Explore the design methods, evaluation, and implementation of interactive computing systems for human use. Building on decades of research in psychology and human behavior, the human-computer interaction master's degree focuses on the skills needed by user-experience researchers and computing professionals, including observing how people interact with websites and software and the design new technologies to help them accomplish their goals. With computing moving rapidly away from the traditional desktop, companies need professionals that understand how evolving technologies can be designed to be intuitive, effective, and compelling for users.
RIT's Human-Computer Interaction Master's Degree: On-Campus or Online
Human-computer interaction (HCI) addresses the design, evaluation, and implementation of interactive computing and computing-based systems for the benefit of human use. HCI research is driven by technological advances and the increasing pervasiveness of computing devices in our society. With an emphasis on making computing technologies more user-friendly, HCI has emerged as a dynamic, multifaceted area of study that merges theory from science, engineering, and design–as well as concepts and methodologies from psychology, anthropology, sociology, and industrial design–with the technical concerns of computing.
The human-computer interaction master's degrees provides the knowledge and skills necessary for conceptualizing, designing, implementing, and evaluating software applications and computing technologies for the benefit of the user, whether the user is an individual, a group, an organization, or a society. Human, technological, and organizational concerns are interwoven throughout the curriculum and addressed in team- and project-based learning experiences.
Human-Computer Interaction Curriculum: Packed with High-Demand Skills
- Research: Demand for user research skills is growing 35%, and carries a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
- UI/UX: Information architecture skills carry a salary premium in the workforce.
- Design Thinking: Demand for design thinking skills is growing 112%.
- Development: Demand for front-end development skills is growing 12% and carries a salary premium.
Human-Computer Interaction Master's Courses
The core courses provide knowledge and skills in the conceptual and methodological frameworks of HCI and HCI research. Emphasis is on understanding human cognition as it applies to information systems plus interaction design, interface prototyping, and usability evaluation.
Program Electives: Students select two elective courses. In select cases, students can petition for approval to include a course complementary to the degree program as a program elective.
Application Domain Courses:To gain breadth in a technical area to which HCI concepts can be applied, students complete two courses in any of the application domain areas. A special topics option is also available, with faculty approval, for individuals with interest in other HCI-related areas.
- e-Learning Technologies–The recent boom in online learning has created a need for professionals to design such systems. Students learn the fundamentals of instructional technology and interactive courseware.
- Geographical Information Science and Technology–Research how digital technology is revolutionizing how humans view earth with topics in thematic cartography and geographic visualization.
- Self-defined Application Domain–Design your own concentration.
- Smart Device Application Design and Development–Smart devices are no longer limited to phones. Design and study human interaction with cutting-edge mobile technology.
- Web Development–Study the foundations of web technologies, enabling students to better understand how The Internet can be built to improve the experience of a diverse range of end-users.
Thesis/Capstone Project: Students may complete a thesis or capstone project. This experience is meant to be an empirical study of a HCI problem, which can be the development of a software product through user-centered design processes. The results are either published in a peer-reviewed journal or publicly disseminated in an appropriate professional venue.
Students are also interested in: Experimental Psychology MS, Visual Communication Design MFA