<p>I'm a freshman at UCSD currently at a fork in the road-- this is the last quarter I have to decide between majoring in CogSci w/ Spec. in HCI or Computer Science. Doing Cogsci would definitely be more comfortable for me as I wouldn't have to repeat the Math 20 series (I only took the 10 series) and I'm far ahead in the 4 year track. I may be able to either graduate early or preferably have a degree in Cogsci w/ a minor in CompSci. On the other hand, I know Compsci will help be think more like a software engineer which is sort of what I'm going for.</p>
<p>Career-wise, what would be the best decision?</p>
<p>Do Cog Sci-HCI and a minor in Comp Sci, or just graduate early. I know people who have done both. The Comp Sci minor will be the better career choice. Cog Sci gives you a wide range of knowledge about various topics. Psyc, Linguistics, Anthropology, Neuroscience, Comp Sci. Its an awesome experience.</p>
<p>BTW I’m not sure if it will affect you or not, but I think next year Cog Sci is going to REQUIRE the 20 series. They sent out an email earlier this year about the changes. I’m pretty sure its only for incoming students though but worth double checking.</p>
<p>EDIT: Just remembered, I think Math 11 is no longer going to count for the 4th cog sci math class after this quarter so you might be stuck with a BA. Way to get around that is take Math 254 (Linear Algebra - 20F equivalent) @ San Diego Mesa College (or any other community college) and get transfer credit for it. Make sure you double check. The Undergrad advisor, her name is Thanh, is extremely helpful.</p>
<p>You have to take the Math 20 series for Cogsci now but I think it’s only for Fall 2011 admits. Are you more interested in design or hardcore programming? If both, then I echo what Arctic says- HCI major, Comp Sci minor.</p>
<p>Don’t worry too much about job placement. As a senior looking for a job I know for a fact that there are many companies looking for people with experience in user interface design (at least in Silicon Valley).</p>
<p>In the Cog Sci department getting all kinds of experience as an undergrad is ridiculously easy. There are numerous 199’s and 160’s available and professors always need students who can do basic research. If you can do programming it only helps you. </p>
<p>Check out Professor Hollan’s HCI Lab if you are interested in that. Also, any neuroscience lab will probably need someone who knows matlab.</p>