Kinesiology major trying to get into a MS program, any suggestions?

[ruthless]

Hey guys, new here. My undergrad studies have been in a completely different field but i have always loved computer science. I took two courses in high school and college and did well. 

 

As far as searching for masters programs in CS, i am really confused. 

 

I do not know if i even have a decent chance of getting into the top 20 programs and was wondering if you guys could help me out in picking schools? I am trying for the Fall 2014 cycle. I know some schools deadlines ended but a lot are still open. 

 

GPA will be 3.4~3.5 when i graduate and have not taken the GREs. Will update these soon. 

 

Doing research in a biomechanics lab for 2 years and the professor said he will write me a recommendation (will be strong). 

 

Still have to get other recommendations. 

 

Been working in my university's software/hardware help center for 3 years as well. 

[ruthless]

bumpp

[dat_nerd]

Often times, you'll need to have fulfilled a certain list of required courses before being accepted. For many top-20 programs, you'll need a lot more than two CS classes to start working on a MS. However, some programs do not require a CS background, such as this one: http://www.cis.upenn.edu/grad/mcit/

 

Do you know which programs you'll be applying to?

[ruthless]

I have only made a list, ranging from top 20 to top 100

 

Most schools will also accept you but will put you in a track where you will take undergraduate courses. 

 

I was just wondering what are the chances for me? As a not so regular applicant

 

I will be applying to the MCIT program

[dat_nerd]

I have only made a list, ranging from top 20 to top 100

 

Most schools will also accept you but will put you in a track where you will take undergraduate courses. 

 

I was just wondering what are the chances for me? As a not so regular applicant

 

I will be applying to the MCIT program

It's impossible to tell without knowledge of your qualifications or experience. Ask a trusted professor or advisor within your university, since they know more about your background and can read your statement of purpose.

[complexbongo]

dat_nerd has hit it right on the head: you have to make sure you have the pre-requisites when you apply. For an MS, they won't be too willing to let you take undergraduate courses that are often expected of incoming students, so take a look around and make sure you have those.

 

You say you took two courses in high school and college. Whether that means 1 in high school and 1 in college or 2 in each, either way you will be at a huge disadvantage in comparison to most applicants. My suggestion is to look around at the schools you're interested in and check their prerequisites. Also, call the schools to verify these courses. After you've done that, take what you need to take and then apply.

 

Best of luck!

[ruthless]

I took those two courses in college and i am in my third one right now. 

 

I am applying to 10 to 15 schools and most of them say they will accept me conditionally where i can take the pre req courses while i am in the masters program. 

 

I know for a fact i will not get into the top tier programs due to my background and i am trying to get into a masters program immediately after my undergrad, i cannot afford to wait. 

 

So far, i have Upenn, Uchicago, Northeastern, NIU, NYU, and i need more. I am considering Albany at SUNY, i have missed a lot of deadlines because i took too long to make the decision. 

 

Any suggestions?