money

AccountingAccounting $41,360 up 2.6%$41,360 up 2.6%


BusinessBusiness $36,515 up 3.7% (mostly $36,515 up 3.7% (mostly sales and mgmt trainee)sales and mgmt trainee)

CSCS $46,536 down 7.6% (sixth $46,536 down 7.6% (sixth consecutive drop)consecutive drop)


$39,800 down 3.8%$39,800 down 3.8%


Elect EngElect Eng $50,566 steady$50,566 steady


Mechanical EngMechanical Eng $48,659 steady$48,659 steady

Liberal ArtsLiberal Arts $29,543 up 3.1%$29,543 up 3.1%

2003 Undergraduate Salaries2003 Undergraduate Salaries2003 Undergraduate Salaries2003 Undergraduate Salaries

Show Me the Money

2004 Undergraduate Salaries2004 Undergraduate Salaries2004 Undergraduate Salaries2004 Undergraduate Salaries AccountingAccounting $43,050 up 2.4%$43,050 up 2.4%


BusinessBusiness $38,254 up 6.2% (mostly $38,254 up 6.2% (mostly attributed to sales attributed to sales @$40,395 and marketing @$40,395 and marketing @$37,519)@$37,519)

CSCS $51,042 up 4.9%$51,042 up 4.9%


$43,471 up 3.9%$43,471 up 3.9%


Elect EngElect Eng $51,113 up 2.4%$51,113 up 2.4%


PharmacistPharmacist $84,000$84,000



Total numbers in grad school

Year 2004 Data From: www.cra.orgYear 2004 Data From: www.cra.org

20,971 BS degrees in CS/CPE produced20,971 BS degrees in CS/CPE produced

• 17% women, 3.4% African American, 3.9% 17% women, 3.4% African American, 3.9% HispanicHispanic

Year 2004 Data From: www.cra.orgYear 2004 Data From: www.cra.org

20,971 BS degrees in CS/CPE produced20,971 BS degrees in CS/CPE produced

• 17% women, 3.4% African American, 3.9% 17% women, 3.4% African American, 3.9% HispanicHispanic

http://www.cra.org/CRN/articles/may05/taulbee.html


9,141 MS degrees produced9,141 MS degrees produced

• 25% women, 1.5% African American, 1.1% Hispanic25% women, 1.5% African American, 1.1% Hispanic

• New master’s students decreased 17% after having New master’s students decreased 17% after having dropped 8% the previous yeardropped 8% the previous year

9,141 MS degrees produced9,141 MS degrees produced

• 25% women, 1.5% African American, 1.1% Hispanic25% women, 1.5% African American, 1.1% Hispanic

• New master’s students decreased 17% after having New master’s students decreased 17% after having dropped 8% the previous yeardropped 8% the previous year


877 PhDs produced in US877 PhDs produced in US

• New enrollments down 8% last year and down 5% the year beforeNew enrollments down 8% last year and down 5% the year before

• Total PhD enrollment is going up by 20% each year (they’re not Total PhD enrollment is going up by 20% each year (they’re not graduating)!graduating)!

• 18% were women18% were women

• Only 13 were African Only 13 were African American (1.5%)American (1.5%)

• Only 10 were Hispanic (1.1%)Only 10 were Hispanic (1.1%)

• 48% were international students 48% were international students (May drop fast)(May drop fast)

877 PhDs produced in US877 PhDs produced in US

• New enrollments down 8% last year and down 5% the year beforeNew enrollments down 8% last year and down 5% the year before

• Total PhD enrollment is going up by 20% each year (they’re not Total PhD enrollment is going up by 20% each year (they’re not graduating)!graduating)!

• 18% were women18% were women

• Only 13 were African Only 13 were African American (1.5%)American (1.5%)

• Only 10 were Hispanic (1.1%)Only 10 were Hispanic (1.1%)

• 48% were international students 48% were international students (May drop fast)(May drop fast)

Documents

Computer Science Graduate School