Postbaccalaureate Computer Science / Second Bachelors / MHCI

College Majors Engineering Majors
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<p>I received my BA in Psychology from UVA last year, and I currently do research coordination (heavy emphasis on database design) in the UVA Hospital. I took two CS classes during my fourth year, and realized that it is a much better career path for me. I have considered trying to take prerequisites and get into an MS program, but I feel like doing so might be setting myself up to have gaping holes or a lack of breadth in my knowledge. Thoughts?</p>

<p>Additionally, VCU offers a postbaccalaureate undergraduate certificate in computer science ([Certificate</a> | VCU Computer Science](<a href=“http://computer-science.egr.vcu.edu/undergraduate/certificate/]Certificate”>http://computer-science.egr.vcu.edu/undergraduate/certificate/)). Does anyone have experience with this route/know how employers view certificates versus second bachelors degrees a la ODU (<a href=“http://www.cs.odu.edu/~advisor/advising/program_cs_2nd.shtml)?%5B/url%5D”>http://www.cs.odu.edu/~advisor/advising/program_cs_2nd.shtml)?</a></p>

<p>Finally, I have been considering going the HCI route. For instance, CMU offers the one year MHCI program ([Masters</a> Program - Pittsburgh | Human-Computer Interaction Institute](<a href=“http://www.hcii.cmu.edu/masters-program-pittsburgh]Masters”>http://www.hcii.cmu.edu/masters-program-pittsburgh)), which specifically targets psychology degree-holders, among others. Would this be a legitimate way to break into software development, or do you think this would pigeonhole me into UX?</p>

<p>Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.</p>

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<p>Does the Certificate Program fulfill the prerequisites you need for an MS program? If so, then there is no reason not to get it.</p>

<p>A piece of paper can’t hurt, unless it takes a lot more classes. If it does, then look at the additional classes and see if they are beneficial to you. 18 credits is 3 classes? If so, that should not be that difficult. If you are a class or two away from the 30 credits, your first class or two in the MS program may be able to fill that requirement.</p>

<p>HCI? If that is your interest, then why not? If you want to develop software for space exploration, work on Operating System development, or micro-coding processors, then it is probably not a good choice.</p>