http://www.ist.rit.edu/

Program overview

Human-computer interaction (HCI) is a professional discipline that 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 master of science in human-computer interaction 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 constitutes an individual, a group, an organization, or a society. Throughout the curriculum human, technological, and organizational concerns are interwoven and addressed in team- and project-based learning experiences.

Curriculum

This 52 quarter credit hour program is comprised of five required core courses, four advanced electives, two application domain courses, and an 8 credit capstone experience.

Core 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 and on interface design, prototyping, and evaluation.

Advanced electives

Upper-level electives expose students to cutting-edge research and applications in the HCI discipline. The application domain courses provide foundational knowledge in a computing or computing-related domain to which HCI theories and practices may be applied during the capstone experience.

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 following application domain areas: website development, interactive multimedia development, computer game design, application development, learning and human performance, bioinformatics, or ergonomics and safety. Special topic courses are offered by the IST department or from graduate-level coursework offered by other departments at RIT or other universities with faculty approval.

Capstone thesis/project

The multi-term, 8 credit capstone thesis or project completes the requirements for the degree. The capstone may be completed as a thesis, which is an empirical study of a HCI problem, or as a project 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 publically disseminated in an appropriate professional venue.

Admission requirements

To be considered for admission to the MS program in human-computer interaction, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Hold a baccalaureate (or equivalent) degree from a regionally accredited institution,
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B average),
• Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work,
• Have prior study or professional experience in computing; however, study in other disciplines will be given consideration, and
• Complete a graduate application.
• International applicants, whose native language is not English, must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language. Minimum scores of 570 (paper-based), 230 (computer-based), or 88 (internet-based) are required.

Applicants with a GPA that is less than 3.0 may be considered, but are required to submit standard Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores.

Additional information

Prerequisites

This program requires both strong technical and social science skills. Knowledge of quantitative statistical methodologies is important since students review research studies in the literature as well as analyze the results of their own usability evaluations. Students are also expected to have a solid background in computer programming and interactive multimedia development. These competencies may be demonstrated by previous course work, technical certifications, or comparable work experience. Courses are available that may be used to bridge areas where gaps occur in an applicant's qualifications. Applicants will be made aware of any areas where additional course work may be necessary.

Maximum time limit

All requirements for the degree must be completed within seven years of the date of the oldest course counted toward the student's program of study. Bridge courses are excluded.

Online option

The program can be completed on campus or in distance learning format.