Master of Science Human-Computer Interaction

The Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) prepares students to ideate, design, implement, and evaluate computer-based technologies so they are useful and usable for end users. This interdisciplinary degree integrates concepts and methods from computer science, graphic design and the social sciences. Drawing upon these concepts and methods, students learn user-centered and participatory design approaches as they create information and communication technologies (ICTs) such as dynamic web sites, mobile apps and desktop applications. Particular emphasis is given to ICT evaluation, exploratory user research, information architecture, interaction design, and prototype development.

 

Diverse Courses

The HCI program includes a foundational core of HCI courses supplemented by a diverse offering of electives. Students may choose from a range of topics including mobile computing, social media, accessibility, and information visualization. In addition, students may take courses from other CDM majors including information systems, software engineering and computer science.

 

HCI Research

CDM’s faculty are active in multiple areas of HCI-related research. Students interested in faculty research projects are free to contact the faculty directly. Several students have not only been involved in research projects for independent study credit, but also have publications in peer reviewed venues that demonstrate their work. These projects allow for another way to add real-world projects to the student’s portfolio.

 

Professional Organizations

Many HCI students and alums contribute to professional organizations such as XD Roundtable and Chicago Interaction Design Association, both of which provide opportunities to network with HCI professionals. XD Roundtable, a student group at DePaul, promotes lifelong independent learning though frequent peer-to-peer workshops and challenges right on campus.

 

Online Learning

This degree can be completed entirely online. One hundred percent of the program’s lectures—from audio and video to whiteboard writing and supplemental materials—are captured and available online.

 

Usability Lab

A player-user research space available for reservation by faculty and students with two rooms (an observation room and a player-participant room) separated by a one-way mirror. It is capable of supporting multiple types of studies that include (but are not limited to): usability using Morae, eyetracking (Tobii), games user research (usability and playtesting), and focus groups or interviews.

 

Stay Connected

Graduates have access to CDM’s extensive alumni network that includes human-computer interaction professionals at Fortune 500 companies in Chicago. Make connections at networking events and study in a city teeming with industry opportunities.

The HCI faculty maintain an informational email list for current students and alumni of the program. The list announces job openings, internship opportunities, research projects and new developments in the HCI curriculum.