You need to ask yourself a few questions first, I think, to help you determine what you want to do with your programming. If you think your choice of colleges is overwhelming, there are so many possible career paths available to you once you graduate.

I went to work for a contract company right out of the gate, and within the first month I was interviewing for jobs ranging from network engineer to a C (not C++) programmer writing controller code for onboard computers for automobiles to a VB programmer for the Contract Company itself. Although I was qualified for all of these jobs, each one had things that I did or did not like. My goal as a programmer, though, has always been to try and solve immediate business process problems with the appropriate tools. I have tried to stay away from getting into religious battles about programming languages, as each has a strength that I will have to exploit at one time or another.

My point is, go into your search for education with an idea about what you want to accomlish with it. My guess is, you're going to get involved in something, and those goals are going to change. Who knows, you might find that graphics programming is the coolest thing since sliced bread when you went in thinking that you wanted to design Encryption algorithms to rival Rijndael. Whatever your ideas, though, make sure you have some ideas going in.

The beauty of our times is such that you can get involved in any aspect of programming and make a good living doing what you like (on average - Your day-to-day stress may vary).

My suggestion, in the end, is to find a university that has a broad range of educational choices in Computer Science unless you are DEFINITELY sure about what you want to do. Find out what the Masters students are researching - they're usually the ones teaching your lower level classes - and find out what the professors backgrounds are. But don't just talk with the faculty and staff, poke around some classes and listen to see if you can learn from the guy in the front, and talk with some students, their general state of mind is a good indicator of how you'll be feeling in that curricula.

The most important note I have, is that no matter what the college, curricula or location, make sure that you are in an environment that you can learn, study, and most importantly, have fun (not too much, of course - I have words of wisdom based on experience in that category as well *grin* MTU - Go Huskies!!).

C-.

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