Human Computer Interaction

Master of Science

Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media

MSArtificial Intelligence and ComputingDigital FluencyCommunicationOnline
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The Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) prepares students to ideate, design, implement, and evaluate computer-based technologies so they are useful and usable for end users. This interdisciplinary degree integrates concepts and methods from computer science, graphic design and the social sciences. Drawing upon these concepts and methods, students learn user-centered and participatory design approaches as they create information and communication technologies (ICTs) such as dynamic web sites, mobile apps and desktop applications. Particular emphasis is given to ICT evaluation, exploratory user research, information architecture, interaction design, and prototype development.

For international students: this is a STEM-designated program, which can qualify you to extend your post-graduation stay in the United States.

Degree Requirements

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

  • Plan and conduct ethical user research with human participants using appropriate data collection methods, and analyze the data using both qualitative and quantitative methods.
  • Create, justify, and critique interface designs using appropriate theoretical and methodological HCI frameworks.
  • Create prototypes that simulate the interactivity of user interfaces and have enough functionality for usability testing with human participants.
  • Design and conduct usability tests for an existing or prototyped product or service.

Career Outcomes

A graduate degree in HCI prepares students for many different kinds of careers in user experience (UX). Graduates have job titles including interaction designer, information architect, user experience designer, usability specialist, and user researcher.

Our graduates work at top companies, such as Allstate, GfK, Grainger, JP Morgan Chase, Microsoft, and Motorola.

Faculty
Cynthia Putnam
Professor
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Craig Miller
Professor
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Peter Hastings
Professor
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School of Computing Research

lecture hall

Assistant professor Oliver Alonzo presents “‘I have never seen that for Deaf people's content:’ Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing User Experiences with Misinformation, Moderation, and Debunking on Social Media in the US,” which received an Honorable Mention (top 5% of submissions) at CHI 2025.

4 people working with their laptops

Student Research Opportunities

<p class="feature--text">CDM’s faculty are active in multiple areas of HCI-related research. Students interested in faculty research projects are free to contact the faculty directly. Several students have not only been involved in research projects for independent study credit, but also have publications in peer reviewed venues that demonstrate their work. These projects allow for another way to add real-world projects to the student’s portfolio.</p>

XD Roundtable logo

Student & Professional Organizations

<p class="feature--text">Many HCI students contribute to student and professional organizations that provide opportunities to network with those in the HCI industry. <a href="https://dehub.depaul.edu/xdr/home/" rel="noopener">XD Roundtable</a>, a student group at DePaul, promotes lifelong independent learning though frequent peer-to-peer workshops and challenges right on campus.</p>

students using a pc

State-of-the-Art Labs

<p class="feature--text">Students have access to computer labs, classrooms, and a number of specialized research labs equipped with advanced technology, software, and experimental tools to support faculty and students in their research endeavors.This includes the Software Usability Lab, a two-room space separated by a one-way mirror that is capable of supporting multiple types of studies including usability using Morae, eyetracking (Tobii), games user research (usability and playtesting), and focus groups or interviews. </p>

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