Human-Computer Interaction MS


Human-Computer Interaction: Online
Master of science degree
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A degree driven by real-time employer demand
These jobs are growing by 16%, more than twice the rate of overall labor market growth.
The human-computer interaction job market
$101k+
Average annual salary
36%
Growth in demand for user research
112%
Growth in demand for design thinking
97%
Graduate outcomes rate
Program Highlights
The master of science in human-computer interaction integrates service and design thinking into a rigorous HCI curriculum that prepares our students to design and guide the future of human and technology interactions. You will gain the knowledge and skills to conceptualize, design, implement, and evaluate software applications and computing technologies with the user in mind. Human, technological, and organizational topics are interwoven throughout the curriculum and addressed in team and project-based learning experiences.
This professional degree will prepare you for industry and a career related to user experience, human-computer interaction and beyond. This degree program is practical and applied. To gain a working knowledge in a technical area to which HCI concepts can then be applied, students complete two courses in any of the application domain areas. A special topics option is also available, with faculty approval, for individuals with interest in other HCI-related areas.
Course Sequencing
Typically, the following courses are offered in an online modality during the fall semester: HCIN-620, HCIN-630, HCIN-660, MEDI-701, IGME-770, and ISTE-782, and the following courses are typically offered in an online modality during the spring semester: HCIN-600, HCIN-610, HCIN-661, HCIN-797, HCIN-700, IGME-772, ISTE-764, and ISTE-782. Please consult the Student Information System (SIS) for the most up-to-date upcoming course schedules.
Curriculum packed with high-demand skills

Research
Demand for user research skills is growing 35%, and carries a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

UI/UX
Information architecture skills carry a salary premium in the workforce.

Design Thinking
Demand for design thinking skills is growing 112%.

Development
Demand for front-end development skills is growing 12% and carries a salary premium.
Curriculum
Application Domain Courses and Additional Electives
Admission Requirements
- Complete a graduate application.
- Hold a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university or college
- Have a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent)
- Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work
- Submit a current resume, personal statement, and two letters of recommendation
- Have prior study or professional experience in computing; however, study in other disciplines will be given consideration
- A year of object-oriented programming is expected
- Applicants from international colleges or universities outside the US are required to submit GRE scores
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. The English language test score requirement is waived for native speakers of English or for those submitting transcripts from degrees earned at American institutions.
Cost
The online MS in Human-Computer Interaction requires 30 credits and costs $1,237 per credit hour (Academic Year 2021 – 2022). This tuition reflects the RIT Online discount of 43% off the MS Human-Computer Interaction campus-based program cost.
Keep in mind that there are many options available that may help you lower your costs including:
- Military tuition benefits
- Support from employers
- Private scholarships
- Financing
- Payment plans
Certain countries are subject to comprehensive embargoes under US Export Controls, which prohibit virtually ALL exports, imports and other transactions without a license or other US Government authorization.