Human Computer Interaction Degree Programs

Best HCI graduate programs in the US

Finally! A guide to the best HCI graduate programs in the US!

Updated: June 25, 2017

When I was exploring master's programs in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), I remember how challenging it was to find information online. It's a rather new academic field and programs exist under a variety of names (e.g., HCI, interaction design, information science, human-centered design). To add to the confusion, HCI programs are housed in a number of university departments and integrated into more established disciplines (e.g., design, information science, computer science, business).

To say the least, I spent a lot of time researching programs before making my choice. In fact, I only discovered the Human-Centered Design & Engineering (HCDE) program at the University of Washington through a classmate who was studying for his doctorate in HCI.

So save yourself some time! Check out the list below for an overview of the HCI graduate programs in the US (in no particular order):

Carnegie Mellon University

CMU is arguably the premiere institution for studying HCI! The school offers an interdisciplinary Masters of Human-Computer Interaction within the Human Computer Interaction Institute (HCII), a Master of Design in Design for Interactions within the School of Design, and a multidisciplinary Master of Tangible Interaction Design within the Computational Design Lab.

Georgia Institute Of Technology

Another highly-regarded school within the HCI community, Georgia Tech offers an interdisciplinary Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction, which is a collaborative program among four schools: Industrial Design; Interactive Computing; Literature, Media and Communication; and Psychology. Georgia Tech also has an arts- and humanities-based Master of Science in Digital Media (formerly known as Information Design and Technology) within the School of Literature, Media and Communication.

University Of Washington, Seattle

UW is particularly well-known within the HCI community and offers a number of HCI-related programs. The options include a design- and research-based Master of Science in Human-Centered Design & Engineering (HCDE) offered through the School of Engineering, a design-oriented Master of Human-Computer Interaction + Design (MHCI+D) offered through DUB (Design: Use: Build), and a Master of Science in Information Management (MSIM) offered through the iSchool.

University Of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Home to one of the most reputable iSchools, UM offers a Master of Science in Information with an HCI specialization.

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology

MIT Media Lab is well-known within the HCI community, offering a computer science-heavy Master of Science in Media Arts and Sciences, based in the School of Architecture & Planning.

Stanford University

Although Stanford doesn't have its own HCI program, it does offer a Master of Science in Computer Science (with a specialization in HCI) through the School of Engineering. The school also has a Master of Science in Design Impact, for those interested in solving complex problems related to energy or personalized healthcare using design thinking.

University Of California, Berkeley

Berkeley offers a Master of Information Management and Systems (MIMS) through its iSchool, which requires students to have at least a basic programming background. Other HCI courses are also available through the Computer Science Division and the Berkeley Center for New Media.

Cornell University

Cornell is known for its interdisciplinary Master of Professional Studies in Information Science which is housed within its larger Information Science Program.

Indiana University, Bloomington

Indiana University offers a Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction Design (HCI/d) and a Master of Information Science within its School of Informatics and Computing.

New York University (NYU)

NYU offers a graduate degree through their Interactive Telecommunications Program (ITP), housed within the Tisch School of the Arts.

University Of Maryland, College Park

Known for its strong HCI program, the University of Maryland offers an interdisciplinary Master of Science in HCI through their Human-Computer Interaction Lab.

University Of California, Irvine

UC Irvine offers a mixed-format Master of Human-Computer Interaction and Design and a Master of Science in Informatics, both through the Donald Bren School of Information & Computer Science.

Bentley University

Bentley offers a more business-oriented Master of Science in Human Factors in Information Design through its Graduate School of Business. The program is affiliated with the User Experience Center (UXC), a consulting group that provides user research, design and strategy services on the Bentley campus.

School Of Visual Arts (SVA)

SVA is a highly-regarded art and design school and is home to a Master of Fine Arts in Interaction Design.

Parsons School Of Design, The New School

The New School has a Master of Fine Arts in Design and Technology, offered through Parson's School of Art, Media, and Technology (AMT).

I would suggest keeping an eye out for new programs on the horizon. As HCI continues to gain popularity, many schools are offering new programs or integrating HCI components into existing programs. There will definitely be more opportunities for students to study HCI in the future!

Thanks for reading!

Human Computer Interaction Degree Programs

Source: https://medium.theuxblog.com/best-hci-graduate-programs-in-the-us-fb02387c59f9