The longest-running and most impactful Master of Human-Computer Interaction in the world.

The Master of Human-Computer Interaction (MHCI) at Carnegie Mellon University prepares the next generation of leaders who plan, design, build, and evaluate the technologies that will define our future.

Whether your passion is software engineering, product management, design, research, entrepreneurship, data science, public policy, AI, robotics, XR, or countless other specialties, the MHCI program provides the interdisciplinary foundation to solve technology's most complex human challenges.

Founded in 1997, MHCI was the first graduate program of its kind and remains one of the world's leading programs in Human-Computer Interaction. Today, more than 1,350 alumni are shaping products and services across large corporations, startups, research labs, nonprofits, and government organizations.
 

Interdisciplinary and Customizable

The future of technology demands leaders who can bridge engineering, design, research, business, and policy to create innovative, responsible, and human-centered products and services.

The MHCI is intentionally interdisciplinary. Every cohort brings together students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds who learn with, and from, each other while tackling real-world challenges.

Students customize their education through electives across Carnegie Mellon University while building deep expertise through a rigorous core curriculum, faculty mentorship, and one of the program's defining experiences: a seven-month industry Capstone in partnership with leading organizations.
 

MHCI Program Overview

  • One-year, accelerated professional master's with a three-semester curriculum completed from August to August.
  • STEM-designated degree that combines technical depth with human-centered design.
  • A professional practice curriculum taught by a unique mix of internationally recognized researchers and experienced industry practitioners who bring applied technology perspectives to every classroom.
  • Global leader in artificial intelligence since the field's earliest days. Throughout the MHCI curriculum, students explore how to design, build, evaluate, and responsibly deploy AI-powered products and services.
  • Seven-month industry Capstone, working in multidisciplinary teams with external clients on real organizational challenges.
  • Work with world-renowned research faculty who are driving the field of Human-Computer Interaction. Their expertise spans computer science, AI, cognitive psychology, behavioral science, design, engineering, accessibility, robotics, and much more.
  • Join a global network of alumni shaping technology across startups, companies, government agencies, nonprofits, research laboratories, and influential technology organizations.
  • Located in Pittsburgh, home to a vibrant technology ecosystem, offering a welcoming community and an affordable place to live.
     

Where Will MHCI Take You?

There is no single path within Human-Computer Interaction.

Our graduates become product leaders, software engineers, product designers, UX researchers, entrepreneurs, design technologists, UX engineers, product managers, accessibility experts, forward-deployed engineers, data scientists, healthcare innovators, public policy leaders, human factors engineers, and countless other careers. They work at a variety of organizations, including Accenture, Amazon, Apple, Bloomberg, Dick's Sporting Goods, Ford, Google, Honeywell, IBM, JPMorgan Chase, Meta, Microsoft, NASA, Riot Games, Samsung, TikTok, Walmart, Walt Disney, and even the Chicago Bulls.

While our alumni pursue diverse careers around the world, they are united by a common purpose: to shape the future of technology through leadership, collaboration, and a deep understanding of people.