Which programs to consider? non-cs undergrad

[tombruin2011]

Hello, I am looking into getting a MS in CS and I am very confused about the grad school application process so here are a few questions I am hoping someone would be generous to answer

 

a little background: I am a civil engineering grad from UCLA, I am looking into getting my masters in CS as I lost interest in civil towards the end of undergrad. I graduated with 2.8 GPA (I know this is going to close a lot of doors) and I have been working in IT for the past 2 years (basic computer stuff not sure if it helps). I have taken the GRE and got 149 verbal 167 quant. And also have EIT if that helps at all. And also I have taken the lower division CS courses (C++, Assembly)

 

So my first question is how strict are the prereqs that programs list? I am hoping for something in the lower level UCs (UCSB, UCI, UCR) would also be open to out of state (not sure where to start my research on their program as I have no clue how schools rank relative to CA schools). As I read the prereqs they are all listing an minimum GPA of 3.0, so my question is does that mean I should just not apply to them?

 

I guess my main question is which schools would be slight reach (but not completely out of the question) and which ones are closer to match based on my background?

 

thanks in advance everyone!

[compiler_guy]

You probably should consider schools other than UCs, such as Cal State U schools and even better - schools outside your state. If you want to focus on some specific research field for your masters, that may help your chances (like graphics, AI, systems and such).

 

Ranking:

http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-science-schools/computer-science-rankings

 

Good luck!