Program of Study
Georgia Tech's Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is one of the most prominent programs of its kind. The MS in HCI is an interdisciplinary program of three Schools: Interactive Computing; Literature, Communication, and Culture (LCC); and Psychology. Students with diverse backgrounds in computing, digital media, and psychology enroll in the program through the corresponding School; they interact with one another and with faculty from these three (and other) disciplines, providing the broad base of knowledge and experiences that are so important to successful HCI practitioners.
The program provides students with the practical skills and theoretical understanding needed to become leaders in the design, implementation and evaluation of the next generation of human-computer interfaces. Our alumni work around the globe for national and international companies, as well as the many dozens of small companies in the Atlanta region needing HCI skills.
The MS in Human-Computer Interaction is a four–semester, 36 credit-hour degree. All students take the same core courses, a set of courses related to their chosen specialization (Computing, Digital Media, or Psychology), a broader set of electives and complete a master’s project.
Elective courses can be in a wide variety of areas, such as Industrial Design, Architecture, Music Technology, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Human-Robot Interaction, Human Factors, Management of Technology and Cognitive Science. Interested students can earn the Management of Technology Certificate from the College of Management.
Overview
Total hours: 36
Minimum GPA Overall: 2.7 (3.0 for computing specialization)
Minimum GPA in fixed core: 3.0
Maximum pass/fail credit hours: 3 (not including seminars; 0 hours for computing specialization)
Maximum undergraduate hours: 9 (must be at 4000 level)
For current courses, consult the courses page, or download the most recent graduate student orientation booklet on the forms and documents page.
Click on credit hours to see eligible courses.
| Specialization | Fixed Core Credit Hours |
Specialization Credit Hours |
Elective Credit Hours |
Project Credit Hours |
| Computing | 11 | 9 | 12 | 4 |
| Digital Media | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Psychology | 11 | 11 | 10 | 4 |
Project
Each student should complete this requirement, under the supervision of a faculty member, during the last two semesters of their program. Students must submit a project proposal and final report and present their work to the three school faculty coordinators and other MS-HCI students late during the semester of graduation (as described in the MS HCI Project Requirements document).
Quite a few students work as graduate research assistants or as corporate interns as part of their master’s project; all students are expected to do a summer internship between their second and third semesters.
The project must be conducted over at least two semesters. Students should register their project hours with a specific professor using Special Problems course numbers in CS, LMC, or PSYC:
- CS 8902, Special Problems (repeatable, variable credit hours)
- PSYC 8903, Special Problems in HCI (repeatable, variable credit hours)
- LMC 6800, Master’s Project (repeatable, variable credit hours)
MS-HCI Seminar
This one-hour seminar held each fall offers a forum for MS-HCI students to learn about the MS program and about HCI. The seminar aims to prepare students for success in their studies and careers. It includes presentations by leading HCI practitioners, including our advisory board members, concerning career choices and preparation and about new developments, visits to corporate HCI labs in the Atlanta area, talks and discussions about potential MS projects and “how to succeed” in graduate school and as a professional. The seminar also helps to create a sense of community amongst participants. The seminar is required for first and second year students.