Graduate Programs
M.S. in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
The integration of computer systems and the Internet into the working world and home life have highlighted the need for professionals who can design human-computer interfaces that allow people to work intuitively in a wider range of contexts than ever before. The M.S. in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) combines coursework in human-computer interaction with theory in allied areas such as technical communication, information design, and cognitive science, to help the next generation of designers and researchers meet the challenges these new contexts present.
Rensselaer's approach to human-computer interaction differs from other HCI programs by being centered in communication rather than computer science. While the program will provide HCI implementation skills, the focus is on understanding and addressing basic problems in human-technology interaction, including the support of social interaction. Students will learn about cutting edge areas of HCI research through advanced seminars. They will leave the program with a portfolio-ready final project that demonstrates the integration of the skills they've acquired in the program.
Graduates are prepared to work as usability engineers, information architects, interaction and interface designers, user experience/HCI designers, or web designers, depending on the specific course selections students make.
Note that graduate study in Human-Computer Interaction will no longer be offered at a distance for working professionals.
Watch a short video about the M.S. in Human-Computer Interaction (Mac users must have Windows Media Player components for QuickTime installed).
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Download a guide about the M.S. in Human-Computer Interaction:
Master's Program Guide (.pdf, revised 08.25.2009)
To learn more about the M.S. in Human-Computer Interaction at Rensselaer, use our automated Inquiry Wizard. You can request further information be delivered to you as email attachments or by postal mail. You can also use the inquiry system to send an email directly to Kathy Colman, LL&C Recruitment Coordinator.
Degree Requirements
The M.S. in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) requires completion of ten courses. Seven courses must be those offered by LL&C, while others may be chosen from courses offered by LL&C or by other departments.
Many students attending full-time on campus are able to complete the course requirements in a single academic year. Students taking courses part-time will need more than one academic year to complete the degree.
- Major Requirements:
(HCI Core)
- HCI Implementation:
- Advanced HCI Topics:
- Capstone Requirement:
- Open Elective:
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- five courses
- one course
- two courses
- one course
- one course
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Students may apply for a waiver for one of the above requirements and may substitute with the following:
- Courses in Research Methods/Usability Testing, such as:
- Advanced Experimental Methods and Statistics (PSYC-4310)
- Ethnography and Cultural Analysis
- Courses in Human Factors/Cognitive Psychology, such as:
- Cognitive Modeling (PSYC-4510)
- Electives in Communication chosen from Department offerings in web design, interface design, characters for games, and other areas.
All students must complete the following required courses:
Students must take one course in HCI Implementation and will meet this requirement with the following:
Students must take two courses in Advanced HCI Topics and will meet this requirement with the following:
- Human-Media Interaction (COMM-6xxx)
- Media Studies
- Social and Emotional HCI (COMM-6xxx)
- Course designated as a graduate HCI course
Students must take one of the following courses as their Capstone course (three credits):
Students must complete one elective course in communication, electronic arts, management, or other topic of interest.
This rotation indicates the availability of courses for upcoming semesters. Note that some courses are only offered alternate years.
You may wish to refer to this course rotation grid while developing your personal plan of study.
Fall 2008
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CORE
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HCI IMPLEMENTATION
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- HCI Prototype Production (COMM-6xxx)
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ADVANCED HCI TOPICS
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CAPSTONE
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- Professional Master's Project (COMM-6xxx) -- terminal M.S. track only
- Master's Thesis -- Ph.D. track
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Spring 2009
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CORE
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HCI IMPLEMENTATION
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- Interactive Technologies: Designing for the Future (COMM-4xxx)
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ADVANCED HCI TOPICS
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CAPSTONE
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"The education and support that I received in the HCI Certificate program convinced me that Rensselaer was the only school that I should be attending to complete my Master's degree. The classes and projects in the program have given me real-world experience that I use every day at my job, and that I will continue to leverage for a successful career in the field of human-computer interaction."
Stacy A. Newman
ECM Visual Design, User Experience Team
IBM Silicon Valley Laboratory
"RPI's program stands out from the majority of HCI programs currently offered across the country. It is one of a handful of forward-looking programs that puts communication at the center of their vision and curricula. The program weaves together a solid base in the theory and practice of technical and professional communications, rhetoric, visual communication, design, and media and perception studies, and it merges it with other relevant disciplines, such as cognitive psychology, computer science, instructional technology, and graphic design."
Dr. Barbara Mirel
Research Scientist, School of Information
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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