Human Computer Interaction

Smart home sweet home

We interact with technologyand are frustrated by itevery day.

Youll understand how to design a better user experience when you earn a Certificate in Human-Computer Interaction from the IU School of Informatics and Computing at IUPUI. User-centered design is crucial for efficient websites, software, the Internet of Thingsjust about every device we use, from a computer to an irrigation controller.

Making technology intuitive

If youre always wondering how to improve things, human-computer interaction may be a natural fit for you. This is the branch of informatics that focuses on the design, development, and implementation of usable information technology. 

The multidisciplinary nature of HCI means people with different backgrounds contribute to its success. HCI intersects with not only design, but psychology, sociology, anthropology, and other areas of study that examine how we relate to our environment, and the tools we employ.

Connecting mankind and machine

Understand how to design intuitive apps and user-focused software. Human–computer interaction studies the human and the machine in conjunction, drawing from supporting knowledge of both technology and humanity to create the best user interface. 

Computer graphics, operating systems, programming languages, and development environments all are relevant to the study of HCI. But so are graphic and industrial design disciplines, communication theory, linguistics, social sciences, and cognitive psychology.

Our world is becoming more and more connected. Learn to design better ways for people to engage with emerging technology.

• Graduation from a high school accredited by a state Department of Public Instruction.
• The extent to which the student meets or exceeds the following minimum requirements:
  • High School GPA of 3.0.
  • Completion of Core 40 including chemistry and 4 years of math including trigonometry or pre-calculus.
  • Minimum SAT scores of 550 math and 480 critical reading or ACT scores of 24 math and 20 verbal.
• You must provide the results of your SAT or ACT, including the Written Section of the test (scores must be received at IUPUI by May 1).  If your class has graduated and a fall semester has passed since you graduated, you do not need to take the SAT or ACT.  Though test results are considered during the admission review, we do not deny students strictly based on their test results.  The SAT or ACT is most important when considering you for dual admission to your intended major and scholarship consideration.
• For admission to the engineering programs, minimum SAT scores of 480 verbal (critical reading) and 550 mathematics or minimum ACT scores of 20 English and 24 mathematics are required.
• Because of a limitation on the total number of applicants that may be accepted as first-year students, out-of-state admissions may close at any time. When it becomes necessary to limit the number of Indiana residents accepted for a specific program, students will be offered admission to an alternate program or admission to the desired program for a subsequent semester.

Students who are admitted with TOEFL iBT of 60-94 or IELTS of 5.5-6.5 will take the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) placement test. Admitted students with Duolingo scores will also be required to take the EAP placement test. Depending on your EAP test results, you may take EAP courses at the same time as your academic major courses for one or two semesters. Your letter of admission will indicate if you are required to take this test.