Human-computer interaction addresses the design, evaluation, and implementation of interactive computing and computing-based systems for the benefit of human use. HCI research is driven by technological advances and the increasing pervasiveness of computing devices in our society. With an emphasis on making computing technologies more user-friendly, HCI has emerged as a dynamic, multifaceted area of study that merges theory from science, engineering, and design—as well as concepts and methodologies from psychology, anthropology, sociology, and industrial design—with the technical concerns of computing.

The human-computer interaction master's degrees provides the knowledge and skills necessary for conceptualizing, designing, implementing, and evaluating software applications and computing technologies for the benefit of the user, whether the user is an individual, a group, an organization, or a society. Human, technological, and organizational concerns are interwoven throughout the curriculum and addressed in team- and project-based learning experiences.

Explore the design methods, evaluation, and implementation of interactive computing systems for human use. Building on decades of research in psychology and human behavior, the human-computer interaction master’s degree focuses on the skills needed by user-experience researchers and computing professionals, including observing how people interact with websites and software and the design new technologies to help them accomplish their goals. With computing moving rapidly away from the traditional desktop, companies need professionals that understand how evolving technologies can be designed to be intuitive, effective, and compelling for users.

HCI Courses

The core courses provide knowledge and skills in the conceptual and methodological frameworks of HCI and HCI research. Emphasis is on understanding human cognition as it applies to information systems plus interaction design, interface prototyping, and usability evaluation.

Program Electives: Students select two elective courses. In select cases, students can petition for approval to include a course complementary to the degree program as a program elective.

Application Domain Courses:To gain breadth in a technical area to which HCI concepts can be applied, students complete two courses in any of the application domain areas. A special topics option is also available, with faculty approval, for individuals with interest in other HCI-related areas.

• e-Learning Technologies–The recent boom in online learning has created a need for professionals to design such systems. Students learn the fundamentals of instructional technology and interactive courseware.
• Geographical Information Science and Technology–Research how digital technology is revolutionizing how humans view earth with topics in thematic cartography and geographic visualization.
• Self-defined Application Domain–Design your own concentration.
• Smart Device Application Design and Development–Smart devices are no longer limited to phones. Design and study human interaction with cutting-edge mobile technology.
• Web Development–Study the foundations of web technologies, enabling students to better understand how The Internet can be built to improve the experience of a diverse range of end-users.

Thesis/Capstone Project: Students may complete a thesis or capstone project. This experience is meant to be an empirical study of a HCI problem, which can be the development of a software product through user-centered design processes. The results are either published in a peer-reviewed journal or publicly disseminated in an appropriate professional venue.

Human-Computer Interaction (capstone project option), MS degree, typical course sequence
Course    Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
HCIN-600    Research Methods    3
HCIN-610    Foundations of Human-Computer Interaction    3
HCIN-620    Information and Interaction Design    3
HCIN-630    Usability Testing    3
HCIN-794    MS Human Computer Interaction Capstone Proposal    3
     
Application Domain Courses
6
     
Program Elective
3
Second Year
HCIN-795    MS HCI Project    3
     
Program Elective
3
Total Semester Credit Hours    
30
Human-Computer Interaction (thesis option), MS degree, typical course sequence
Course    Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
HCIN-600    Research Methods    3
HCIN-610    Foundations of Human-Computer Interaction    3
HCIN-620    Information and Interaction Design    3
HCIN-630    Usability Testing    3
     
Application Domain Courses
6
     
Program Electives
6
Second Year
HCIN-796    MS HCI Thesis    6
Total Semester Credit Hours    
30
Human-Computer Interaction (directed final project option*), MS degree, typical course sequence
Course    Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
HCIN-600    Research Methods    3
HCIN-610    Foundations of Human-Computer Interaction    3
HCIN-620    Information and Interaction Design    3
HCIN-630    Usability Testing    3
     
Application Domain Courses
6
     
Program Electives
6
Second Year
HCIN-797    MS HCI Directed Final Project    3
     
Program Elective
3
Total Semester Credit Hours    
30
* Directed Final Project Option is for online students.

Application domain courses
e-Learning technologies
Course
HCIN-660    Fundamentals of Instructional Technology
HCIN-661    Interactive Courseware
Geographic information science and technology
Course
IGME-770    Geographic Information Science and Technology
IGME-772    Geographic Visualization
Smart device application design and development
Course
HCIN-720    Prototyping Wearable and Internet of Things Devices
HCIN-722    Human-Computer Interaction with Mobile, Wearable, and Ubiquitous Devices
Web development
Course
ISTE-645    Foundations of Web Technologies I
ISTE-646    Foundations of Web Technologies II
Program electives
Course
HCIN-660    Fundamentals of Instructional Technology
HCIN-661    Interactive Courseware
HCIN-700    Current Topics in HCI
HCIN-720    Prototyping Wearable and Internet of Things Devices
HCIN-722    Human-Computer Interaction with Mobile, Wearable, and Ubiquitous Devices
HCIN-730    User-Centered Design Methods
HCIN-794    MS Human Computer Interaction Capstone Proposal
IGME-770    Geographic Information Science and Technology
IGME-772    Geographic Visualization
ISTE-645    Foundations of Web Technologies I
ISTE-646    Foundations Of Web Technologies II
ISTE-764    Project Management
ISTE-782    Visual Analytics
MEDI-701    Introduction to Health Informatics
PSYC-712    Graduate Cognition
PSYC-715    Graduate Perception

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the MS program in human-computer interaction, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete an online graduate application. Refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements for information on application deadlines, entry terms, and more.
• Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college.
• Recommended minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent).
• Two letters of recommendation are required. Refer to Application Instructions and Requirements for additional information.
• Not all programs require the submission of scores from entrance exams (GMAT or GRE). Please refer to the Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements page for more information.
• Submit a personal statement of educational objectives. Refer to Application Instructions and Requirements for additional information.
• Have college level credit or practical experience in computing; however, study in other disciplines will be given consideration.
• International applicants whose native language is not English must submit official test scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements for additional information on English requirements. International applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver. Refer to Additional Requirements for International Applicants to review waiver eligibility.

Prerequisites

The program requires strong technical and social science skills. Knowledge of quantitative statistical methodologies is important since students review research studies as well as analyze the results of their own usability evaluations. Students are also expected to have a solid background in computer programming. These competencies may be demonstrated by previous course work, technical certifications, or comparable work experience. Bridge courses are available to fulfill any gaps in an applicant's qualifications. Applicants will be made aware of any areas where additional course work may be necessary.

Tuition fee-2 years1,06,000

Total fee-2 years1,44,000