CMU MHCI vs UW MHCI+D

[BobSmith]

Hey guys!

I just got accepted into CMU's MHCI program and am so happy. I'm just waiting on University of Washington MHCI+D's decision. If I get rejected from UW, I'm going to CMU. However, if I get accepted to UW, I'll have to make a decision. I might be jumping the gun here, but I want to get some outside thoughts and give myself enough time to think. I'm leaning towards CMU because it seems to be slightly better overall.

Is there any reason that someone should take UW over CMU? UW is a fair bit cheaper, and it's located in Seattle where it will be easier to transition into a job afterward (but I don't think job placement is an issue with CMU). I know that CMU is focused a little more on theory, but they still have the capstone project to help build a portfolio. 

If anyone is also making a similar decision please share your thoughts! Any insights to the program beyond what's on the websites would be really helpful. Thank you!

[produxtui]

First, congrats! I just received acceptance form CMU too (as well as Ga Tech, still waiting on UW). 

I think you touch on the pro's of UW's program. Add the fact that is only 11 months vs CMU's 12... which isn't much of a deal but should factor into living expenses. UW's program was actually founded by CMU grads, so the experience is probably going to be similar. If anything, I think UW's is more focused on theory. CMU's 8 month capstone is meant to totally simulate a real world project with an industry sponsor, and the first part of the curriculum is devoted to the practical skills of HCI (e.g. programming).

Having said that, when I had my interview with CMU last month I was told that the job placement rate was like 95% (may be a bit off here). It looks like you'll have a better shot (although not much better) at landing at a large tech company with CMU.

Edited March 5, 2019 by produxtui

[mina.]

I also have been accepted to CMU, but hope to get into UW as well!

However, I am actually leaning towards UW for a few reasons:

1. cost- UW is significantly cheaper

2. location- I love Seattle (location, food, culture, etc) and although I haven't been to Pittsburgh yet, people I know who graduated from CMU didn't give me the best impression of it

3. Better tech connections- Seattle has a lot more tech companies and opportunities for networking with people in tech than pittsburgh would

Also, the UW capstone project is also done with industry sponsors-  great for networking and practical experience.  Also, the IxD class seems amazing!

But what I like about CMU is the fact they make you code and they are slightly more prestigious.  

Edited March 5, 2019 by mina.

[BobSmith]

On 3/4/2019 at 8:17 PM, produxtui said:

First, congrats! I just received acceptance form CMU too (as well as Ga Tech, still waiting on UW). 

I think you touch on the pro's of UW's program. Add the fact that is only 11 months vs CMU's 12... which isn't much of a deal but should factor into living expenses. UW's program was actually founded by CMU grads, so the experience is probably going to be similar. If anything, I think UW's is more focused on theory. CMU's 8 month capstone is meant to totally simulate a real world project with an industry sponsor, and the first part of the curriculum is devoted to the practical skills of HCI (e.g. programming).

Having said that, when I had my interview with CMU last month I was told that the job placement rate was like 95% (may be a bit off here). It looks like you'll have a better shot (although not much better) at landing at a large tech company with CMU.

Yeah I felt that UW is pretty similar to CMU. Almost feels like they're the second version. 

Why do you say that UW is more theory-heavy? I feel that I've heard the opposite.

It seems both UW and CMU have good job placement...doesn't seem to be an issue for either. UW had 90% placement after 6 months. Though I did notice UW was majority in Seattle (90% in CA) vs CMU was much more spread out.

[BobSmith]

On 3/5/2019 at 11:22 AM, mina. said:

I also have been accepted to CMU, but hope to get into UW as well!

However, I am actually leaning towards UW for a few reasons:

1. cost- UW is significantly cheaper

2. location- I love Seattle (location, food, culture, etc) and although I haven't been to Pittsburgh yet, people I know who graduated from CMU didn't give me the best impression of it

3. Better tech connections- Seattle has a lot more tech companies and opportunities for networking with people in tech than pittsburgh would

Also, the UW capstone project is also done with industry sponsors-  great for networking and practical experience.  Also, the IxD class seems amazing!

But what I like about CMU is the fact they make you code and they are slightly more prestigious.  

1. Definitely.

2. I agree, but since it is one year program I think it's worth the sacrifice? But I definitely prefer Seattle, wouldn't mind living there.

3. It seems that the CMU alumni network is much larger, and a fair amount end up in the bay area or Seattle anyway. UW has the advantage of already being there so a higher % end up in Seattle if that's where you want to be. I would argue that CMU actually has better tech connections.

From what I can tell the UW and CMU capstone project are quite similar right?

For me, so far it seems CMU is better than UW in every aspect other than location and cost.

[mina.]

On 3/7/2019 at 12:21 AM, BobSmith said:

1. Definitely.

2. I agree, but since it is one year program I think it's worth the sacrifice? But I definitely prefer Seattle, wouldn't mind living there.

3. It seems that the CMU alumni network is much larger, and a fair amount end up in the bay area or Seattle anyway. UW has the advantage of already being there so a higher % end up in Seattle if that's where you want to be. I would argue that CMU actually has better tech connections.

From what I can tell the UW and CMU capstone project are quite similar right?

For me, so far it seems CMU is better than UW in every aspect other than location and cost.

The alumni network is a very good point, also considering the size of classes as well.  UW is around 35 and CMU is 60.  

But I was referring more to tech events for networking.  If you look at eventbrite you can see there are substantially more ux and tech-related events which are great opportunities to meet others in the same field and expand your network   

[grad-kitty]

Hi, was lurking on this thread. Did you all hear back from UW? 

I got into both programs, and I think I will choose UW MHCI+D for many of the factors listed above. Anyone else deciding between these two? 

[BobSmith]

3 hours ago, grad-kitty said:

Hi, was lurking on this thread. Did you all hear back from UW? 

I got into both programs, and I think I will choose UW MHCI+D for many of the factors listed above. Anyone else deciding between these two? 

Congrats!

I got rejected from UW, so I don't have to make the decision but CMU is my first choice (based on my reasoning above) so I would've gone with CMU even if I did get accepted to UW.

I heard that UW's program was created from CMU alumni (should fact check this ?). but honestly, I think both are amazing programs so don't worry! You're going to get a lot out of both programs so definitely pick the one that best suits your needs.

 

 

Edited March 21, 2019 by BobSmith

[Uxgrad]

It’s very common in the U.S. that people relocate to another city for jobs/internships. Unless you have a strong reason to stay at the same place, I wouldn’t tie the location of the school to your job opportunity.

CMU offers much more with its very strong alumni base. Most of the CMU MHCI grads now work at the heart of Silicon Valley. In fact, 30% of their cohort land up with an internship in the first 3-4 months of their program compared to HCID at UW's program.

[user000001]

Hey everyone! I am struggling with this decision between CMU and MHCI+D. Now that the visiting days have passed (MHCI+D happening rn), do people have more insights on this topic?

[grad-kitty]

After visiting, while CMU is definitely impressive, I’ve decided on UW MHCI+D. I think you get similar outcomes from both programs, and it ended up coming down to location and the larger community at UW/Seattle. I like that UW has direct alumni mentorship and a lot of alumni stay in Seattle so you can connect with them in person. At least for me personally, UW was a much better fit. That being said, I think you have to consider what’s best for you and your needs! Good luck! you can’t go wrong with either one.