Struggling to Choose Between Cybersecurity & Robotics | Low Undergrad GPA | Need Advice on Grad School Path
Hey everyone,
I’ve been thinking a lot about my future in academia, and I’m stuck on a few major decisions. I’d really appreciate any guidance from those who have gone through the process.
Background: - I have a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering with a 2.97 overall GPA (2.69 major GPA) from my local university.
My undergrad performance wasn’t great, but I did significantly better in my last semester (Dean’s List with a 3.87 GPA) and I know I can do much better in a focused academic environment.
I’ve been involved in some robotics work, including a summer bootcamp where I helped build an autonomous rover using machine learning (YOLO object detection) and MQTT communication.
I also have an interest in cybersecurity, and I’ll be starting a Junior Cybersecurity Engineer position soon.
I recently completed the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate and plan to take the IBM and Microsoft security certs soon.
I’m starting a Master’s in Computer Engineering at my local university in September 2025 and I’m aiming for a 3.5+ GPA to prove I can handle advanced coursework.
Dilemma: Robotics vs. Cybersecurity vs. Both?
I’m passionate about both robotics and cybersecurity, and I’m struggling to decide:
Should I fully commit to one field, or would it be possible to combine them (e.g., security for autonomous systems)?
Which field has better PhD and research opportunities at top universities?
Which one would give me a stronger career path in both industry and academia?
Long-Term Goal: PhD at a Top University
I want to eventually apply for a PhD at a top university like MIT, CMU, UC Berkeley, Georgia Tech, or similar institutions. But I know my undergrad GPA will be a red flag, so I’m trying to strategically build my profile over the next few years.
Key Questions:
Research Experience: I haven’t published any papers yet, but I plan to get research experience during my master’s. What’s the best way to find research opportunities and get involved in publishing?
Master’s vs. Direct PhD: Should I apply for a research-based master’s at a high-ranking school first (e.g., Georgia Tech, UIUC, Northeastern) to improve my PhD chances? Or would a strong research record from my local master’s be enough?
Application Strategy: Given my profile, what can I do over the next 1-2 years to make myself a competitive applicant for a top PhD program?
Any advice on how to navigate this would be greatly appreciated! If anyone has been in a similar situation, I’d love to hear how you tackled it. Thanks in advance!