UMD CS Master’s

[Anonymous]

DC got accepted to UMD for Master in CS. Also has acceptances to other schools. Looking for firsthand experiences especially about job prospects in the DC area after graduation or paid internships in the area. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Don’t do it if the goal is to find job. Waste of time and money.

[Anonymous]

It is worthwhile to do. Avoids a possible glass ceiling later on for jobs in the tech industry. Take the harder CS electives in whichever particular CS specialty the student wants to work in.

There is a Naval STEM internship program with local paid internship options, like NSWC at Carderock. I think the application window is in the fall each year. It is competitive to get. Also lots of tech firms along the Silver Line have paid internships.

[Anonymous]

Why limit to local internships?

DC is finishing CS undergrad at UMD and has had a few great out of state internships. Same for several of DC's friends.

DC will also be doing the +1 masters program, which I think is good not only for their career but also because the job market currently sucks.

[Anonymous]

I have a master’s in CS from UMD. It’s a good program. They have classes in a variety of specialties. I don’t know where else your DC is considering, so I can’t speak to your DC’s other choices.
I was able to obtain internships and job offers—the degree is respected in this area—but I think it will depend more on what focus area they choose.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why limit to local internships?

DC is finishing CS undergrad at UMD and has had a few great out of state internships. Same for several of DC's friends.

DC will also be doing the +1 masters program, which I think is good not only for their career but also because the job market currently sucks.

Mine doing it too because is graduating with BS in 3 years. Seems to be a small program so was glad to be accepted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a master’s in CS from UMD. It’s a good program. They have classes in a variety of specialties. I don’t know where else your DC is considering, so I can’t speak to your DC’s other choices.
I was able to obtain internships and job offers—the degree is respected in this area—but I think it will depend more on what focus area they choose.

like what?

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the replies. DC also has a job offer so considering all options. Focusing on the DC metro area for jobs to save some money on rent. But of course will consider good options anywhere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why limit to local internships?

DC is finishing CS undergrad at UMD and has had a few great out of state internships. Same for several of DC's friends.

DC will also be doing the +1 masters program, which I think is good not only for their career but also because the job market currently sucks.

Mine doing it too because is graduating with BS in 3 years. Seems to be a small program so was glad to be accepted.

How competitive is it to get in? Mine is in yr 2 in an out of state college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why limit to local internships?

DC is finishing CS undergrad at UMD and has had a few great out of state internships. Same for several of DC's friends.

DC will also be doing the +1 masters program, which I think is good not only for their career but also because the job market currently sucks.

Mine doing it too because is graduating with BS in 3 years. Seems to be a small program so was glad to be accepted.

How competitive is it to get in? Mine is in yr 2 in an out of state college.

From https://www.cs.umd.edu/grad/ms-policy-manual

“For the M.S. program, the admission rates were 4% in 2023, 9.2% in 2021, and 4.7% in 2020, with a historical average of around 5.6%”

[Anonymous]

😳

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why limit to local internships?

DC is finishing CS undergrad at UMD and has had a few great out of state internships. Same for several of DC's friends.

DC will also be doing the +1 masters program, which I think is good not only for their career but also because the job market currently sucks.

Mine doing it too because is graduating with BS in 3 years. Seems to be a small program so was glad to be accepted.

How competitive is it to get in? Mine is in yr 2 in an out of state college.

From https://www.cs.umd.edu/grad/ms-policy-manual

“For the M.S. program, the admission rates were 4% in 2023, 9.2% in 2021, and 4.7% in 2020, with a historical average of around 5.6%”

[Anonymous]

It’s a great deal for the cost of tuition if you’re in state.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don’t do it if the goal is to find job. Waste of time and money.

Care to elaborate?