M.S. in Human-Computer Interaction 2002

The Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) master’s degree program focuses on the rapidly growing discipline called Human-Computer Interaction. HCI practitioners are involved in the design, implementation, and evaluation of computer interfaces that are accessible and easy for people to use. This new degree integrates courses in computer science, graphic design, psychology, and Human-Computer Interaction to provide a broad understanding of the discipline.

For graduate programs in 2002, the main prerequisite programming language is Java. Some programs include other languages as prerequisites. Students who wish to transition to the new curricula should review their status with an advisor.

The program has five phases, with each phase preparing the student for the subsequent phase. The master’s degree program consists of:

• Prerequisite Courses

• Fundamentals Courses

• Core Courses

• Advanced Phase Courses

• Capstone Course

Upon acceptance into the master’s degree program, the student will meet with a faculty advisor to discuss Prerequisite courses. The Prerequisite courses are intended to ensure that all students enter graduate courses with an equivalent background. The Fundamental courses offer knowledge in the multiple disciplines that contribute to HCI. Students in the Core courses acquire an understanding of the technological and theoretical foundations, and the Advanced Phase provides students the opportunity to study specialized topics in greater depth. This phase adds depth to the work completed in the previous phases. The degree culminates in the experience of the Capstone Course where students take a real-life problem from design through implementation and usability testing.

Grade and GPA requirements

Grades: Students must receive a grade of B- or better in each prerequisite course and a C- or better in all other courses. 

GPA: Students must maintain a graduate level GPA of 2.50 or higher while pursuing their degree. Students will not be approved for graduation with less than a 2.50 GPA.

Prerequisite Courses

The courses in the Prerequisite Phase for the MS in Human-Computer Interaction are:

By taking these courses and receiving a grade of a B- or better in each, the student will have completed the requirements of the Prerequisite Phase. All or part of the Prerequisite Phase may be waived if a student has the equivalent academic background. Alternatively, students with practical experience may complete a Graduate Assessment Examination (GAE) to show competency in a computer science prerequisite. All students are blocked from enrolling in Fundamentals courses prior to completing their prerequisites. The student must submit a Change of Status request when the Prerequisite Phase is completed to inform the Student Services offices that the block can be removed. The form must be submitted two weeks before the student intends to register for graduate level classes. The student will then be considered a fully admitted student, and may pass to the next phase of the program.

Fundamentals Courses

Students should complete their Prerequisite courses before beginning the Fundamental courses. However, while completing the Prerequisite courses, students may take Fundamental courses with consent of their faculty advisor. The Fundamental courses for the MS in Human-Computer Interaction are:

Core Courses

Students must complete all Prerequisite courses and should complete all Fundamental courses before taking Core courses. The Core courses are:

Advanced Phase Courses

Students must complete five of the following courses, to be taken from at least two categories:

Design

Computer Science

Evaluation

Capstone Course