Explore the fast-growing field of human-computer interaction through this graduate certificate program. Human-computer interaction (HCI) impacts nearly every aspect of our lives, combining insights from business, psychology, computing, medicine, and more to focus on user experience and emerging technologies. These in-demand skills will help you stand out in today’s tech-driven job market.
Advance your skills in UX and emerging tech
At a glance
Format
Online or On-campus
Start dates
Fall or Spring
What you'll learn
Grounded in UX design and informed by disciplines like psychology, business, and computing, the curriculum equips you with essential skills in HCI theory, the Internet of Things, and user-centered design.
Financial aid available
Financial aid is available to qualified domestic applicants who are considered non-residents (for tuition purposes) of the state of Indiana. This financial aid would reduce the tuition portion of their bursar fees (the cost per credit hour) to the equivalent of the Indiana resident rate.
Admission requirements
A bachelor's degree and a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
Successful applicants for the graduate degrees in Human-Computer Interaction will have knowledge and skills (from either past education or work experience) in one or more of the following proficiency areas:
Programming
Proficiency in programming/scripting, including:
- One or more languages (e.g., JavaScript, Java, C++, Python)
- A basic understanding of programming methodologies, such as system design and architectures or problem and algorithm analysis
- Other computing knowledge, such as artificial intelligence and database administration
Design
Proficiency with the principles and processes of visual communication, industrial design, digital media, or other disciplines using design theory and practice, including:
- Knowledge and application of 3D animation and/or modeling tools
- Design methodologies for 2D and 3D product development
- Conceptual modeling, prototyping, and product delivery
- Fundamental concepts of visual communication (e.g., page design/layout)
- Design principles, typography and color theory
- Knowledge and application of a range of digital (vector and raster) authoring tools for Web or interface design
Social Sciences
Coursework in one or more of the following areas:
- Psychology (general, cognitive, and behavioral)
- Sociology and anthropology (ethnography)
- Cross-cultural psychology and communication, information management, and/or information and library science
- Business, product strategy, management, marketing and related areas.
Application deadlines
- Fall: July 1
- Spring: November 1
Certificate requirements
All certificate requirements must be completed within three years and with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B). Courses with a grade below a B- will not count towards the certificate program.
Applicants who have already earned credit for one or more equivalent courses from other institutions and programs may request to apply/transfer up to three credits toward this certificate, subject to approval. No undergraduate courses can be applied to certificate requirements.
Core courses
- INFO-H 541 Interaction Design Practice (3 cr.)
- INFO-H 543 Interaction Design Methods (3 cr.)
- INFO-H 563 Psychology of HCI (3 cr.)
Specialization courses
Select two courses:
- DSCI-D 517 Visualization Design, Analysis, and Evaluation (3 cr., was INFO-H 517)
- INFO-H 561 Meaning and Form in HCI (3 cr.)
- INFO-H 564 Prototyping Interactive Systems (3 cr.)
- INFO-H 566 Experience Design for Ubiquitous Computing (3 cr.)
- INFO-H 565 Collaborative and Social Computing (3 cr.)
- INFO-H 567 IoT Interface Design for Business Innovation (3 cr., course permission required)
- INFO-H 570 Experience Design for Tangible and Embodied Systems (3 cr.)
- INFO-H 583 Conversational User Interfaces: Experience Design and Applications (3 cr.)
Note: The semester a course is offered can change. If you have any questions or concerns, please email the HCC graduate Academic Advisor for assistance.