The MS HCI Program at RPI

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by JoAnnP38, Feb 19, 2006.

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  1. JoAnnP38

    JoAnnP38 Member

    Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has a one-of-a-kind distance learning masters degree in Human-Computer Interaction that is currently calling out to me. After I complete my current degree program I am seriously thinking of applying. This program dovetails very nicely with my career as I've spent equal time as both a software engineer and a software designer. In the designer role, I not only developed the functional specifications for several software products, I also had to plan out the user interfaces as well. Completing this degree would really cement my credentials in the area of software development and design. Does anybody have any thoughts about this program or know of other similar programs?

    This degree is pretty expensive at almost $1000 per semester hour; however, keep in mind there are really no other degrees that I know of in HCI. I also have an alterior motive for completing this degree. Although I am committed to my current career, I would like to have the option to teach as an adjunct instructor during my retirement years. With both this degree and a MS degree in Computer Science, I would feel pretty good about my chances to attain such a position either at my local community college or for some of the local state universities. There are many Computer Science courses that cry out for an instructor who has the academic qualifications in conjunction with a heaping dose of real world experience.

    While a double masters would give me a competitive advantage over candidates with just a masters degree, if I should go on to complete a PhD I also think it might offer a competitive advantage over candidates with a PhD without a second masters degree. I understand that working outside academia does not give one as many opportunities to develop all the skills an instructor requires; however, I an willing to bet that community colleges are willing to take a chance as long as all my other credentials add up. Does anyone disagree with this?
     
  2. gsmckee

    gsmckee New Member

    I too am considering HCI, but from a different approach. You can continue your search in the areas of Human Factors, and industrial engineering. Much of your interest is in those programs too.

    Wright state university – online – Master program in HF engineering
    http://www.wright.edu/cgibin/catalog/grad.cgi?id=30
    Some of the classes you seek are here
    http://www.wright.edu/cgibin/catalog/gradcourses.cgi?department=HFE

    You can’t go wrong with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the Master of Aeronautical Science (MAS) – can be done online or at a residential campus near you.
    http://www.erau.edu/ec/academicorgs/eccoce/mas.html with specialization in Human Factors in Aviation Systems

    Very interesting...
    University of Michigan School of Information (Ann Arbor, MI)
    http://www.si.umich.edu/msi/hci.htm
    MS in Information with Human-Computer Interaction specialization

    Not distance...
    Indiana University
    http://www.informatics.indiana.edu/academics/hcid.asp

    Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA)
    http://www.cc.gatech.edu/gvu/
    MS in Human Computer Interaction

    Good luck
     

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