Program Overview

Human-Computer Interaction Master of Science Degree

Overview

The Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) 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 designing new technologies to help them accomplish their goals.

RIT's Human-Computer Interaction Master's Degree: On-Campus or Online

Human-computer interaction (HCI) 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.

Human-Computer Interaction Curriculum: Packed with High-Demand Skills

• Research: Demand for user research skills is growing 35%, and carries a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
• UI/UX: Information architecture skills carry a salary premium in the workforce.
• Design Thinking: Demand for design thinking skills is growing 112%.
• Development: Demand for front-end development skills is growing 12% and carries a salary premium.

Human-Computer Interaction Master's Courses

Core Courses

• HCIN-600: Research Methods
• HCIN-610: Foundations of Human-Computer Interaction
• HCIN-620: Information and Interaction Design
• HCIN-630: Usability Testing
• HCIN-794: MS Human Computer Interaction Capstone Proposal

Application Domain Courses

• e-Learning Technologies
  • HCIN-660: Fundamentals of Instructional Technology
  • HCIN-661: Interactive Courseware
• Geographic Information Science and Technology
  • IGME-770: Geographic Information Science and Technology
  • IGME-772: Geographic Visualization
• Smart Device Application Design and Development
  • HCIN-720: Prototyping Wearable and Internet of Things Devices
  • HCIN-722: Human-Computer Interaction with Mobile, Wearable, and Ubiquitous Devices
• Web Development
  • ISTE-645: Foundations of Web Technologies I
  • ISTE-646: Foundations of Web Technologies II

Program Electives

• HCIN-660: Fundamentals of Instructional Technology
• HCIN-661: Interactive Courseware
• HCIN-662: Research in Accessibility
• HCIN-663: Access and Assistive Technology
• 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
• IGME-770: Spatial Data Science
• IGME-772: Geographic Visualization
• ISTE-645: Foundations of Web Technologies I
• ISTE-646: Foundations of Web Technologies II
• ISTE-730: Foundations in IoT
• ISTE-732: IoT Analytics
• ISTE-764: Project Management
• ISTE-782: Visual Analytics
• MEDI-701: Introduction to Health Informatics
• PSYC-712: Graduate Cognition
• PSYC-715: Graduate Perception

Admissions and Financial Aid

Application Details

• Complete an online graduate application.
• 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. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) is recommended.
• Satisfy prerequisite requirements and/or complete bridge courses prior to starting program coursework.
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Submit a personal statement of educational objectives.
• Submit two letters of recommendation.
• Entrance exam requirements: GRE optional for Spring 2025 and Fall 2025 applicants. No minimum score requirement.
• Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic), if required.

English Language Test Scores

• TOEFL: 88
• IELTS: 6.5
• PTE Academic: 60

Cost and Financial Aid

An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Graduate tuition varies by degree, the number of credits taken per semester, and delivery method.

Faculty

• Tae Oh
• Garreth Tigwell
• Elissa Weeden

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Contact

• Bethany Iraci-McBane, Admissions Counselor
• Qi Yu, Graduate Program Director