Human-Centered Interaction Design

The 36-semester hour graduate program in Human-Centered Interaction Design is designed to promote the human-centered collaborative mindsets that are required for careers in the research, specifications, and development of technologically-driven experiences. The program is interdisciplinary, bringing together the application of knowledge drawn from the social and behavioral sciences, information science, software engineering and project management. The student is taught a balance of theories, methods, skills, and processes.

Additional Requirements for Admission to Human-Centered Interaction Design

Completion of a bachelor’s degree in a social science.

The Masterclass

To scaffold the bridge between existing training and experience, and the new design-focused interactive field, the HCID program will employ a unique introductory approach to intensive skill and knowledge building approach called Masterclass. The Masterclass functions as a pre-entry exposure and training certificate program. It will serve two functions:

Expose and introduce existing degree holds to the history, perspectives, contexts, and methods that form the foundations of Design practice; and
Evaluate each new cohort interest in and capacity for interdisciplinary creative thinking and digital medial production.

The student from non-interactive, non-business backgrounds will undertake the Masterclass (non-credit bearing). If the student achieves a satisfactory grade, the student will be admitted to the HCID program. If the student does not meet the standards, the student will be given a professional certificate in HCID.

Program Goals

Design and produce engaging interventions facilitated by digital technologies;
Communicate effectively across diverse populations and media;
Structure HCID conceptual possibilities to create solutions to human problems;
Reflect on role as designer and professional; and
Effectively research people, document problems, and determine research relevance.

Programs

Master of Science

Human-Centered Interaction Design, M.S.