Top Colleges in California for Software Engineering?

Hi everyone, I'm planning to major in computer software engineering and was wondering what the best colleges in California for this major are. I'd love to get some insight beyond just the ranking, like class size, professors, internships, etc. Thanks for your help!

Absolutely, happy to provide some insights.

Stanford University is one of the top colleges for software engineering, with its Computer Science department often ranking among the best globally. The program allows a specialization in Software Engineering. Class sizes do tend to be large in introductory classes but become smaller as you move into more specialized areas. Professors are top-notch, frequently among leading contributors to their fields, and the school's proximity to Silicon Valley offers numerous internship and job opportunities.

UC Berkeley also has a robust Computer Science program where you can concentrate on Software Engineering. Class sizes can be quite large, but you'll have access to researchers and professors who are leading scholars in their fields. Berkeley’s location in the Bay Area also presents ample internship opportunities in tech companies and startups.

Caltech, although smaller and better known for pure sciences, offers a great deal of interactivity and close-knit classes due to its size, and its programs often incorporate practical, hands-on experience which could be valuable for a future software engineer.

UC San Diego's Jacobs School of Engineering has a strong Computer Science and Engineering department, offering both a BS in Computer Science and a BS in Computer Engineering. The program has a focus on real-world applications which can be really helpful.

And lastly, USC Viterbi School of Engineering has renowned computer science programs. USC has extensive relationships with industries and many professors work in the industry, providing students a more in-depth industry perspective. USC also hosts a variety of career fairs to help students find internships and job opportunities.

Remember, all these institutions will provide rigorous academic training. Still, factors like preference for class size, access to professors, proximity to potential workplaces (like tech companies or start-ups), and campus culture are also essential to keep in mind when making your decision.