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.

For international students: this is a STEM-designated program, which can qualify you to extend your post-graduation stay in the United States.

Degree Requirements

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

Plan and conduct ethical user research with human participants using appropriate data collection methods, and analyze the data using both qualitative and quantitative methods.
Create, justify, and critique interface designs using appropriate theoretical and methodological HCI frameworks.
Create prototypes that simulate the interactivity of user interfaces and have enough functionality for usability testing with human participants.
Design and conduct usability tests for an existing or prototyped product or service.

Career Outcomes

A graduate degree in HCI prepares students for many different kinds of careers in user experience (UX). Graduates have job titles including interaction designer, information architect, user experience designer, usability specialist, and user researcher.

Our graduates work at top companies, such as Allstate, GfK, Grainger, JP Morgan Chase, Microsoft, and Motorola.

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Cynthia Putnam
Professor
Craig Miller
Professor
Peter Hastings
Professor

School of Computing Research

Assistant professor Oliver Alonzo presents “‘I have never seen that for Deaf people's content:’ Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing User Experiences with Misinformation, Moderation, and Debunking on Social Media in the US,” which received an Honorable Mention (top 5% of submissions) at CHI 2025.

Student Research Opportunities

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.

Student & Professional Organizations

Many HCI students contribute to student and professional organizations that provide opportunities to network with those in the HCI industry. XD Roundtable, a student group at DePaul, promotes lifelong independent learning though frequent peer-to-peer workshops and challenges right on campus.

State-of-the-Art Labs

Students have access to computer labs, classrooms, and a number of specialized research labs equipped with advanced technology, software, and experimental tools to support faculty and students in their research endeavors.This includes the Software Usability Lab, a two-room space separated by a one-way mirror that is capable of supporting multiple types of studies including usability using Morae, eyetracking (Tobii), games user research (usability and playtesting), and focus groups or interviews.

Application Deadlines

Enrollment Quarter	Domestic Student Deadline	International Student Deadline
Fall	August 1	June 15
Winter	December 1	October 15
Spring	March 1	January 15
Summer	May 1	April 15

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Admission Process

The graduate application process involves completing an online application, sending in your transcripts and submitting any supplemental material (e.g., letters of recommendation, certifications, etc.). To learn more about your program specific requirements, visit our Graduate Admission page.

Admission Requirements

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Shruti Srivastava

MS in Human Computer Interaction