Program Overview

Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction (HCIM)

The Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction (HCIM) program at the University of Maryland College of Information (INFO) prepares students to create innovative technologies that transform the way people connect to information. Our students learn to design, evaluate, and implement new information technologies and interfaces that are usable and appealing.

Program Overview

• The curriculum blends theory, practical skills (such as UX/UI, data analysis, and design), and hands-on learning with partner organizations and industry professionals – preparing our graduates to apply their skills directly and immediately in their careers.
• Located just outside the nation’s capital, students have access to all of the social, cultural, internship, and job opportunities that Washington D.C. has to offer.

Rankings

• #2 in the USA (College Rank)
• #1 in Maryland (EduRank)

Program Structure

• The HCIM program requires 30 credit hours of academic work to be completed:
  • 4 Core Courses (12 Credits) that teach our students Programming, Human-Computer Interaction, User Experience (UX), User Interfaces (UI), Research Methods, Data Analysis, and Design
  • 4 Elective Courses (12 Credits) that allow students to specialize in areas such as Privacy, Usability, Youth Learning, Data Visualization, and more
  • 2 Capstone or Thesis Courses (6 Credits)

What You Will Learn

Professional Competencies

• Capstone Track: Carry out a full lifecycle design project by working closely with one of INFO’s 200+ top industry clients. Use Agile design processes to collaborate, design, and deliver a project solution within a consultancy team.
• Thesis Track: Research, write, and defend a publishable thesis submittable for presentation at CHI or similar conference. Work with a thesis advisor and committee.
• All: Research, Design, UX Strategy

Cross-Disciplinary Electives

• Including, but not limited to:
  • Data visualization and design
  • Health informatics
  • Inclusive design and accessibility
  • Game design and augmented reality design
  • Social computing
  • Machine learning
  • Generative AI in UX
  • UX Business
  • Usability Testing
  • Visual Design
  • Information architecture

Reputation

• The world-renowned Human-Computer Interaction Lab (HCIL) creates more hands-on learning opportunities for students.
• #1 in Maryland – HCI Masters Program (Edurank)
• #6 in USA – HCI Masters Program (Edurank)
• #10 in USA – UMD – Public Institution for Patents Awarded (IPO Assoc)
• #10 in USA – UMD – Public Institution for Research Spending (NSF Survey)

Faculty

• Expert Faculty:
  • Dr. Jessica Vitak, Professor, HCIL Director
  • Dr. Sheena Erete, Associate Professor
  • Dr. Stephanie Valencia, Assistant Professor
  • Dr. Galina Madjaroff Reitz, Principal Lecturer, Director of HCIM

Career Paths & Salaries

• As technology becomes increasingly integral to our daily lives, there is a growing need for skilled information technology professionals who can create easy-to-use, meaningful technologies for diverse populations.
• Career paths: User Experience Designer, User Experience Researcher, User Interface Designer, Interaction Designer, Information Architect, Usability Analyst, User Researcher, Visual Designer, Product Designer
• Graduates have worked at: Google, Capital One, American Airlines, Blackboard, Washingtonian, Cvent, Informatica, Ericsson, Deloitte, Microstrategy, New York Times, Cisco, PBS, Johns Hopkins University, PayPal, VistaPrint, NIH, Aspera (IBM), and many more top organizations
• Graduate placement rate: 96.5% placement (employment or continued education); 95% of graduates report that their education at the UMD INFO College supported their career goals.
• Average Salaries for Potential Jobs:
  • $146K (UX Designer)
  • $132K (UX Product Designer)
  • $215K (UX Product Manager)
  • $157K (UX Researcher)
  • $105K (Project Manager)
  • $141K (UX Engineer)
  • $147K (UX Consultant)
  • $141K (UX Strategist)
  • $135K (Usability Analyst)
  • $105K (Visual Designer)

Hands-On Learning and Research

• Through internships, class projects, capstone projects, and events, students build relationships with the INFO College’s 400+ top industry and government partners.
• Our students also have opportunities for hands-on learning at the INFO College’s world-renowned research centers and labs, such as the prestigious Human-Computer Interaction Lab (HCIL), home of KidsTeam.

Student Community

• INFO’s faculty, staff, and 2800+ students come from over 61 countries and create a welcoming and encouraging environment.
• 56% of students identify as male, 45% female, 1% other; 63% of students identify Asian (29%), Black (24%), White (22%), Hispanic/Latino (9%), Biracial (4%), American Indian or Alaskan Native (<1%), Pacific Islander (<1%), Unknown/Other (12%).

Tuition / Costs

• Tuition:
  • In-State (Maryland resident) tuition and fees will amount to approximately $28,500 to complete 30 credit hours.
  • Out-of-State tuition and fees will amount to approximately $58,000 to complete 30 credit hours.
• Financial Aid: The UMD INFO College provides financial aid to select current students who demonstrate academic excellence.

Admissions / Pre-Reqs

• Application Deadline: The deadline to apply to the Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction (HCIM) program is January 6, 2026, for admission to the following Fall (August) semester.
• Application Requirements:
  • Must have earned a 4-year baccalaureate degree
  • 3.0 GPA on prior undergraduate or graduate work
  • GRE scores are optional (not required)
  • A TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE score is required for international applicants
  • No prior programming or computer science education is required
  • A portfolio of 3-5 pieces (PDF or online), that showcases how your skills and experience connects to human-computer interaction through the lens of art/design, the social sciences, or technology

English Language Proficiency Requirements

• iBT TOEFL: Total 96 (Speaking 22, Listening 24, Reading 26, Writing 24)
• IELTS: Overall 7 (Listening 7, Reading 7, Writing 7, Speaking 6.5)
• PTE: Total: 68 (Writing 68)

STEM-OPT Certified Program

• The Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction (HCIM) program is a STEM-OPT certified program, meeting F1 Visa STEM requirements.