I got into UCLA Cognitive Science and UW HCDE, and I really want to go to UCLA but I think UW is the best for my interest. I’m interested in UI/UX, HCI, and product design, but I’m not sure what I specifically want to do. I also got into NYU CS and considering that as well. Can I get input on which school would be the best fit!!!
Are all 3 affordable - that’s step one ?
I don’t think there’s a best - you can do HCI pretty much anywhere today as schools pivot toward AI and more.
So what can your parents afford (or want to afford) and then pick from there.
What is your state of residency? And does the price tag matter?
The HCDE program is heading for ABET accreditation by the time you would graduate. Undergraduate Curriculum Changes FAQs | Human Centered Design & Engineering So, this is a significant distinction: do you want to earn an ABET-accredited engineering degree, or do you want to study CogSci or CS? Accordingly, as a design-focused general engineering program, HCDE is going to span both virtual/computational and physical/real-world design and prototyping; is that good or bad, in your view?
It would be wise to consider both your personal inclinations - which program sounds the most interesting/rewarding - and also what you want to bet on in terms of the trajectory of the job market. Some would argue that an ABET degree that isn’t purely software-focused will be less vulnerable to job market constriction due to the encroachment of AI. OTOH, in the CogSci/CS sphere, one could choose to ride that wave by focusing on the implementation of AI. How do you want to position yourself, career-wise?
Did you apply to UCSD also? This is the most robust CogSci department in the UC system (and perhaps anywhere?). UCLA’s Cog-Sci does not have its own department as San Diego has; it’s based in the psychology department, but does offer a computing specialization within the degree program. It’s another matter of opinion whether a CS degree (e.g. from NYU) would carry more weight in the job market than a computation/heavy interdisciplinary psych degree from UCLA. Is there someone you can ask at UCLA, about post-grad outcomes for this program specifically?
Three very different environments (LA vs. Seattle vs. NYC) and different campus vibes as well. I can see how you would likely have a preference in terms of where you’d like to spend four years. The question is whether that preference aligns with what you most prefer academically/career-wise, and if not, what’s the higher priority?