Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction

Explore the design methods, evaluation, and implementation of interactive computing systems for human use. Building on decades of research in psychology and human behavior, the human-computer interaction master’s degree focuses on the skills needed by user-experience researchers and computing professionals, including observing how people interact with websites and software and the design of new technologies to help them accomplish their goals. With computing moving rapidly away from the traditional desktop, companies need professionals that understand how evolving technologies can be designed to be intuitive, effective, and compelling for users.

Human-computer interaction addresses the design, evaluation, and implementation of interactive computing and computing-based systems for the benefit of human use. HCI research is driven by technological advances and the increasing pervasiveness of computing devices in our society. With an emphasis on making computing technologies more user-friendly, HCI has emerged as a dynamic, multifaceted area of study that merges theory from science, engineering, and design—as well as concepts and methodologies from psychology, anthropology, sociology, and industrial design—with the technical concerns of computing.

The MS degree in human-computer interaction provides the knowledge and skills necessary for conceptualizing, designing, implementing, and evaluating software applications and computing technologies for the benefit of the user, whether the user is an individual, a group, an organization, or a society. Human, technological, and organizational concerns are interwoven throughout the curriculum and addressed in team-and project-based learning experiences.

The program is comprised of four required core courses, up to three program electives (depending upon capstone option chosen), two application domain courses, and a capstone project or thesis.

Highly ranked by most ranking organizations and with more than 80 graduate programs in high-paying, in-demand fields and scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships available, we invite you to take a closer look at RIT .

Don't be fooled by the word "technology" in our name. At RIT, you will discover a university of artists and designers on the one hand and scientists, engineers, and business leaders on the other – a collision of the right brain and the left brain.

RIT focuses on applied learning - a "hands-on" approach involving the direct application of skills, theories, and models.

We offer a high Return on Investment (ROI) in terms of starting salaries and lifetime earnings as well as job satisfaction and personal growth.

Flexible study options include online programs and the ability to work and study. Many of our graduate programs are collaborative and interdisciplinary, allowing you to benefit from and take advantage of the strengths of several of our colleges. Co-op (cooperative education) is a hallmark of RIT, and graduate students have the optional opportunity to spend one or more semesters employed in a full-time, paid position related to their academic program. Tuition is not charged while on co-op, and many students use co-op earnings to help finance their education.

International Students: With one of the largest lists of OPT-certified graduate programs of any US university, coupled with our strong reputation among US employers, RIT is one of the most successful in placing students into OPT.

We offer graduate programs in the following areas:

• Art, Design, and Architecture
• Business and Management
• Communications and Digital Media
• Computing and Information Sciences
• Engineering and Engineering Technology
• Environmental Studies and Sustainability
• Game Design and Development
• Health Professions and Medical Sciences
• Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education
• Photography, Film, and Animation
• Science and Math
• Undeclared and Individualized Study

More advantages of RIT include:

• Unmatched career preparation and work opportunities including a world-renowned cooperative education program that lets you gain valuable experience from and exposure to potential employers and earn money while not paying tuition. International students - RIT offers 50+ STEM-designated graduate programs to choose from, all of which are eligible for OPT extension.
• Excellent Return on Investment
  • 94.3% of our most recent graduate class are employed and the average starting salary for that class was $93,800.
• Strong reputation and rankings
  • ranked 105th among "National" US universities, 11th among top schools' co-op or internship programs and 48th among "best-value" schools in the latest US News rankings; a Money Magazine top-50 for adding value; Morning Consult places RIT in the top third of most trusted US universities.
• Equal opportunity for generous financial aid
  • last year we awarded $40 million in aid to 2,800 US and International graduate students
• Career-enhancing research opportunities with abundant funding and resources.
• Safe campus in an Ideal location just outside a thriving, accessible but not-too-big city - a community where racial and thought diversity is appreciated and celebrated.
• Flexibility to work and study and 8,000 on-campus student jobs available each year.
• Faculty who love to teach and mentor you and small class sizes that facilitate personalized education.
• State-of-the-art facilities on a campus recognized for innovation and sustainability.
• Diverse student population
  • 2,600 International students from 100 countries with resources and support to match.
• 140,000 well-connected alumni to help you network.

International Students : With one of the largest lists of OPT-certified graduate programs of any US university, coupled with our strong reputation among US employers, RIT is one of the most successful in placing students into OPT.

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