MS Human-Computer Interaction

Program Requirements

MS Human Computer Interaction
  • Human-Computer Interaction

About the MS in MS Human-Computer Interaction Program

Curriculum Requirements (2026-27)

View program requirements from previous years

Introductory Courses

Introductory courses provide a pathway into the master’s degree for students entering without an adequate technical background. They build the prerequisite foundations needed for the required courses, and are taken in addition to the 48 credit hours of the graduate degree program.

Students who already have this foundation do not take introductory courses. Each introductory course is waived individually under any of the following conditions:

  • The student has completed appropriate coursework covering the introductory course content. The waiver determination happens after a student is admitted and submits the intent-to-enroll form.
  • The student has appropriate and verified professional experience in the introductory course area.
  • The student passes a Graduate Assessment Examination (GAE) in the introductory course area, where an exam is available.

An introductory course may not be substituted for any other graduate course.

  • HCI 406
  • HCI 412
  • IT 403
  • IT 411

Foundation Courses

The following Foundation Courses are listed in the suggested sequence for the program.

  • HCI 440
  • HCI 450
  • HCI 472

Students currently taking Foundation Courses may also register for Major Elective Courses if they have successfully completed the prerequisites for those courses.

Advanced Courses

The following Advanced Courses are listed in the suggested sequence for the program.

  • HCI 430
  • HCI 445
  • HCI 460

Major Elective Courses

Students must complete 20 credit hours of Major Elective courses from the lists below:

HCI Breadth Requirement

At least one of the electives must come from the list below:

  • HCI 511
  • HCI 514
  • HCI 515
  • HCI 516
  • HCI 520

Additional HCI Electives

  • HCI 421
  • HCI 457
  • HCI 512
  • HCI 522
  • HCI 530
  • HCI 541
  • HCI 545
  • HCI 553
  • HCI 555
  • HCI 558
  • HCI 580
  • HCI 590
  • HCI 596
  • HCI 599

Non-HCI Electives open to all HCI students

  • CSC 484
  • CSC 587
  • CSEC 440
  • DSC 424
  • DSC 441
  • DSC 465
  • GAM 424
  • IS 430
  • IT 432
  • IS 451
  • IS 485
  • IS 511
  • IS 570
  • IS 586
  • IT 590
  • MKT 555
  • PSY 473
  • PSY 680
  • SE 430
  • SE 482

Capstone

  • HCI 594

Degree Requirements

Students in this degree program must meet the following requirements:

  • Complete a minimum of 48 graduate credit hours in addition to any required introductory courses of the designated degree program.
  • Complete all graduate courses and requirements listed in the designated degree program.
  • Earn a grade of C- or better in each introductory course of the designated degree program.
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
  • Students pursuing a second (or more) graduate degree may not double count or retake any course that applied toward the completion of a prior graduate degree. If a required course in the second degree was already completed and applied toward a previous degree, the student must meet with a faculty advisor to discuss a new course to be completed and substituted in the new degree. This rule also applies to cross-listed courses, which are considered to be the same course but offered under different subjects.
  • Students pursuing a second master's degree must complete a minimum of 48 graduate credit hours beyond their first designated degree program in addition to any required introductory courses in their second designated degree program.

Students with a GPA of 3.9 or higher will graduate with distinction.

For DePaul's policy on repeat graduate courses and a complete list of academic policies see the DePaul Graduate Handbook in the Course Catalog.