Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction
- Katherine Worboys Izsak
The Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction (HCIM) program 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 through an interdisciplinary curriculum.
The HCIM incorporates perspectives from information studies, computer science, engineering, design, education, psychology, and the social sciences. This broad framing prepares students to leverage information technology for positive social impact, develop accessible interfaces for users of all ages and abilities, and understand modern digital design methods. Our curriculum blends theory, practical skills, and hands-on learning, so that our graduates can apply their skills directly and immediately in their careers.
What do our students learn?
These program learning outcomes, adopted in Fall 2020, describe in broad strokes the competencies our students develop through the program:
Design Competencies
Complete a project from brief through to production designs, using iterative feedback and critique to improve initial work from sketch to aesthetically coherent, professional quality interactive mockups.
Research and Evaluation Competencies
Plan and execute an HCI research project by conducting background research, formulating the research questions, choosing the appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative research methods, evaluating the utility, usability, and user experience of the artifact, and making recommendations for improvements.
UX Strategy Competencies
Apply an understanding of organizational strategy to the creation of innovative digital products and services and work with internal and external stakeholders to communicate how UX/HCI research, design, and evaluation techniques to enhance the organization’s value proposition and advance its mission and goals.
Professional Competencies
Collaborate effectively within and across diverse research and work teams, with others who have diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and/or work styles (whether in person or online/distributed).
Write and orally present effectively for diverse audiences, incorporating high-quality, relevant research and promoting the value of multiple, diverse perspectives.
What courses do our students take?
Core
Introduction to Programming for the Information Professional
Fundamentals of Human-Computer Interaction
UX Research Methods or Special Topics in Research Methodologies
Interaction Design
Capstone OR Thesis
Electives
Students then take 15 credits worth of elective courses. The following two are strongly encouraged:
Advanced Usability
Visual Design
Who are our students?
Based on the demographics of our most recent incoming class (Fall 2021), our students are approximately:
One third design background, one third social science, one third technical disciplines
65% international, 35% American
10% in-state; 90% out of state
55% female; 45% male
50% entering immediately after undergraduate (ages 21-23); 50% entering after some work experience (ages 24+)
Students are primarily interested in pursuing professional careers in product design, product management, and UX/UI design - and most of them land jobs within these fields.
Where do our students go?
Alumni graduating between 2017 and 2020 have found careers in the following roles:
60% in UX design or product design positions
15% in UX research positions
13% in web/tech or software development positions
6% in product management
6% in PhD programs