Program Overview

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PhD Program

The PhD in Human Centered Design & Engineering at the University of Washington provides unparalleled depth and experience for students interested in studying the conception, design, implementation, evaluation, and effects of technologies.

The University is located on a beautiful campus in the heart of the city of Seattle. HCDE is housed in the College of Engineering, and benefits from the research tradition of a leading R1 research institution.

The HCDE doctoral program prepares students for careers as scholars and researchers through relevant coursework, mentorship from faculty, and collaboration with peers. Early in the program, students may explore different topics and research areas through Directed Research Groups and other independent projects. PhD students choose their dissertation adviser within their first year and begin to focus on a research area for their dissertation.

Curriculum

Students in the HCDE PhD program complete a minimum of 90 credits of coursework and research as they progress toward degree completion. The first two years are primarily focused on academic course work as the foundation for ensuing research. The remainder of the program is focused on extensive research and program milestones.

Admissions

Admissions to HCDE’s PhD program will be suspended for the Autumn 2026 cycle due to financial constraints and uncertainty around federal and state funding that supports HCDE doctoral students. The next admissions cycle will be for Autumn 2027 entry, with an application deadline of December 2, 2026.

Costs & Financing

Students are obligated to pay the associated tuition for courses they are enrolled in, but the department strives to fund all of its PhD students through Teaching Assistantships (TAs) and Research Assistantships (RAs).

Faculty & Research

HCDE's award-winning, interdisciplinary faculty focus on six areas of research and teaching:

• influencing awareness, thinking, and behavior
• design for emergent collaborations and organizations
• low resource and underserved populations
• material and embodied technologies, and ubiquitous computing
• data visualization and big data
• learning in professional and technical environments

Program Structure

The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in human centered design and engineering, with a focus on research and academic excellence. The program includes coursework, research, and mentorship, and is designed to prepare students for careers as scholars and researchers.

Program Details

• PhD Curriculum: The PhD curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in human centered design and engineering.
• Admissions: Admissions to the PhD program are competitive, and applicants must meet the admission requirements.
• Costs & Financing: The department strives to fund all of its PhD students through Teaching Assistantships (TAs) and Research Assistantships (RAs).
• Faculty PhD student recruitment: The faculty recruits PhD students to work on research projects.
• PhD Grad Ambassadors: The PhD Grad Ambassadors are a group of PhD students who serve as ambassadors for the program.
• PhD Information Sessions: The PhD Information Sessions are held to provide prospective students with information about the program.
• Email Sign Up: Prospective students can sign up to receive more information about the program.

Program Areas

• Bachelor of Science
• Master of Science
• PhD Program
• Graduate Certificate in User Centered Design
• Graduate Certificate in Human Centered Artificial Intelligence
• Information Sessions
• Careers
• Speak to an Adviser