USC or BU for graduate school in VLSI design

[jleung213]

hi everyone, i recently got accepted to both school for their master EE program. I would like to do VLSI design for my concentration. In terms of the ranking, USC's school of engineering is much higher than BU in the US. I am considering work for companies that are located in the east coast or China/Taiwan after graduation. So which school has better reputation in the VLSI design industry and which school do you think i should go to? Thanks for all ur reply.

 

[shaheryar87]

Hi. First of all congratulations on your admissions! I have been surfing through many forums as I am also interested in VLSI design and have got 2 admits for fall 09. Based on the comments I have read, I would say that USC is far better than BU esp. for VLSI. Also I have heard that there are a lot of USC grads working in the silicon valley.
I haven't yet decided b/w my two admits.
1) Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago
2) San Jose State University.

I am interested in Digital VLSI design. What do you think, where should i go??

 

[ray123]

do you consider chaning your major?
there is no much vlsi job left for new grad.

 

[shaheryar87]

Well, I am being sort of pressurized by some of the engineers in my family not to take VLSI. But since i like the subject so much hence i don't know what else could i do. I am now thinking of doing a dual program at IIT chicago. Its "Masters of science in Computer Engineering & Electrical Engineering" i.e M.S. CP.E/E.E. . The degree sounds very impressive. I would take vlsi courses for EE and networking courses for Comp engg. hence i think i would have a broader range when it comes to job market.
But, i am confused if this would result in a scenario where i have my legs in two separate boats!! This thing haunts me!. What do you think? Would some senior or professional like to comment on this??

 

[ray123]

EE has many fields, vlsi is only one of them.