What degree lends itself best for UX?

Hey all, I'm new to IxDA and am looking forward to interacting with you all here. Currently, I do interface/interaction design and information architecture, focused mainly on content management systems.

I've been playing around with the idea of finishing my education and focusing on a degree (Master's more than likely) that would provide credibility for a UX practitioner. I've looked into Applied/Industrial/Organizational Psychology and feel that would be a great fit.

But, I'd like to know what the community thinks about such things. Does anyone out there have a degree that you feel lends well to UX? Where would you recommend attaining such a degree (around the Central Texas area is best) and why?

Thanks and hope to hear from you all soon.

Justin

Tags: UX, architecture, degree, design, education, experience, psychology, user

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Permalink Reply by Paul Daly on April 12, 2011 at 1:46pm

I would second the Psychology approach -- I have an MS in Applied Experimental Psychology, but took courses in I/O (actually worked in I/O Psych before grad school). I think it provides a good background. As for credibility, that is a open question in the field, but if you look at job postings the solid ones look for a human factors, HCI, or psychology degree.

But if you're looking for something around Austin, you're limited. At UT there is a program in Information Science, and possibly the inter-disciplinary Cognitive Science program through Psychology. Closest Human Factors program is Texas Tech or Rice. There is an I/O Psych program at St. Mary's in San Antonio.

Paul

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Permalink Reply by Justin Lowery on April 12, 2011 at 2:14pm

Thank you very much for the recommendations. I will look into them ASAP. I heard about the program at St. Mary's, but did not know about Texas Tech's. And, unfortunately, money is always an factor, so I believe Rice is out of the question :(

My most desired approach is 100% online, but I know that would be near impossible. Anyway, thanks for taking the time to discuss this with me. Take care.

Justin

Paul Daly said:

I would second the Psychology approach -- I have an MS in Applied Experimental Psychology, but took courses in I/O (actually worked in I/O Psych before grad school). I think it provides a good background. As for credibility, that is a open question in the field, but if you look at job postings the solid ones look for a human factors, HCI, or psychology degree.

But if you're looking for something around Austin, you're limited. At UT there is a program in Information Science, and possibly the inter-disciplinary Cognitive Science program through Psychology. Closest Human Factors program is Texas Tech or Rice. There is an I/O Psych program at St. Mary's in San Antonio.

Paul