Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2024-03-01 | - |
Program Overview
Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction
The Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction is a professional, research-focused program that prepares students to enhance the user experience and design better ways to help people engage with emerging technologies.
At a Glance
- Format: On-campus/hybrid, Online
- Start Dates: Fall, Spring
Program Description
This program immerses students in a project-based, hands-on user experience environment. By earning a master's in HCI, students explore emerging field research and learn how to create effective interactive systems for companies in Indiana and worldwide. Students collaborate with industry leaders on real-world projects and gain valuable insight from faculty in human-centered design, social computing research, and the Internet of Things.
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor's degree and a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is optional for master's applicants.
Successful applicants should have knowledge and skills in one or more of the following areas:
- Programming: Proficiency in one or more programming languages (e.g., C, C++, Java, Javascript, or Python), programming methodologies, and other computing knowledge.
- Design: Proficiency with principles and processes of visual communication, industrial design, digital media, and design methodologies.
- Social Sciences: Coursework in psychology, sociology and anthropology, cross-cultural psychology and communication, and related areas.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the M.S. in HCI program, students will be able to:
- Evaluate and create interfaces by applying HCI theories, terms, principles, and methods.
- Apply psychological and cognitive principles and theories to human factors and user experience design.
- Research and develop interactive collaborative systems by applying social computing theories and frameworks.
- Design novel ubiquitous computing systems by researching and applying relevant HCI and informatics theories and frameworks.
- Design effective, usable, and human-centered interactive systems using prototypes and proof of concepts.
- Critique interaction designs on their usability, human-centeredness, and satisfaction of requirements.
- Effectively communicate in digital, oral, and written form the processes, ideas, outcomes, and implications of HCI projects.
- Articulate decisions and reasoning behind decisions made related to interaction design choices, design and research methods.
- Exhibit sound judgment, ethical behavior, and professionalism in applying HCI concepts and value-sensitive design to serve stakeholders and society.
- Collaborate in teams fairly, effectively, and creatively, applying group decision-making and negotiation skills.
Degree Requirements
The program offers both on-campus/hybrid and online degree requirements, with specific course descriptions for each format.
Scholarships
Full-time students can earn scholarships and hourly employment with research faculty.
Career Outcomes
- Employment Rate: 93% employed or continuing education
- Median Starting Salary: $80.5K
- Job Titles: Business application analyst, Product marketing manager, Software engineer II, Sr. UX strategist, UI/UX designer
- Hiring Companies: Amazon, Apple, Dow, Google, Harman, Interactive Intelligence, Lilly, Kronos, Meta, Microsoft, Pixar, Roche