With a growing reliance on computing in our daily lives, technology is no longer the exclusive realm of tech-savvy users. This computing degree blends strengths from varied disciplines to understand the ways in which people use technology, and how technologies can be developed that are more intuitive and usable.
What is Human-Centered Computing?
Fundamental to human-centered computing is a focus on humans as individuals and how they behave with technology. Students in this major find themselves at the intersection of computer advancements and human behavior around technology. Topics of consideration include the design, evaluation, and implementation of interactive computing systems and understanding the ways in which such systems can transform our lives. Given the growing reliance on computing in our everyday lives, technology no longer is the exclusive realm of tech-savvy users; industry has recognized the need to make software and devices that are usable and desirable to everyone. This major prepares you for careers in industry or to pursue graduate study, offering options for you to specialize in different areas of computing depending on individual interests in computing, design, or psychology.
Human-centered computing degrees are about leveraging technology, and exploring and adapting how people access and interact with it. Finding ways to integrate technology with our everyday lives–regardless of our physical capabilities, age, or location–is a key component of the program. HCC professionals are changing the world every day. HHC professionals have pioneered a range of development, including creating ways for computers to reproduce realistic animations of American Sign Language, designing the successor for the Fitbit, or building the next generation of speech recognition software. HCC students are the driving force at the center of the global accessibility effort.
RIT's Human-Centered Computing Degree
The human-computer relationship is constantly evolving, and the days of the singular do everything device is disappearing. New innovations promise a future of multiple, interconnected technologies that respond to our needs in real time. The world needs professionals that are able to design, prototype, implement, and evaluate interactive computing systems. These skills make up the core of the HCC degree.
The computing degree is unique in its foundation of courses grounded in psychology, design, and technology. The curriculum combines courses from three different RIT colleges to ensure students develop a firm understanding of these diverse subjects. Core courses include several foundational classes in technology, cognitive science and psychology, Gestalt, color theory, and creative thinking. This is an interdisciplinary degree with six concentrations, allowing you to immerse yourself in two areas you find most interesting.
- Accessibility: Learn to develop systems that are equally accessible to all people, making the benefits of technology a reality for everyone.
- Design: Learn to integrate elements of imagery, type, actions, color, and more to form a unified graphical interface that is understandable to people everywhere.
- Front End Development: Master programming and development for desktop, web, and mobile computing interfaces, with a focus on efficient code and meeting user needs.
- Instructional Technology: Plan, organize and develop systems to effectively leverage technology to convey knowledge and skills to users.
- Natural Language Processing: Study the interactions between computers and human language. Learn about the latest advances in computational linguistics and how computers derive meaning via natural language processing.
- Psychology: Explore how humans perceive, process, and store information. Study best practices in research and evaluation, and learn how to implement them into your work.
The major also requires students to complete two blocks of cooperative education, which may begin after the second year of study.
Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees
Today's careers require advanced degrees grounded in real-world experience. RIT's Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years of study, all while gaining the valuable hands-on experience that comes from co-ops, internships, research, study abroad, and more.
+1 MBA: Students who enroll in a qualifying undergraduate degree have the opportunity to add an MBA to their bachelor's degree after their first year of study, depending on their program. Learn how the +1 MBA can accelerate your learning and position you for success.