Here are some tips for selecting schools, based on an analysis comparing each school to all others across dozens of factors:
Schools Concentrating On Software Engineers For Systems
- Focus: For schools with a focus on this career area, look at Central Piedmont Community College, Fayetteville State, Winston-Salem State University, and East Carolina University.
Fastest Response From Schools
- Request Info: For the fastest information for prospective students, look at the Spotlight schools on this page.
Student Body
- Part-Time: For schools emphasizing part-time studies, consider Mount Olive College, Shaw University, Pfeiffer University, and Belmont Abbey.
- Female: For schools particularly welcoming to female students, consider Bennett and Meredith College.
- Diverse: For a diverse student body, consider Livingstone, North Carolina Central University, Winston-Salem State University, and Fayetteville State.
- Adult Learners: For lots of adult learners, consider Montgomery Community College, Mount Olive College, Edgecombe Community College, and Pamlico Community College.
School Setting
- Out of State: For geographic diversity, take note of Duke, Bennett, Johnson C Smith University, and Wake Forest University.
- Dorms: For a residential campus environment, take note of Livingstone, Saint Augustines College, High Point, and Bennett.
Excellence
- SAT: For students with high SAT scores, look at Duke, UNC, Appalachian State, and UNC Wilmington.
- % Accepted: For selective institutions, look at Duke, Johnson C Smith University, UNC, and Campbell.
- Class Size: For small class sizes, look at Bennett, Duke, Wake Forest University, and Pamlico Community College.
Student/Alumnus Reviews of Schools for This Career and State
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North Carolina State University • Raleigh, NC
Studying Computer Science (completion in 2003)
• 7/10/2011
"I found that I learned a lot and enjoyed attending classes. The degree has been directly applicable to my career."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | I would recommend either the undergrad or grad program. As I have been able to apply what I learned, I consider it to be a good investment. |
| Program Reputation | 8 | North Carolina has a strong computer science community that highly respects State. I've gone far with the degree outside of NC as well. |
| Program Quality | 9 | I find even 8 years later I am still applying skills I learned at State. In particular, web technologies and human computer interaction. |
| Instruction | 7 | As with any school, some professors were better than others. I had very practical web technology classes contrasted with a software engineering course that didn't teach me anything about software. |
| How Difficult | 7 | NC State has a competitive engineering program and that was reflected in the instruction. I did find, though, that it was probably a bit too easy to get an A. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | I had very few classes that were primarily book learning. I spent a great deal of time doing labs and practical work. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 10 | I was able to take classes all times of the day and online. I was also able to combine both into a single semester. |
| Academic Facilities | 8 | When I was a student, State was building it's engineering campus. That has only improved since that time. |
| Social Life | 3 | As a grad student, I did very little socialization. What there was seemed more geared to undergrads. |
| Placement Services | 4 | As a grad student, I did not see placement services used as often. I found those at Virginia Tech to be much better. |
| Alumni Network | 5 | I very rarely hear from them unless they want money. I've not found their (or any other school I've attended) alumni program to be useful. |
University Of Phoenix • Charlotte, NC
Studying IT W/ Concentration In Information Systems Security (completion in 2006)
• 7/29/2011
"This degree helped me get a job in the professional world, and I would not be making the money that I do now had I not enrolled."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | Absolutely. Just read my previous answer. |
| Program Reputation | 6 | They have had the program for a long time, and many people have gone through it. |
| Program Quality | 5 | Nothing exceptional about the program. But, it does prepare you for the business world. |
| Instruction | 6 | Professors are well qualified, and assist you if you are having difficulty with the coursework. |
| How Difficult | 7 | I am good at time management, but there was LOTS of work involved. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | Lots of time is spent in online chat sessions w/ instructors, working and learning about various computer topics. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 8 | Classes are offered virtually any time of the week, yet they fill up quickly. |
| Academic Facilities | 7 | The computer resources are outstanding, and there is a lot of money put into the IT program. |
| Social Life | 2 | Minimal parties. No athletics. No school "spirit." |
| Placement Services | 8 | They helped me line up my current job through their career exploration department. |
| Alumni Network | 3 | Minimal to no support from alumni. |
North Carolina State University • Raleigh, NC
Studying Computer Science (completion in 2002)
• 8/30/2011
"I had lots of problems finding money to finish school. Other than that, the school is pretty good. Beautiful campus, intelligent professors, and helpful advisors."
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale
| Characteristic | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Would Recommend? | yes | NC State definitely prepared me for my career. Because it is a state college, the costs are not insane. In addition, the coursework is challenging and informative. |
| Program Reputation | 10 | NC State's computer science program is nationally ranked. I believe it is in the top 50, which is amazing for a state college. |
| Program Quality | 8 | The program is well regarded. I felt prepared for the field upon leaving. |
| Instruction | 8 | In a large university such as NC State, it is necessary to nurture a relationship with your professors. If not, you will become lost in the sea of students. However, the university requires students to take way too many humanities and social science classes. |
| How Difficult | 10 | The program is very competitive and challenging. Engineering students must understand the amount of time one is required to dedicate to any major in the College of Engineering before starting the program. |
| Hands-On vs. Bookish | I believe the appropriate technology was used where needed. Many science courses have a required 1 credit lab where students conduct experiments. | |
| Schedule Flexibility | 7 | It is difficult to complete the program if you are working 40 hours a week while taking classes. The university does, however, provide many distance education courses and summer school options. |
| Academic Facilities | 10 | The physics and math department provides excellent tutorial services. Many computer labs are open 24 hours a day and the new Centennial Campus has all of the best and newest technologies and facilities. |
| Social Life | 10 | There are always parties and social groups available. The office for minorities in engineering also sponsors professional groups such as NSBE. |
| Placement Services | 10 | I used the career placement center as an undergraduate. The exams they provide to help determine what career path is best for you are very helpful. The annual career fair attracts reputable companies from all over the country. |
| Alumni Network | 5 | I never used the alumni network. Honestly, I do not know if they provide anything more than tickets to athletic events. |
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