Degree Requirements

The curriculum of the MS-HCI degree equips students with comprehensive knowledge and skills in the theory and practice of human-computer interaction, preparing them for successful professional careers in the field.

Courses

The degree requires 36 course credits taken over 4 semesters, a summer internship, and a capstone Master’s project.  

The HCI faculty frequently creates new courses that may not be documented in the Institute Catalog. The Program Director has the authority to approve the inclusion of such courses in a student's program of study, provided there is appropriate justification.

All entering students take the same three core courses together in the first semester. Specialization (ID, IC, LMC, or PSYC) credit requirements vary slightly across the degree track to which students are admitted.  

  • Minimum overall GPA requirement: 3.0 

  • Minimum grade requirement in core, specialization, and Project Credit Hours: B 

  • Minimum grade requirement in general elective credits: C 

Master’s Project

Each student completes a six-credit project, working with an MS-HCI faculty member, during their second year. Students submit a project proposal late in the spring of their first year, and write a report and present their work to the program directors, the four school faculty coordinators and other MS-HCI students late during the semester of graduation. 

A minimum grade of “B” is required in the project course. 

Summer Internship

All students are expected to complete a corporate internship in an HCI-relevant position in the summer between their second and third semesters. 

While students are tasked with securing their own internships, the Program offers significant assistance in locating suitable opportunities: 

  • Resume and portfolio preparation 

  • Public speaking and mock interview events 

  • Sharing of job/internships opportunities