I'm starting to look into colleges with strong computer science programs in Illinois and Wisconsin. Any recommendations from current students or alumni? I'd love to hear about both renowned universities and hidden gems in these states.
Sure, I'm happy to provide some recommendations!
In Illinois, the first university that comes to mind is the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). It has a Computer Science program that is consistently ranked among the top 5 in the nation. What makes this program particularly great is its strong curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning, the wealth of research opportunities, and the great internship/career opportunities available due to its strong industry connections.
Northwestern University also has a strong CS program that is well-respected, with particular strengths in artificial intelligence and machine learning.
A hidden gem would be Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) in Chicago. This school offers a rigorous curriculum and close connections with the tech industry in Chicago.
Over in Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) has a very strong CS program. It offers a wide range of computer science courses and has a strong research focus. It's well-respected within academia and in the industry.
A lesser-known school in Wisconsin with a solid CS program is Marquette University. While it might not have the nationwide recognition of UW-Madison, Marquette's program is grounded in the university's liberal arts foundation, offering a holistic approach to the field of computer science.
All of these programs offer unique opportunities and advantages. In the end, it will come down to which environment and teaching style will suit you best. I hope this helps!
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