Nick Greene

Review of Northern Illinois Univeristy e...

The teachers were mostly good at what they taught,...

The teachers were mostly good at what they taught, and most seemed to care. That is the only reason this school even deserves a 1 star.

I graduated with a B.S. in Computer Science and Minor in Math.
If you are considering CS, go somewhere else. The courses are extremely outdated, you will never use an actual computer in class, you will not learn how to use tools that are industry standard, and you will not be properly prepared for the working world. None of the teachers stay current with technology.

The majority of your classes will be C++ (which most companies do not use). Out of 10 graduates I know, 0 are using C++ in the real world. They should restructure to be more C# or Java focused.
You will not learn how to use version control software, which you will need for any job anywhere. They should implement git or subversion source control for students to learn with. This would also make turning in assignment easier. I had to email my teachers zip files with the extension changed because they have no proper system in place.
You will never use a computer in class, or be told anything about debugging. It is assumed that you should learn this on your own time. Classes should be taught with computers (that CS students pay a $150 / semester technology fee for). Debugging should be covered in intro classes, as different IDEs and languages have different tools and methods.

The worst part is that I have brought these concerns up multiple times with the teachers and even head of the CS department. They either do not care, or claim there is no money. Version control could be implemented for basically free, but they are not current in the field to know this.

And to further the insult, every year they add huge exspansion for the school athletics. One year a huge indoor football field. Then they extended the stadium tailgate area and concessions. Next they plan to extend the stadium. Unless you are an athlete, this school does not care about you.

All this school will offer you is a very expensive piece of paper.