Human-Computer Interaction MS - Curriculum
Human-Computer Interaction MS
Human-Computer Interaction (capstone project option), MS degree, typical course sequence
Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
---|---|---|
First Year | ||
HCIN-600 | Research Methods This course provides students with an introduction to the practical application of various research methods that can be used in human computer interaction. The course provides an overview of the research process and the literature review, and provides experience with qualitative, survey, and experimental research methods. Students will study existing research and design and conduct studies. Students will need to have taken a statistics course before registering for this class. (Prerequisites: DECS-782 or STAT-145 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
HCIN-610 | Foundations of Human-Computer Interaction Human-computer interaction (HCI) is a field of study concerned with the design, evaluation and implementation of interactive computing systems for human use and with the study of major phenomena surrounding them. This course surveys the scope of issues and foundations of the HCI field: cognitive psychology, human factors, interaction styles, user analysis, task analysis, interaction design methods and techniques, and evaluation. This course will focus on the users and their tasks. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
HCIN-620 | Information and Interaction Design Designing meaningful relationships among people and the products they use is both an art and a science. This course will focus on the unique design practice of: representing and organizing information in such a way as to facilitate perception and understanding (information architecture); and, specifying the appropriate mechanisms for accessing and manipulating task information (interaction design). This course will also explore the various design patterns (design solutions to particular problems) that are appropriate for the HCI professional. Students will need prior knowledge of an interface prototyping tool. (Prerequisite: ISTE-200 or equivalent course.
Co-requisite: HCIN-610 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
HCIN-630 | Usability Testing This project-based course will focus on the formal evaluation of products. Topics include usability test goal setting, recruitment of appropriate users, design of test tasks, design of the test environment, test plan development and implementation, analysis and interpretation of the results, and documentation and presentation of results and recommendations. (Prerequisites: HCIN-600 and HCIN-610 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Spring, Summer). |
3 |
HCIN-794 | MS Human Computer Interaction Capstone Proposal In this course, students will design a proposal for a capstone project to apply the theories and methodologies to a problem in the HCI domain. Students working through the guidance of the instructor, will investigate a problem space, perform a literature review, develop the problem statement, write a proposal for how they intend to design and implement a solution, and communicate the proposal to potential capstone committee members. (Prerequisites: HCIN-600 and HCIN-610 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
Application Domain Courses |
6 | |
Program Elective |
3 | |
Second Year | ||
HCIN-795 | MS HCI Project In this course, students will apply the theories and methodologies to the investigation of a problem in the HCI domain. Students who have already prepared a proposal for their capstone project,will design and implement a solution to a problem, and communicate the results. (Prerequisites: HCIN-794 or equivalent course.) Project 4 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
3 |
Program Elective |
3 | |
Total Semester Credit Hours | 30 |
Human-Computer Interaction (thesis option), MS degree, typical course sequence
Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
---|---|---|
First Year | ||
HCIN-600 | Research Methods This course provides students with an introduction to the practical application of various research methods that can be used in human computer interaction. The course provides an overview of the research process and the literature review, and provides experience with qualitative, survey, and experimental research methods. Students will study existing research and design and conduct studies. Students will need to have taken a statistics course before registering for this class. (Prerequisites: DECS-782 or STAT-145 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
HCIN-610 | Foundations of Human-Computer Interaction Human-computer interaction (HCI) is a field of study concerned with the design, evaluation and implementation of interactive computing systems for human use and with the study of major phenomena surrounding them. This course surveys the scope of issues and foundations of the HCI field: cognitive psychology, human factors, interaction styles, user analysis, task analysis, interaction design methods and techniques, and evaluation. This course will focus on the users and their tasks. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
HCIN-620 | Information and Interaction Design Designing meaningful relationships among people and the products they use is both an art and a science. This course will focus on the unique design practice of: representing and organizing information in such a way as to facilitate perception and understanding (information architecture); and, specifying the appropriate mechanisms for accessing and manipulating task information (interaction design). This course will also explore the various design patterns (design solutions to particular problems) that are appropriate for the HCI professional. Students will need prior knowledge of an interface prototyping tool. (Prerequisite: ISTE-200 or equivalent course.
Co-requisite: HCIN-610 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
HCIN-630 | Usability Testing This project-based course will focus on the formal evaluation of products. Topics include usability test goal setting, recruitment of appropriate users, design of test tasks, design of the test environment, test plan development and implementation, analysis and interpretation of the results, and documentation and presentation of results and recommendations. (Prerequisites: HCIN-600 and HCIN-610 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Spring, Summer). |
3 |
Application Domain Courses |
6 | |
Program Electives |
6 | |
Second Year | ||
HCIN-796 | MS HCI Thesis Students electing a research capstone experience will work closely with an adviser on a current research project or one self-developed and guided by the adviser. Permission of the capstone committee and the graduate program director is required. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Thesis (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
6 |
Total Semester Credit Hours | 30 |
Human-Computer Interaction (directed final project option*), MS degree, typical course sequence
Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
---|---|---|
First Year | ||
HCIN-600 | Research Methods This course provides students with an introduction to the practical application of various research methods that can be used in human computer interaction. The course provides an overview of the research process and the literature review, and provides experience with qualitative, survey, and experimental research methods. Students will study existing research and design and conduct studies. Students will need to have taken a statistics course before registering for this class. (Prerequisites: DECS-782 or STAT-145 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
HCIN-610 | Foundations of Human-Computer Interaction Human-computer interaction (HCI) is a field of study concerned with the design, evaluation and implementation of interactive computing systems for human use and with the study of major phenomena surrounding them. This course surveys the scope of issues and foundations of the HCI field: cognitive psychology, human factors, interaction styles, user analysis, task analysis, interaction design methods and techniques, and evaluation. This course will focus on the users and their tasks. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
HCIN-620 | Information and Interaction Design Designing meaningful relationships among people and the products they use is both an art and a science. This course will focus on the unique design practice of: representing and organizing information in such a way as to facilitate perception and understanding (information architecture); and, specifying the appropriate mechanisms for accessing and manipulating task information (interaction design). This course will also explore the various design patterns (design solutions to particular problems) that are appropriate for the HCI professional. Students will need prior knowledge of an interface prototyping tool. (Prerequisite: ISTE-200 or equivalent course.
Co-requisite: HCIN-610 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
HCIN-630 | Usability Testing This project-based course will focus on the formal evaluation of products. Topics include usability test goal setting, recruitment of appropriate users, design of test tasks, design of the test environment, test plan development and implementation, analysis and interpretation of the results, and documentation and presentation of results and recommendations. (Prerequisites: HCIN-600 and HCIN-610 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Spring, Summer). |
3 |
Application Domain Courses |
6 | |
Program Electives |
6 | |
Second Year | ||
HCIN-797 | MS HCI Directed Final Project This course provides students with the skills to develop a plan and execute a project in the field of human-computer interaction. Emphasis is placed on the student applying skills and knowledge gained previously throughout their HCI master’s degree program. Students will select a topic from a set of recommendations provided by the instructor, formulate a detailed plan for the execution of this project, provide deliverables for key milestones throughout the semester, and present their work in a professionally appropriate manner, e.g. via a written report, video, or other forms that are suitable for dissemination in a professional user-experience portfolio. The goal of this course is for students to gain experience how to employ methodologies and skills from the field of human-computer interaction appropriately as part of an extended final project that serves as a culminating experience for their master’s degree program. This course is only an option for students who are registered as online students. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Project 3 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
Program Elective |
3 | |
Total Semester Credit Hours | 30 |
* Directed Final Project Option is for online students.
Application domain courses
e-Learning technologies
Course | |
---|---|
HCIN-660 | Fundamentals of Instructional Technology Instructional Technology encompasses the basic processes for developing and delivering instruction. Instructional Systems Design (ISD) is a well-established methodology for describing knowledge and skills and developing instructional systems to effectively conveying knowledge. This course enables the student to be able to plan, organize, and systematically develop instructional materials. The course uses an ISD model to analyze, design, deliver, and evaluate instruction. Lecture 3 (Fall). |
HCIN-661 | Interactive Courseware Computer software that teaches is referred to as courseware. This course is a continuation of HCIN-660 that transitions from general instructional design into the actual application of these principles in a computer-based environment. Although the basic principles of instructional design hold true in all media environments, using these teaching and learning principles is somewhat different when developing instruction that will be delivered by computer. This course teaches procedures that have already been successful in the design and development of courseware. Successful students should have one year of object-oriented programming. (Prerequisites: HCIN-660 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
Geographic information science and technology
Course | |
---|---|
IGME-770 | Geographic Information Science and Technology This course provides a survey of the theory, concepts, and technologies related to representation and understanding of the earth - a scientific domain known as Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIS & T). Students will gain hands-on experience with technologies such as Global Positioning Systems (GPSs), Geographic Information Systems (GISs), remote sensing, spatial data science and analysis, and web mapping. Furthermore, students will learn relevant GIS & T theory, concepts, and research trends such as spatial reasoning, spatiotemporal data representation, and spatial analysis. Lec/Lab 3 (Fall). |
IGME-772 | Geographic Visualization This course examines concepts and techniques associated with dynamic map construction, usage, and assessment. Specific topics include thematic cartography, geographic information visualization, sources of dynamic geographic information, developing animated and interactive maps, mapping mashup development, using maps as a means to support group work, usability of dynamic maps, and current geovisualization research areas. Development of a visualization prototype and an associated scholarly paper in an area related to thematic cartography and geographic visualization are required. Lec/Lab 3 (Spring). |
Smart device application design and development
Course | |
---|---|
HCIN-720 | Prototyping Wearable and Internet of Things Devices Wearable computers and Internet of Things devices involve both hardware and software. In order to design user experiences for these systems, professionals must understand how they are built. Students will learn how to rapidly prototype and evaluate wearable and IoT devices combining hardware and software. Experience in programming is helpful but not a prerequisite. Lecture 3 (Fall). |
HCIN-722 | Human-Computer Interaction with Mobile, Wearable, and Ubiquitous Devices Mobile phones are now a major computing platform, and wearable and Internet of Things devices are emerging as major technologies. Each device offers different interaction opportunities and challenges. Students will learn about the research in interaction with these devices and how to design effective interactions for mobile, wearable, and ubiquitous devices. (Prerequisites: HCIN-610 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
Web development
Course | |
---|---|
ISTE-645 | Foundations of Web Technologies I This class provides an introduction to internet and web technologies. Topics include an introduction to the internet and basic internet technologies (including, but not limited to: SSH, SFTP, UNIX, XHTML, CSS, Client-Side programming, and website publishing). Lec/Lab 3 (Fall). |
ISTE-646 | Foundations of Web Technologies II This course builds on the basic aspects of web page development that are presented in the first course and extends that knowledge to focus on issues and technologies related to the design and development of web sites. Topics include advanced internet technologies (including, but not limited to: AJAX, server-side programming, database use and access, client libraries, server frameworks, and creating and consuming information services). (Prerequisites: ISTE-645 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 3 (Spring). |
Program electives
Course | |
---|---|
HCIN-660 | Fundamentals of Instructional Technology Instructional Technology encompasses the basic processes for developing and delivering instruction. Instructional Systems Design (ISD) is a well-established methodology for describing knowledge and skills and developing instructional systems to effectively conveying knowledge. This course enables the student to be able to plan, organize, and systematically develop instructional materials. The course uses an ISD model to analyze, design, deliver, and evaluate instruction. Lecture 3 (Fall). |
HCIN-661 | Interactive Courseware Computer software that teaches is referred to as courseware. This course is a continuation of HCIN-660 that transitions from general instructional design into the actual application of these principles in a computer-based environment. Although the basic principles of instructional design hold true in all media environments, using these teaching and learning principles is somewhat different when developing instruction that will be delivered by computer. This course teaches procedures that have already been successful in the design and development of courseware. Successful students should have one year of object-oriented programming. (Prerequisites: HCIN-660 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
HCIN-700 | Current Topics in HCI Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is an evolving field. This course is designed to study the current themes and advanced issues of HCI. Topics will vary depending upon current research and developments in the field. Lecture 3 (Spring). |
HCIN-720 | Prototyping Wearable and Internet of Things Devices Wearable computers and Internet of Things devices involve both hardware and software. In order to design user experiences for these systems, professionals must understand how they are built. Students will learn how to rapidly prototype and evaluate wearable and IoT devices combining hardware and software. Experience in programming is helpful but not a prerequisite. Lecture 3 (Fall). |
HCIN-722 | Human-Computer Interaction with Mobile, Wearable, and Ubiquitous Devices Mobile phones are now a major computing platform, and wearable and Internet of Things devices are emerging as major technologies. Each device offers different interaction opportunities and challenges. Students will learn about the research in interaction with these devices and how to design effective interactions for mobile, wearable, and ubiquitous devices. (Prerequisites: HCIN-610 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
HCIN-730 | User-Centered Design Methods This course will focus on the major user centered design methodologies used in the development of applications and environments. Topics include: evolution of software design methods, emergence of user-centered design, and key concepts, attributes and process of the major design methodologies. Software design projects will be required. (Prerequisites: HCIN-610 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
HCIN-794 | MS Human Computer Interaction Capstone Proposal In this course, students will design a proposal for a capstone project to apply the theories and methodologies to a problem in the HCI domain. Students working through the guidance of the instructor, will investigate a problem space, perform a literature review, develop the problem statement, write a proposal for how they intend to design and implement a solution, and communicate the proposal to potential capstone committee members. (Prerequisites: HCIN-600 and HCIN-610 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
IGME-770 | Geographic Information Science and Technology This course provides a survey of the theory, concepts, and technologies related to representation and understanding of the earth - a scientific domain known as Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIS & T). Students will gain hands-on experience with technologies such as Global Positioning Systems (GPSs), Geographic Information Systems (GISs), remote sensing, spatial data science and analysis, and web mapping. Furthermore, students will learn relevant GIS & T theory, concepts, and research trends such as spatial reasoning, spatiotemporal data representation, and spatial analysis. Lec/Lab 3 (Fall). |
IGME-772 | Geographic Visualization This course examines concepts and techniques associated with dynamic map construction, usage, and assessment. Specific topics include thematic cartography, geographic information visualization, sources of dynamic geographic information, developing animated and interactive maps, mapping mashup development, using maps as a means to support group work, usability of dynamic maps, and current geovisualization research areas. Development of a visualization prototype and an associated scholarly paper in an area related to thematic cartography and geographic visualization are required. Lec/Lab 3 (Spring). |
ISTE-645 | Foundations of Web Technologies I This class provides an introduction to internet and web technologies. Topics include an introduction to the internet and basic internet technologies (including, but not limited to: SSH, SFTP, UNIX, XHTML, CSS, Client-Side programming, and website publishing). Lec/Lab 3 (Fall). |
ISTE-646 | Foundations Of Web Technologies II This course builds on the basic aspects of web page development that are presented in the first course and extends that knowledge to focus on issues and technologies related to the design and development of web sites. Topics include advanced internet technologies (including, but not limited to: AJAX, server-side programming, database use and access, client libraries, server frameworks, and creating and consuming information services). (Prerequisites: ISTE-645 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 3 (Spring). |
ISTE-764 | Project Management Information technology projects require the application of sound project management principles in order to be developed on time, on budget, and on specification. This course takes students through the nine knowledge areas of modern project management and the utilization of project management principles in both traditional and agile environments. Lecture 3 (Fall). |
ISTE-782 | Visual Analytics This course introduces students to Visual Analytics, or the science of analytical reasoning facilitated by interactive visual interfaces. Course lectures, reading assignments, and practical lab experiences will cover a mix of theoretical and technical Visual Analytics topics. Topics include analytical reasoning, human cognition and perception of visual information, visual representation and interaction technologies, data representation and transformation, production, presentation, and dissemination of analytic process results, and Visual Analytic case studies and applications. Furthermore, students will learn relevant Visual Analytics research trends such as Space, Time, and Multivariate Analytics and Extreme Scale Visual Analytics. Lec/Lab 3 (Spring). |
MEDI-701 | Introduction to Health Informatics This course provides a rigorous introduction to the principles of medical informatics. The focus of this course is on the study of the nature of medical information and its use in clinical practice and clinical quality improvement. Key topics include: the electronic medical record (EMR) and its impact on health care delivery, the Internet and mobile computing as sources of medical information, Health care information systems, the software development lifecycle, the importance of the informatics specialists in medicine and the various roles they can play, and government economic incentives and policy issues in healthcare such as privacy, confidentiality, including health care regulatory and accreditation issues and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Students will participate in online discussion of medical informatics. They will also investigate several topics of interest in the field and provide presentations. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
PSYC-712 | Graduate Cognition This course will survey theoretical and empirical approaches to understanding the nature of the mental processes involved in attention, object recognition, learning and memory, reasoning, problem solving, decision-making, and language. The course presents a balance between historically significant findings and current state of-the-art research. Readings that have structured the nature and direction of scientific debate in these fields will be discussed. The course also includes discussions of methodology and practical applications. Students will have opportunities to develop their research skills and critical thinking by designing research studies in cognitive psychology. Seminar (Spring). |
PSYC-715 | Graduate Perception The course is designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of topics in perception. This course will be organized such that students will work in groups on various projects as well as covering topics through readings and classroom discussion. The topics may include, but are not limited to: spatial frequency perception; aftereffects, visual illusions and their relationship to cortical function and pattern perception; color perception; depth and motion perception; higher order perception such as face and object recognition; and music and speech perception. The goal is to cover current research and theories in perception, looking at current developments and their antecedents. The course will be divided into various modules. Students will be assigned readings relevant to each section of the course, and will be expected to master the major concepts. Group discussion of the readings will complement lectures where the instructor will present relevant background material. There will also be laboratory time for the students, where they will examine empirical findings in perception, and develop their research skills in the field. Lecture 3 (Biannual). |