Program Overview

Accelerated Master of Human-Computer Interaction

The HCII offers a three-semester (12-month), 11-course Master of HCI. CMU undergraduate students interested in the master's program can be admitted to the Accelerated Master of Human-Computer Interaction. AMHCI students will be able to complete the master’s degree in as little as two semesters (8 months) after completing their undergraduate degree, instead of the usual three semesters (12 months).

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for consideration for the Accelerated Master of Human-Computer Interaction Program, students must:

• be CMU undergraduates in the BS in HCI major or HCI additional major (HCI minors and HCI concentrations are not eligible)
• have completed the following appropriate courses:
  • three HCI Core courses:
    • 05-410: UCRE
    • 05-660: IxD Fundamentals (previously 05-651: IxDS1)
    • and 05-430: PUI or 05-431: SSUI or 05-380: PAX
  • an elective in the 400 level or above
• have completed the online application by the fall deadline, October 27, 2025, of their senior year

Accelerated Master's (AMHCI) Program Schedule

Standard Master of HCI (MHCI) Timeline

The standard MHCI timeline is a 3-semester program:

• Fall Semester: 3 Core Courses, 1 Elective, Pro Seminar
• Spring Semester: HCI Project I, 4 Electives
• Summer Semester: HCI Project II
• Fall (n/a)

Accelerated Master of HCI (AMHCI) Timeline

The AMHCI program timeline is as follows:

• Fall (Undergrad Senior Year): Apply to AMHCI by October 27, 2025
• Spring (Undergrad Senior Year): HCI Project I
• Summer: HCI Project II
• Fall: 4 electives, Pro Seminar

Undergraduate seniors in their last semester begin the accelerated master's program by taking 05-671: HCI Project I, which is the first half of the master’s-level two-semester project course. They then take 05-672: HCI Project II in the summer. They finish the program in the fall semester by taking the 05-600: Pro Seminar and four electives. Students who already took courses as undergrads that would satisfy the master program electives must still complete at least four electives while a master student. No work from undergrad will count towards the masters requirements.

Application Requirements

To apply for admission to the Accelerated Master of Human-Computer Interaction program, the following are required:

• Online application form
• Statement of purpose:
  • objective in pursuing the Accelerated Master of Human-Computer Interaction degree
  • career goals and reasons for choosing to apply to Carnegie Mellon
  • background in Human-Computer Interaction or other fields relevant to the objective
• Resume: complete up-to-date resume with relevant work experiences
• Transcripts: official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
• Recommendation and Evaluation: three total recommendations, with a maximum of five
• Application fee: paid online with a credit card
• Video Essay: a 1-2 minute video that lets the admission committee know who you are, including personal and professional goals, and interests outside of work and school.