Application Details for Our Academic Programs

The admissions processes, application windows and associated deadlines vary by program at the CMU Human-Computer Interaction Institute. 

See below for program-specific application details for our graduate and undergraduate options. 
 

Graduate Admissions

Ph.D. in Human-Computer Interaction 

Students in this rigorous doctoral program select an emphasis area for their Ph.D. research -- including social computing, research through design, technical HCI and learning sciences -- or propose another area that better matches their interests.

How to apply? The HCI Ph.D. application window takes place in the fall via SCS Graduate Admissions and new cohorts start the following August. 

→ Learn more: HCII Faculty, HCI Ph.D. Program, HCI Ph.D. Admissions
 

Master of Human-Computer Interaction (MHCI) 

The 12-month, professional Master of Human-Computer Interaction program begins in August. MHCI students begin with a solid foundation of HCI methodologies, customize their schedule with interdisciplinary electives, and finish the program with the flagship MHCI Capstone course -- a user-centered research and design team project with an external industry client.

How to apply? The MHCI program has a fall application window and cohorts start the following August. 

→ Learn more: MHCI Program or MHCI Admissions for master's application info 
 

Master of Human-Computer Interaction - Advanced Study

The MHCI - Advanced Study option is designed for students who want to build upon the breadth of the MHCI with deeper specialization in a chosen area of Human-Computer Interaction. Through an additional semester of elective courses, faculty mentorship, and research or innovation experiences, students develop expertise aligned with their career goals.

→ Learn more: MHCI-AS Program
 

Master of Science in Learning Engineering (MSLE) 

The MSLE program applies HCI and psychology principles to the science and experience of learning. Students design, develop, and evaluate educational technologies and learning environments throughout the program. The curriculum features an integrated Capstone sequence that begins with Capstone I in the spring, bridges into a summer practicum or research experience, and concludes with Capstone II the following fall.

How to apply? The MSLE program opens its application windows each Fall, and cohorts start the following August.

→ Learn more: MSLE Program  or MSLE Admissions  
 

Accelerated Master of Human-Computer Interaction (AMHCI)

Current CMU undergraduates can apply for admission to this accelerated master's program in the fall of their senior year. Admitted AMHCI students begin the program in the spring of their senior year, which allows them to complete the master’s degree in as little as two semesters (8 months) after completing their undergraduate degree.

How to apply? This program has an early fall application window because AMHCI students start in the spring. 

→ Learn more: Accelerated (AMHCI) Program  
 

Accelerated Master of Science in Learning Engineering (AMSLE)

Carnegie Mellon University undergraduates in any major and eligible students from the Pittsburgh Council on Higher Education (PCHE) who have completed the appropriate courses may be eligible to enroll in the Accelerated Master of Science in Learning Engineering (AMSLE) program (formerly known as the Accelerated Master of Educational Technology and Applied Learning Sciences, or AMETALS). This program allows students to complete their master’s degree in as little as two semesters (Fall and Spring) after finishing their undergraduate degree.

How to Apply? The AMSLE program opens its application windows each Fall and Spring.

→ Learn more: AMSLE Program

 

Undergraduate Admissions

Bachelor of Science in Human-Computer Interaction (B.S. in HCI)

We are proud to be one of the first universities in the world to offer a primary major in human-computer interaction. Prospective students apply to the Carnegie Mellon University School of Computer Science, and once accepted, have the opportunity to declare this major in the spring semester of their first year. 

How to apply? Apply to the CMU School of Computer Science when the Undergraduate Admissions' undergrad application window opens in the fall. 

→ Learn more: BS in HCI Program or BS in HCI Admissions  
 

Undergraduate Interdisciplinary HCI Programs

CMU students with a primary major in another subject can add a human-centered component to their education with our undergraduate programming. HCI skills and methods make an excellent complement to many other majors. 

How to apply? The application window for these programs opens in the spring. 

→ Learn more: Additional Major in Interdisciplinary HCI and Minor in Interdisciplinary HCI  
 

Undergraduate Summer Research Program

This NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in Human-Computer Interaction program is an opportunity for undergraduate students to spend a summer with us in Pittsburgh. Students have the opportunity to conduct research on meaningful projects with HCII faculty and researchers during this paid, 10-week program. 

How to apply? This program has a winter application window and accepted students join us the following summer. 

→ Learn more: HCII Summer Research Program  

 

Or, apply now to join our team 

Were you looking to apply for our job postings instead of an academic program? Visit the HCII Careers page for employment details.