UMass - Amherst vs GMU
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Anonymous
| DC from DMV area is deciding between UMass Amherst and GMU for EE. Would love any thoughts on UMass Amherst vs GMU. |
Anonymous
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Have they visited both campuses?
I think the schools are different enough that most kids will have a pretty distinct opinion. But others may be able to weigh in on the academics. |
Anonymous
| U Mass Amherst is in a great area! Kid goes to one of the other colleges in the consortium. Amherst is a nice little college town, nearby Northampton is amazing, the area is really pretty but there is also a lot to do and a lot of resources/infrastructure due to so many colleges. My kid has gone to some parties at UMass and says the kids there are very friendly. Also heard the food is great. So check it out. |
Anonymous
| Everyone I know with kids at UMass always has such positive things to say. It seems like a great school that’s really focused on the student experience. Nice college town with so many other nearby higher ed institutions too. |
Anonymous
| Assuming EE is Electrical Engineering, I would go with GMU. The engineering department is top-notch - actually, the best program GMU has, next to cybersecurity. My kid was a computer science major there. GMU is particularly good about getting kids internships and jobs. |
Anonymous
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Internships, job placement and name recognition > UMass Amherst. GMU if kid wants to only stay local DMV.
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Anonymous
+1 |
Anonymous
| My DC is about to graduate from UMass. Overall terrific experience. Kids are nice and food is off the hook. The school offers a lot of support to students to ensure they succeed. |
Anonymous
| 5-minute solution: have DC to listen to “UMass” by the Pixies, with lyrics. If song is a thumbs up, go to UMass. If not, go to GMU. |
Anonymous
Either will be fine. GMU EE has excellent placement to internships and jobs with major tech firms. It was a commuter school 25 years ago, but mostly residential. The off campus students mostly live in commercial apartments near GMU, not as many are commuter these days. No information about Umass/Amherst placement, but likely very good also. Look into and compare their engineering graduation rates. No bad choices here. |
Anonymous
| Where do you live? We live in Oakton and my kids would pick just about anything over GMU because it’s too close to home. They’d absolutely consider UMd or DC schools though. Then again, the in state tuition would make GMU appealing it that regard, maybe. |
Anonymous
| No one going to ask about cost difference? |
Anonymous
Presumably the OP is already aware of cost differentials and doesn’t need people to weigh in on that aspect of the decision. Feel feee to start your own separate post if you have questions about that you want opinions on. |
Anonymous
OP here. Is GMU EE placement to internships and jobs is due to GMU direct relationship with those companies or is it due to strong presence of Airspace / Defense Industry (Airbus, Lockheed, General Dynamics, Northrop and other major vendors) in DMV area? If it is the later, then UMass or any other University kids can take advantage as well correct? Just trying to understand. Similarly for UMass internships in Boston area, what are possible companies/industries provide internship, job oppostunities for EE students? |
Anonymous
DP. I got my first Co-op as a CS major (tried to double with EE) at GMU. The DMV is filled with ton of tech companies that need someone competent to do some non-heavy tasks. Things like backups, support, etc. GMU groves into it nicely as the work culture is in-built. The difference with other schools is that companies actually see it as a way to recruit vs need someone to do work. My experience is dated - maybe things have changed. Maybe it's a combo of both. I'm not sure about UMass but from what I'm hearing it seems similar to UVA, or VA Tech. The kid may have to travel to get an internship or Co-Op requires a semester or year off. GMU means potential employment for all 4 years part-time. The real-question is what/where do you want to work? GMU has a massive advantage for Fed Jobs and the first job is the domino for the second, third, etc. I don't know what type of companies UMass or geography it tends to but that will likely be where your kid ends up. |