Admissions Requirements

When evaluating applications to the Program, faculty reviewers take a holistic approach. We consider the strength of the overall application:  your educational and professional background, personal statement, resume, portfolio and letters of recommendation. So, a student with a GPA lower than our stated minimum is not automatically rejected.  

Grade Point Average  

A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better is expected. However, if your GPA is below the minimum, you are not automatically disqualified from consideration.  

MS-HCI Community 

The MS-HCI Program emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration in the study and practice of HCI. You will be asked how your experiences, skills, hobbies, and passions prepare you to participate actively in our community. 

Personal Statement (1000-word limit)

Your statement of purpose should be a concise, well-written document about your academic and research background, as well as your career goals. Be sure to discuss special areas of research or interest. Additionally, it can communicate how Georgia Tech's graduate program will help you meet your career and educational objectives. Applicants to the ID track will be asked to elaborate on the factors that led them to choose the ID track.

Portfolio 

An internet project portfolio is required by LMC and ID and is encouraged but not required by Interactive Computing. It is not required for the Psychology track. We prefer you provide a URL for an on-line portfolio, but a PDF file is acceptable.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) 

GRE Scores are neither required nor considered for admission to the MS-HCI Program. GRE scores should not be submitted. 

English as a Second Language 

Georgia Tech requires that all applicants demonstrate proof of English language proficiency at the time of application. This page provides details about the requirements and ways to demonstrate proficiency. 

Two tests can fulfill this requirement, The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test, of which only one is necessary. The minimum accepted TOEFL score for the HCI program is 100, although the minimum TOEFL score of admitted students has recently been 110. The minimum accepted IELTS score is 7.5. 

Letters of recommendation 

Application for the MS-HCI Program requires three letters of recommendation. During the application process, you will be prompted to provide the names and email addresses of your three chosen letter writers. Our system will then directly contact these individuals, providing them with instructions on submitting their letters of recommendation. 

A common inquiry pertains to the selection of suitable recommenders. Historically, successful applicants have approached individuals who possess a deep understanding of their abilities and can vouch for their potential success in a graduate program. If you are transitioning directly from your undergraduate program, consider seeking recommendations from two faculty members familiar with your academic work, alongside a supervisor from a relevant internship. 

For those entering the program after gaining work experience, securing a recommendation from a faculty member may pose a challenge. In such cases, opt for supervisors or professionals who can provide a comprehensive assessment of your capabilities, especially in the context of a multi-disciplinary HCI graduate program. It is important to note that recommendations from relatives, direct reports, and peers are generally not considered appropriate for this purpose. 

Resume 

Applicants are encouraged to include a resume with their application, and we highly recommend doing so.