How to Apply
B.S. in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

The B.S. in HCI program is available to students in the School of Computer Science (SCS) at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU).
 

If You're a High School Student

Prospective Carnegie Mellon students should apply to the CMU School of Computer Science through CMU Office of Undergraduate Admission. Once accepted to Carnegie Mellon and enrolled in SCS, students can declare the B.S. in HCI major in the spring of their first year. If you plan to become an HCI major, we recommend taking the spring mini course 05-180: Introduction to HCI.
 

Transfer Guidelines

Information for Current CMU SCS Students

Students in School of Computer Science (SCS) majors who wish to transfer to HCI or complete a dual degree in HCI should request an initial consultation with the Program Manager, Amelia Baisley, and complete this online School of Computer Science Transfer Form. Transfer decisions will be based on the student’s interest and overall academic progress.
 

Information for Current CMU but non-SCS Students 

Current CMU students interested in transferring into the HCI major from a college other than SCS should request an initial consultation with the Program Manager, Amelia Baisley. Students should then apply for transfer using SCS's online transfer form by the mid-semester break in the semester when the last of the six required courses will be completed. In the case of courses in progress, mid-semester grades will be used in the QPA calculation. The decision to allow transfer will be made by a committee with the advice of the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs based on the student’s academic performance (in the specified courses and in their courses overall if necessary), additional involvement in SCS and other computing-related activities, and availability of space in the student’s class level. Students should consult the SCS undergraduate office for up-to-date information concerning minimum requirements, instructions and deadlines.

To transfer into the HCI major from outside of the School of Computer Science, students are expected to have an overall 3.00 QPA and are expected to have completed the following required courses with at least a 3.6 QPA:

From the CS Core (4)
All of the following courses:

  • 15-122: Principles of Imperative Computation
  • 15-150: Principles of Functional Programming
  • 15-210: Parallel and Sequential Data Structures and Algorithms   or  15-213: Introduction to Computer Systems
  • 21-127: Concepts of Mathematics   or   21-128: Mathematical Concepts and Proofs

From the HCI Core (2)

Transfer to the HCI program is not guaranteed, and students should continue to make progress in their current major and discuss their plans with their academic advisor carefully in the event that a transfer is not possible.

Because of the extremely high academic bar for students outside SCS, students may instead wish to consider the additional major in HCI, which allows students to complete a major in their home college. The additional major has lower QPA restrictions and does not require transfer into the School of Computer Science.
 

If You’re a Student Interested in Transferring from Outside CMU

A transfer student should first apply through the Office of Undergraduate Admission. If the Office of Admission believes the applicant is acceptable, the student’s record is sent to SCS for evaluation. Admission is based on seat availability, overall academic performance from the student’s current institution, and the application material. It is important to note that extremely few external transfers are admitted to the School of Computer Science.