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What colleges would be best for me?
I need help deciding what colleges would be best for me based on the career path I am taking of cybersecurity. I may also do a computer science or business path.
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Muhammad’s Answer
Unless you attended an ivy league university, employers generally don't care which college you graduated from, they just care that your degree is relevant to the role and that the college/university is accredited. I'd recommend looking for colleges with cybersecurity undergrad programs (or software engineering programs, which is a great place to start a cybersecurity career path), AND has good internship placement (i.e. the program staff and professors actively help students get internships), with a secondary goal of completing your degree with the least amount of college loan debt possible.
While you are in college, take advantage of any cybersecurity and IT certifications that are deeply discounted or free for students. Focus on the ones that are commonly listed in the job descriptions of the types of jobs you are interested in. Also, pick 2 or 3 technologies related to cybersecurity, and get some hands on experience with them, even if it's just self study or for a school project.
While you are in college, take advantage of any cybersecurity and IT certifications that are deeply discounted or free for students. Focus on the ones that are commonly listed in the job descriptions of the types of jobs you are interested in. Also, pick 2 or 3 technologies related to cybersecurity, and get some hands on experience with them, even if it's just self study or for a school project.
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Marcus’s Answer
Cybersecurity is a great choice. The good thing about cybersecurity is people care more about real competency/knowledge than what school is on your resume. I got into cybersecurity with a unfinished associates degree from a community college and a lot of certifications. Certifications like Security+, networking, cloud, vendor product certs will get you a lot further than a college degree will in cybersecurity.
I would say focus less on a specific college and more on getting multiple certifications. I would advise picking a college that will not leave you with a huge amount of debt, it's unnecessary.
Some of the most talented people I have met in computer and cybersecurity were self taught with no formal education in computers. It's more about your drive and interest to learn, never underestimate what you can learn online. Internet taught me far more about computers than any classroom ever did.
I would say focus less on a specific college and more on getting multiple certifications. I would advise picking a college that will not leave you with a huge amount of debt, it's unnecessary.
Some of the most talented people I have met in computer and cybersecurity were self taught with no formal education in computers. It's more about your drive and interest to learn, never underestimate what you can learn online. Internet taught me far more about computers than any classroom ever did.
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Alyssa’s Answer
Consider beginning your journey at a community college - it's a cost-effective choice! If you're eager to fast-track your education, applying to an institution that specializes in cybersecurity could be a great move for you.
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Chosen Osarodion’s Answer
Here are some top colleges that offer strong programs in cybersecurity, computer science, and business:
### Cybersecurity:
1. **Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)**
- Renowned for its Information Networking Institute and cybersecurity programs.
- Offers interdisciplinary courses that combine technology and management.
2. **Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)**
- Known for its cutting-edge research in cybersecurity and computer science.
- Offers various cybersecurity-related programs and initiatives.
3. **University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)**
- Home to the Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity.
- Strong emphasis on research and practical applications.
4. **Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)**
- Offers a specialized cybersecurity degree through its College of Computing.
- Strong industry connections for internships and job placements.
5. **University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)**
- Offers a comprehensive cybersecurity program through its Computer Science department.
- Emphasizes both theoretical and practical aspects of cybersecurity.
### Computer Science:
1. **Stanford University**
- One of the leading institutions for computer science.
- Offers numerous research opportunities and industry connections in Silicon Valley.
2. **California Institute of Technology (Caltech)**
- Known for its rigorous computer science program.
- Offers opportunities for research and interdisciplinary studies.
3. **Harvard University**
- Offers a robust computer science curriculum.
- Provides opportunities to work on cutting-edge research projects.
4. **University of Washington**
- Renowned for its computer science program and research output.
- Strong emphasis on innovation and technology.
5. **University of Texas at Austin**
- Offers a highly regarded computer science program.
- Known for its research and industry partnerships.
### Business:
1. **University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School)**
- One of the top business schools globally.
- Offers strong programs in entrepreneurship, management, and finance.
2. **University of Michigan (Ross School of Business)**
- Known for its robust business curriculum and strong alumni network.
- Offers a variety of specializations and dual degree options.
3. **New York University (Stern School of Business)**
- Located in the heart of NYC, providing ample internship opportunities.
- Offers strong programs in finance, marketing, and management.
4. **University of California, Los Angeles (Anderson School of Management)**
- Offers a comprehensive business program with a focus on innovation.
- Strong industry connections in the tech and entertainment sectors.
5. **Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan School of Management)**
- Known for its focus on entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Offers a range of business programs that integrate technology and management.
### Tips for Choosing a College:
1. **Program Strength**: Look at the specific programs and courses offered in your areas of interest.
2. **Location**: Consider the location and its proximity to industry hubs for internships and job opportunities.
3. **Research Opportunities**: Check for research centers and labs that align with your interests.
4. **Alumni Network**: A strong alumni network can provide mentorship and job connections.
5. **Campus Resources**: Look for colleges with robust career services and support for students.
Visiting campuses, talking to current students, and attending college fairs can also help you make an informed decision.
### Cybersecurity:
1. **Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)**
- Renowned for its Information Networking Institute and cybersecurity programs.
- Offers interdisciplinary courses that combine technology and management.
2. **Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)**
- Known for its cutting-edge research in cybersecurity and computer science.
- Offers various cybersecurity-related programs and initiatives.
3. **University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)**
- Home to the Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity.
- Strong emphasis on research and practical applications.
4. **Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)**
- Offers a specialized cybersecurity degree through its College of Computing.
- Strong industry connections for internships and job placements.
5. **University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)**
- Offers a comprehensive cybersecurity program through its Computer Science department.
- Emphasizes both theoretical and practical aspects of cybersecurity.
### Computer Science:
1. **Stanford University**
- One of the leading institutions for computer science.
- Offers numerous research opportunities and industry connections in Silicon Valley.
2. **California Institute of Technology (Caltech)**
- Known for its rigorous computer science program.
- Offers opportunities for research and interdisciplinary studies.
3. **Harvard University**
- Offers a robust computer science curriculum.
- Provides opportunities to work on cutting-edge research projects.
4. **University of Washington**
- Renowned for its computer science program and research output.
- Strong emphasis on innovation and technology.
5. **University of Texas at Austin**
- Offers a highly regarded computer science program.
- Known for its research and industry partnerships.
### Business:
1. **University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School)**
- One of the top business schools globally.
- Offers strong programs in entrepreneurship, management, and finance.
2. **University of Michigan (Ross School of Business)**
- Known for its robust business curriculum and strong alumni network.
- Offers a variety of specializations and dual degree options.
3. **New York University (Stern School of Business)**
- Located in the heart of NYC, providing ample internship opportunities.
- Offers strong programs in finance, marketing, and management.
4. **University of California, Los Angeles (Anderson School of Management)**
- Offers a comprehensive business program with a focus on innovation.
- Strong industry connections in the tech and entertainment sectors.
5. **Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan School of Management)**
- Known for its focus on entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Offers a range of business programs that integrate technology and management.
### Tips for Choosing a College:
1. **Program Strength**: Look at the specific programs and courses offered in your areas of interest.
2. **Location**: Consider the location and its proximity to industry hubs for internships and job opportunities.
3. **Research Opportunities**: Check for research centers and labs that align with your interests.
4. **Alumni Network**: A strong alumni network can provide mentorship and job connections.
5. **Campus Resources**: Look for colleges with robust career services and support for students.
Visiting campuses, talking to current students, and attending college fairs can also help you make an informed decision.
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Maria’s Answer
Choose a journey that fills your heart with joy each day. Utilize your first year as a stepping stone to explore various possibilities and ignite your passion.
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Nancy’s Answer
There is a demand for graduates with STEM (science/technology/math) degrees right now, so cybersecurity and computer science programs are a great choice for the current job market. Keep in mind that the prerequisites for these degrees usually start during freshman year, so you will not have the option to wait until your sophomore year to declare. Business majors are extremely competitive, so you will need to declare that immediately -- at the time of your college application! Some schools offer a combined or joint major, with technology/engineering and business, so that may be worth exploring (but may require that you attend summer classes).
My son did the latter, pursued a joint computer science/economics degree, which I thought was a great choice, but did limit his electives.
Hope this is helpful, good luck!
My son did the latter, pursued a joint computer science/economics degree, which I thought was a great choice, but did limit his electives.
Hope this is helpful, good luck!