Immerse yourself in a project-based, hands-on user experience environment. With a master’s in Human Computer Interaction (HCI), you’ll engage with emerging research and learn to create effective interactive systems for organizations both locally and globally. Collaborating with industry leaders and gaining insights from faculty in human-centered design, social computing, and the Internet of Things, you’ll develop essential user experience/user interface (UX/UI) design and research skills through coursework and a Capstone project, preparing you for a successful career in the field.
Bridging the gap between humans and technology
At a glance
Format
On-campus/hybrid, online
Start dates
Fall, Spring
What you'll learn
Upon completing this Master of Science in Human-Computing degree program, you’ll be equipped to apply HCI theories to design and evaluate user interfaces, blending psychological principles with user experience and human factors design. You’ll develop cutting-edge interactive systems, assess designs for usability, and effectively communicate project outcomes. You'll also demonstrate ethical decision-making, critical thinking, and strong collaboration skills, working creatively and effectively in team environments.
Curriculum
In our program, you will learn core HCI concepts in UX design and research. You will also explore different facets of HCI and user-centered design, such as accessibility, conversational user interface design, virtual/augmented reality, and embodied interaction.
Upon completion of the M.S. in the HCI program, students will:
- Evaluate and create interfaces by applying HCI theories, terms, principles, and methods including user experience, user-centered, and interaction design theories and practices; interactive product design and development processes and lifecycle; user profiling to interaction design (needs and requirements); system requirements and product assessments; prototype design theory and practice; and product usability evaluations and testing methods.
- Apply psychological and cognitive principles and theories to human factors and user experience design.
- Research and develop interactive collaborative systems by applying social computing theories and frameworks.
- Design novel ubiquitous computing systems by researching and applying relevant HCI and informatics theories and frameworks.
- Design effective, usable, and human-centered interactive systems using prototypes and proof of concepts.
- Critique interaction designs on their usability, human-centeredness, and satisfaction of requirements; evaluate the fitness of requirements, goals, and research methods; make recommendations; and create and defend alternative designs.
- Effectively communicate in digital, oral, and written form the processes, ideas, outcomes, and implications of HCI projects.
- Articulate decisions and reasoning behind decisions made related to interaction design choices, design and research methods.
- Exhibit sound judgment, ethical behavior, and professionalism in applying HCI concepts and value-sensitive design to serve stakeholders and society, especially in ethically challenging situations.
- Collaborate in teams fairly, effectively, and creatively, applying group decision-making and negotiation skills.
Cost and financial aid
Graduate tuition at Luddy Indianapolis is charged per credit hour.
Cost per credit hour for the 2025-26 academic year:
- $423 In-state
- $634 Indiana Partners
- $1,178 Out of state and international
Scholarships
Students who meet criteria for admission will be considered for an admission-based scholarship if attending full-time. Scholarships are awarded each semester and range from $500 to $2,250 per semester.
Career outlook
Our alumni work in a variety of industries and roles worldwide. They hold positions such as UX Designer, UX Researcher, Product Manager, and UX Engineer. Many have also taken on leadership roles, fostering UX-focused cultures within their organizations and influencing the future of the profession.
2023-2024 data
93%Employed / continuing education
$80.5KMedian starting salary
Job titles
- Business application analyst
- Product marketing manager
- Software engineer II
- Sr. UX strategist
- UI/UX designer
Hiring companies
- Amazon
- Apple
- Dow
- Harman
- Interactive Intelligence
- Lilly
- Kronos
- Meta
- Microsoft
- Pixar
- Roche
Support from Luddy
Luddy’s career services team and faculty mentors help connect you with internships, job fairs, and biotech and healthcare leaders.
Admission requirments
- A bachelor's degree and a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is optional for master's applicants.
Successful applicants should have knowledge and skills in one or more of the following areas:
Programming
Proficiency in:
- One or more programming languages (e.g., C, C++, Java, Javascript, or Python)
- 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:
- Principles and processes of visual communication, industrial design, digital media
- Knowledge and application of 3D animation 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
- Application of digital authoring tools for Web or interface design
Social Sciences
Coursework in:
- Psychology (general, cognitive, and behavioral)
- Sociology and anthropology (ethnography)
- Cross-cultural psychology and communication, information management, or information and library science
- Business, product strategy, management, marketing, and related areas
Admission deadlines
Fall
- January 15 (Early action)
- March 1 (International)
- July 1 (Domestic)
Spring
- August 15 (International)
- November 1 (Domestic)
HCI student deepens design thinking skills as Google intern
Sangeetha chose Luddy because of the diverse and cutting-edge courses offered and the school’s commitment to practical experience through internships and industry collaborations.
Read more about Sangeetha's internship
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The winning team GreenBasket developed CropSpots, a click-and-collect model that delivers farmer’s market goods to areas of frequent community engagement instead of homes.
Learn more about the HungerTech Challenge