Human Centered Design
Doctor of Philosophy
Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media
Programs of Interest
0The Ph.D. in Human Centered Design prepares students to become interdisciplinary scholars who can apply a variety of methodological approaches at the intersection of technology, human behavior, and design. Students will be able to explore the use of technologies in the context of complex problems through research, design, and iterative development to create innovative technologies, strategies, and practices. Through close collaboration with faculty advisors and immersion in a vibrant community, students will be trained to advance the field of human centered design through participation in research relevant to both academic and practitioner communities. Students will be prepared for careers in academic institutions, industry research labs, and government and civic organizations.
For international students: this is a STEM-designated program, which can qualify you to extend your post-graduation stay in the United States.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Design and conduct research studies including determining the appropriate research methodology for the context and implementing research protocols, and analyzing data.
- Engage in academic research discussions, including, but not limited to, conducting literature reviews and engaging in academic writing.
- Translate research findings into principles to design human-centered experiences.
- Create design-based artifacts and experiences in a chosen disciplinary area.
Career Opportunities
Students will engage in research that integrates theories from various fields, including (but not limited to) social computing, human computer interaction, games and learning sciences.
Students will be prepared for careers in:
- academia (in departments such as information sciences, computing, design, learning sciences),
- industry research labs (like Google, Motorola Labs, Lucent Technologies, IBM), and
- government and civic organizations (e.g., OpenCivic, City of Chicago, Data & Society).
Admission and Aid
Visit the Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media’s Graduate Admission Office page for additional information, FAQs, to schedule an appointment with an admissions officer and more.
HCD Faculty
Research Spotlight
Faculty Richard Wetzel and PhD student Sara Bayat Hashemi are working on an interdisciplinary project in partnership with the Environmental Studies program in the College of Science and Health and DePaul’s Egan Office for Urban Education and Community Partnerships. The project investigates how 360° video and a virtual reality serious game can increase interest in conservation and restoration activities in K-12 school children.