Thinking of going for MS in CS SUNY Buffalo in future… is it even worth it? not sure how good it actually is for placements or research. Also like… there are so many specialisations 
cybersecurity? AI? data science? Which one is even good?? anyone got any idea?
If you’re considering an MS in CS at SUNY Buffalo, it’s honestly a solid option. UB is generally well-regarded in the US for computer science, especially given its affordable tuition, strong faculty, and decent research output. It’s not top-10 level, but for the cost-to-value ratio, it’s definitely worth it.
Placements:
UB has good industry connections, and students usually land internships and full-time roles at companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Bloomberg, Meta (sometimes), and a lot of mid-tier tech firms. As with most US universities, placements depend massively on your own networking + projects + internships. UB gives opportunities, but you need to make use of them.
Specialisation:
There’s no single “best” one, but here’s a breakdown to help you choose:
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AI / ML: Great if you enjoy math + research. UB has decent labs and professors in ML, vision, and NLP. Competitive but high reward.
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Data Science: Very popular and versatile. Opens doors in analytics, ML engineering, fintech, and product roles. Safe and flexible.
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Cybersecurity: UB has a strong security group and is known for good research here. If you’re interested in systems, networks, and security, this can be a great pick. Job market in security is also booming.
Overall, UB is worth it if you want a balance of affordability, research, and career opportunities. Just make sure your specialisation aligns with what you actually enjoy, because that matters way more than the trend.
hey @Riya763 Honestly, SUNY Buffalo is a pretty good choice for MS in CS, especially if you want a balance of affordable fees, decent research, and solid job outcomes. It’s not Ivy League level, but it’s definitely respected in the US. Many Indian students go there, and most of them manage to get good internships and full-time roles if they stay consistent with projects, networking, and LeetCode. The placements are not “handed to you,” but the opportunities are there.
About specialisations — don’t stress too much. All three (AI, Data Science, Cybersecurity) are in demand, but it depends on what you enjoy. If you like maths and models, go for AI. If you enjoy working with data, numbers, and business insights, then Data Science is safe. If you’re into security, hacking, and system protection, Cybersecurity has strong job growth. None of these are “bad,” and all can lead to good salaries. Just pick the one you feel you can study for two years without getting bored.
Hey @Riya763 There is no doubt that the Buffalo is one of the best university . I recommend that you apply there for MS programs in AI, Computer Science, Data Science, or Biomedical Engineering. The placement opportunities are also very good.
Apart from Buffalo, I would also suggest looking into other universities such as CMU, Duke, and the University of Pittsburgh.