Program Overview

Program Overview

The UNC Charlotte Graduate Certificate in Human Computer Interaction offers comprehensive training in the human-centered design of interfaces for software applications. This program is designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for designing, prototyping, implementing, and evaluating user interfaces. With a focus on human-centered design methods, students gain the tools necessary for creating effective and user-friendly software applications.

Key Benefits and Features

• Foundational Knowledge: Gain a solid understanding of human-centered design principles.
• Practical Experience: Engage in hands-on projects involving design, prototyping, and evaluation of user interfaces.
• Flexible Learning: The program is 100% online, accommodating students varied schedules and locations.

Program Structure

Eligibility

Ideal for post-baccalaureate and post-masters students seeking a standalone graduate qualification or those wishing to complement a related graduate degree at UNC Charlotte.

Credit Hours

The certificate comprises 12 credit hours that may be credited towards graduate programs in the Department of Software and Information Systems, subject to approval from the Graduate Program Director.

Courses

The Certificate requires 12 credit hours of coursework. All requirements must be completed within five years of studies, starting from the time when the first course for the certificate is taken. Coursework taken for one graduate certificate may not be counted towards a second graduate certificate.

• ITIS 6011: Interaction Design Studio (3)
• ITIS 6300: Human-Centered Design (3)
• ITIS 5350: Rapid Prototyping (3)
• ITIS 6420: Usable Security and Privacy (3)
• ITIS 5101: Fundamentals of Programming is available to those without a tech background.

Admissions & Requirements

• Bachelors degree from a college or university accredited by a US Department of Education-recognized institutional accreditor.
• Undergraduate GPA 2.8 on a 4.0 scale.
  • The GPA requirement may be waived if an applicant is currently enrolled and in good standing in a graduate degree program at UNC Charlotte.
• Applicants should also have either a degree in or minimum one year of work experience in computing, digital communication, design, web development, or other related areas.
• Resume
• Statement of purpose

Application Deadlines

• August 1 (fall)
• December 1 (spring)
• May 1 (summer first half term)
• June 15 (summer second half term)

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the UNC Charlotte Graduate Certificate in Human Computer Interaction program are well-prepared for a variety of roles in the field of human-computer interaction, including but not limited to:

• Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
• Web Developers and Digital Interface Designers
• Industrial Engineers
• Computer Systems Analysts
• Marketing Managers
• Graphic Designers
• Computer Programmers
• Management Analysts
• Mechanical Engineers
• Electrical Engineers

Tuition

• NC Resident: $309.59 per credit hour
• Non-Resident: $1,186.59 per credit hour
• College of Computing and Informatics Fee: $266.67 per credit hour
  • These fees fund specific resources and activities required for students in particular majors.
• Please note: Rates are subject to change.