Human-Centered Computing, Ph.D.

Program Overview

The program emphasizes a rigorous curriculum, hands-on research experiences, and collaboration. Graduates pursue careers in academia, research labs, and industry as leaders in human-centered computing. The program's focus on interdisciplinary perspectives and hands-on research prepares students to make significant contributions to the field.

Program Outline

Program Description:

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Human-Centered Computing (HCC) Ph.D. program at UMBC focuses on developing researchers who can create innovative technological solutions that address real-world problems and meet the needs of diverse users. The program emphasizes a rigorous curriculum, hands-on research experiences, and collaboration with faculty and peers.

Objectives:

• Prepare graduates for careers in academia, research labs, and industry as leaders in human-centered computing.
• Equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to conduct original research, design and develop innovative technology, and communicate their findings effectively.
• Foster a collaborative environment where students can learn from and support each other as they pursue their research interests.

Description:

The HCC Ph.D. program is a 4-year, 72-credit program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of human-centered computing principles, theories, and methodologies. The program also emphasizes the development of research skills, including quantitative and qualitative research methods, design thinking, and user experience research.

Outline:

Program Content:

The HCC Ph.D. program curriculum includes required foundation courses, core courses, advanced core courses, electives, and a doctoral dissertation.

Structure:

• First Year: Students complete three required HCC 810 seminars and two methodology courses.
• Second Year: Students complete four required core courses.

Individual Modules:

• Required Foundation Courses:
• HCC 810 - HCC Seminar (3 credits)
• IS 804 - Advanced Quantitative Methods in IS Research (3 credits)
• IS 805 - Advanced Field Research Methods (3 credits)
• Required Core Courses:
• HCC 629 - Fundamentals of Human-Centered Computing (3 credits)
• HCC 710 - Graphic Design for Interactive Systems (3 credits)
• HCC 729 - Human-Centered Design (3 credits)
• HCC 760 - Human-Computer Interaction (3 credits)
• Advanced Required Core Courses:
• HCC 801 - Independent Study in Human-Centered Computing (9 credits)
• Three (3) Electives (9 credits)
• Dissertation Research:
• HCC 899 - Doctoral Dissertation Research (18 credits minimum)

Assessment:

• Comprehensive Review: After completing three HCC 810 seminars, students take a written exam and prepare a comprehensive dossier to assess their progress and determine if they can continue in the program.
• Dissertation Defense: Students must defend their dissertation research to a committee of faculty members.
• Coursework: Students are assessed through exams, assignments, projects, and presentations.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The HCC Ph.D. program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research projects.
• Faculty: The HCC program has a team of experienced and renowned faculty members with expertise in various areas of human-centered computing.
• Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes hands-on research experiences, collaboration, and interdisciplinary perspectives.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the HCC Ph.D. program can pursue careers in academia, research labs, industry, government, and non-profit organizations.
• Career Opportunities:
• Research Scientist
• User Experience Designer
• Human-Computer Interaction Specialist
• Faculty Member
• Data Scientist
• Product Manager
• Consultant
• Outcomes: Graduates of the HCC Ph.D. program have a strong track record of securing positions in top research universities, leading technology companies, and government agencies.

Other:

• Doctoral Dissertation Research: The dissertation research is a significant component of the HCC Ph.D. program, requiring a minimum of 18 credit hours.
Students are expected to produce original research that contributes to the field of human-centered computing.
• Dissemination of Research: Doctoral students are expected to present their research findings at conferences and publish their work in peer-reviewed journals.