Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around recommendations for top universities in the USA for pursuing a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering (MS in EE). Participants share their opinions on various institutions and express concerns about the structure and value of Master's programs in relation to PhD tracks.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant requests suggestions for the best universities for MS programs in the USA.
- Another participant lists several top universities, including MIT, Stanford, and Berkeley, referencing a ranking source.
- A different participant provides a broader list of top universities, including Princeton, Harvard, and Yale, among others.
- One participant expresses concern that an MSc is often viewed as a fallback for those who leave the PhD track prematurely, particularly in pure science fields.
- Another participant notes that MIT does not offer a Master's program in Electrical Engineering, only a PhD program.
- A suggestion is made for Cal Poly SLO as a more accessible option for international students seeking a Master's in Electrical Engineering, highlighting its focus on fiber optics.
- One participant critiques the obsession with rankings, pointing out that not all listed universities offer a terminal Master's degree in Electrical Engineering.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the value and structure of Master's programs, particularly in relation to PhD pathways. There is no consensus on the best universities, as various lists and opinions are presented.
Contextual Notes
Some participants highlight that not all top-ranked universities offer a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a terminal MSEE, indicating potential limitations in the recommendations provided.