Undergraduate Major in HCI

About the B.S. in HCI

The Bachelor of Science in Human-Computer Interaction will produce HCI specialists who are technically skilled and adept at designing and prototyping interactive solutions with the latest digital technologies. Students graduating from the HCI primary will have a unique perspective on how digital products and services impact humans, and also how they can be designed to have a positive impact.

Students in this major will have a strong Computer Science core of programming, algorithms, systems and mathematical foundations, just like the other undergraduate majors in SCS. They will specialize by making core elements of human-computer interaction the primary focus of their upper-level classes, and can explore a large range of HCI topics in greater depth through their elective choices. In the final capstone project course, they will work as part of an interdisciplinary student team to produce innovative digital solutions for a problem presented by a client.

Responding to the Demand for HCI in Tech

Our corporate partners spoke of the need for competitive entry-level professionals who can enter the workforce with a solid understanding of HCI. This technical program will prepare graduates to understand and create innovative services, systems and applications that serve all people. Students will have the opportunity to design for a range of digital technologies, including web, mobile, IoT, VR, AR, sensors, fabrication, gadgets and more.

There is also a need for HCI practitioners with a "T-shaped person" knowledgebase. That is, professionals who exhibit broad knowledge and diverse technical skills, as well as a valuable focus in a specialization area. HCI majors will build a broad foundational knowledge in computing, mathematics and statistics; development skills for digital and interactive technologies; and experience with methods of rapid prototyping, all of which will help them to collaborate with their peers in related fields.

Opportunities for B.S. in HCI Grads

Graduates with this rigorous background will serve key roles in the tech industry. B.S. in HCI graduates will be poised to take on strategic roles at early stages of their careers, including Front End Engineer, Interaction Designer, Technical Product Manager and UX Engineer positions. HCI students aiming for research careers or graduate school can select a senior thesis option and conduct independent research work under the mentorship of HCI faculty.

Student Skills and Learning Objectives

Students in the B.S. program in HCI are expected to acquire and demonstrate the following skills upon graduation:

  1. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills in computing needed to understand, design, implement, and maintain functional, human-centered computing systems. The knowledge includes:
    • Theoretical foundation in computer science
    • Development skill for software and digital technologies
    • Knowledge of relevant mathematics and statistics
    • Development skill for technical platforms used in interactive technologies
    • Methods for rapid prototyping
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of the domains impacted by computational technologies and services, enabling students to design computing systems that address domain-specific challenges and generate positive impacts for stakeholders.
  3. Demonstrate skills in HCI processes that enable the design, evaluation, and improvement of interactive computational systems to enhance usability, accessibility, user experience, and societal and business impacts. Skills in HCI processes include:
    • Mastery of methodologies and techniques for user research and design (needs finding, synthesis)
    • Interaction design skill (ideation, concept validation, design)
    • Mastery of methodologies for evaluating success and impact of digital products and services
    • Ability to address an ill-defined design problem through integration of HCI and design methods
  4. Demonstrate basic knowledge of behavioral science and its relationship to interactive technologies to better understand how humans function individually, in groups, and in societies, and how interactive technologies can influence, and be influenced by, psychological, social, and cultural factors.
  5. Demonstrate basic knowledge of business, leadership, and communication in order to effectively manage projects, collaborate with diverse teams, and translate technical solutions into organizational and societal value.
    • Project management, leadership, and teamwork skill
    • Technical communication
    • Skill in articulating business value and strategic significance of HCI projects