Shree Swami Samarth 🙏!
In this part, in continuation to CHOOSING THE PERFECT GRADUATE MAJOR: PART I, we will be talking more about the options that you have and how you should arrive at a conclusion. Choosing a college major is a considerable decision one can take. So, take your time and do your research before you take the next step. While I cannot determine what is best for you, I can guide you on how to find it yourself. Let’s discuss the available options and the steps you can take to conduct your research effectively.
Factors that "should" drive your decision 👇
A. YOUR WISH: Stay away from the naive & the toxic (WITH SOME ANECDOTES)
I understand that repeatedly mentioning “passion” in my articles may seem monotonous, and I apologize for that. However, there is a valid reason behind my emphasis. Allow me to briefly share some instances from my application journey that shed light on the naive or occasionally toxic behavior of individuals you may be surrounded by.
Back then, while contemplating a techno-managerial path for my graduate studies, two college batchmates expressed their one-sided discouraging opinions against my path in a group chat. These remarks prompted me to reconsider my decision and were somehow disheartening. However, instead of being swayed by their words, I conducted thorough research. Were they entirely wrong? No, they had some validity, but their opinions lacked research and were steeped in dogma.
There were other people who motivated me to go ahead with my decision with their positive stories, but yeah, it’s human nature, we focus on the negative side first. And somehow, it helped me. There’s an old saying in Marathi, “निंदकाचे घर असावे शेजारी”, which indirectly or meaningfully translates to “A critic should be living next door so that you keep on learning”.
I would never claim that one major is better than another. Only those who lack awareness would make such statements. If everyone followed a few people’s opinions, progress would come to a halt. That’s why it’s important to go against the crowd and build your path.
To complement my technical education, I pursued internships and full-time roles that exposed me to stakeholder management, front-end communication, and more diverse responsibilities beyond a typical desk job. I am grateful for this experience. While my technically adept friends, who surpass me in engineering skills, struggle to effectively communicate project details, I have developed the ability to balance technical expertise with corporate-level proficiency. This is why I opted for a techno-managerial program, where I can study advanced mathematical and operations research subjects while delving deeply into management topics.
B. INDUSTRY DEMAND: Respect it, but don't succumb to it.
Pondering over the layoff data of the past two years (Layoffs.fyi – Tech Layoff Tracker and Startup Layoff Lists), I partially agree that managers are often the first casualties. Technical roles tend to face fewer layoffs, but this is not a universal rule. If you underperform, you risk termination, as companies prioritize project success over maintaining liabilities. Therefore, it is crucial to pursue what you excel at. E.g., if mathematics and logic building isn’t your strength and peers pressure you into pursuing a CS major, you may encounter difficulties. Many individuals choose their undergraduate majors under external pressure, but now you have matured and should make a well-informed decision independently. “Suno Sabki, Karo Khudki.”
Research the career opportunities and market demand for professionals in your desired field. Consider the job market outlook, potential salary, and growth prospects. It’s beneficial to choose a major that offers good career prospects and aligns with your career aspirations.
C. FINANCES: For comparing similar majors, and not for deciding the one.
Finances play a crucial role in students’ higher education, especially when considering study abroad options. However, it’s important to note that financial limitations should not dictate the choice of a major. Instead, the focus should be on selecting the right college or university. One major is often offered at multiple colleges with different names and each of them has different fee structures. For e.g.: An MEM from Purdue (Master of Engineering Management – Purdue University) would cost someone far lesser than any other similarly well-reputed MEM program, but Purdue MEM stands out for its amazing Return on Investment. Contrary to popular belief, opting for a less prestigious institution with lower fees does not mean necessarily mean subpar education compared to the other. It might be cheaper because it is a public institution, or because they receive enough endowments to support student’s education. By making informed decisions and maximizing available financial resources, students can thrive in their chosen fields. You don’t need thousands of bucks to study abroad if you apply and choose smartly. It can be completed well under a few grands.
Financial aid and scholarships are crucial for students’ education, and it’s important to actively seek them out. University websites provide information on available aid and scholarships while contacting professors and college committees can offer further insights. Some programs, especially in private institutions, may have limited aid options, but students can still apply for external scholarships. Exploring external scholarships expands the possibilities for financial assistance.
D. CAREER PROSPECTS: Professional v/s Research :: Job v/s Ph.D.
While choosing a graduate program, it is of utmost importance to evaluate your long-term goals. Are you a corporate job person? Are you a researcher at heart? Are you someone who would want to go for a Ph.D. after a master’s? Or are you someone who is still confused between multiple paths? Well, there’s always a failsafe mechanism available in a process.
There are many universities in the USA like the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, University of California, Irvine, etc. which offer both professional and research-based masters programs in CS, namely Masters in Computer Science – MCS (Professional in Nature) and Master of Science in Computer Science – MSCS (Research Based). Who should choose what?
Links: Degree & Program Options | Computer Science | UIUC (illinois.edu)
MCS vs. MSCS – MCS ICS (uci.edu) – Must Read
If you are one of those who know for sure that job is their ultimate target, then choose MCS. If research work, thesis, etc. is something that intimidates you, look out for the professional majors in your field. If you are someone who is interested in research, wants to do a Ph.D., or is still figuring out various pathways, go for a research-based master’s like MSCS.
Does this mean that one can’t pursue a Ph.D. after pursuing MCS? Well, it may be possible. You can’t certainly rule out the possibility. Any Ph.D. program would expect you to have good research work. So, things can get difficult later on. But, why would choose an MCS if they like to research? So, one has to evaluate themselves well before taking such a decision.
E. MAJOR SWITCH: Learn about the obstacles in changing branches
Let’s learn about this with an example. An individual with an electrical engineering background may encounter challenges when applying to top computer science graduate programs, especially if their profile is not exceptional compared to those with undergraduate degrees in computer science, even if their profile has nothing exceptional. In some cases, universities may not consider the applicant’s accomplishments in their chosen field and reject them solely based on their undergraduate degree. This trend has recently emerged, making it increasingly difficult to switch branches unless one comes from a reputable undergraduate institution. Previously, the process of switching branches was relatively easier. But, this is not true for every university. Some are very considerate of student’s achievements and they respect that a lot.
There are various programs offered in Computer Science for students who have no experience in it. One such famous program is the University of Pennsylvania’s Master of Computer and Information Technology (upenn.edu). Also, there are various courses such as Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Information Sciences, and Electrical and Computer Engineering which share almost 50% of the curriculum. Here, Electrical Engineers would find it easier to get into an MSCE or an MSECE program as compared to MSCS as it doesn’t involve a direct branch switch. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly research the differences between Computer Science and Computer Engineering and carefully consider which field aligns better with one’s interests and career goals. It is essential to delve into every detail of the graduate program, exploring the official university website to gather the necessary information.
F. WORK-LIFE BALANCE: Choose what's good for you.
No one will tell you about this but understanding the significance of work-life balance is paramount for graduate school applicants. Even brilliant minds find it overwhelming at top-tier schools to sail through the coursework. Hence, talk to the current students in the major you’re eyeing and get to more about it. This enables them to evaluate the demands of their prospective programs and ensure compatibility with their desired equilibrium. By considering factors like research commitments, fieldwork, and schedule flexibility, applicants can make informed decisions that align with their personal circumstances.
Additionally, it is crucial to resist the pressures of societal and familial expectations when choosing a major, as succumbing to external influences can lead to compromised mental and physical health. Prioritizing personal well-being and pursuing a graduate major that genuinely resonates with one’s passions and interests contributes to a more fulfilling academic journey and overall happiness.
Well, that’s all folks from my side for today. Hope this blog post was helpful to you. It took me some time to curate it, and I hope this part too was worth your read. My subsequent posts will target my journey of getting into well-ranked schools, my choosing MSE for my graduate studies, and much more. Until then, stay tuned! May god bless you all! :))
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