Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction (HCIM)

Curriculum:

Through an interdisciplinary curriculum – with perspectives from information studies, computer science, engineering, design, education, psychology, and the social sciences – students in the UMD Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction (HCIM) program are uniquely prepared to leverage information technology for positive social impact, develop interfaces for users of all ages and abilities, and understand modern design methodology. The HCIM program requires 30 credit hours of academic work to be completed:

• 4 Core Courses (12 Credits) that teach our students Programming, Human-Computer Interaction, User Experience (UX), User Interfaces (UI), Research Methods, Data Analysis, and Design
• 4 Elective Courses (12 Credits) that allow students to specialize in areas such as Privacy, Usability, Youth Learning, Data Visualization, and more
• 2 Capstone or Thesis Courses (6 Credits)

Learn more about the HCIM curriculum and course planning.

Create a schedule that works for you:

We offer both in-person and online classes, allowing you the flexibility to create a hybrid schedule that works for you. We do not offer this program fully online.

As a student in the program, you can choose to participate full-time and earn your degree in as little as two years – or take your time and set your own pace.

• The world renowned Human-Computer Interaction Lab (HCIL) creates more hands-on learning opportunities for students
• #1 in Maryland – HCI Masters Program (Edurank)
• #6 in USA – HCI Masters Program (Edurank)
• #10 in USA – UMD – Public Institution for Patents Awarded (IPO Assoc)
• #10 in USA – UMD – Public Institution for Research Spending (NSF Survey)

• HCIM students learn from distinguised faculty such as Associate Professor and HCIL Director Jessica Vitak, Professor Jen Golbeck, Professor Jonathan Lazar, and Associate Professor Tamara Clegg.
• Vist our directory to learn about more HCIM faculty at the INFO College.
• Students also learn from lecturers from industry.

As technology becomes increasingly integral to our daily lives, there is a growing need for skilled information technology professionals who can create easy-to-use, meaningful technologies for diverse populations.

“Professors at INFO taught me not only the fundamentals of UX design, but also how to be an advocate for design.” – Jenny Hottle, HCIM Alumna, Product Designer for the New York Times

Career paths: User Experience Designer, User Experience Researcher, User Interface Designer, Interaction Designer, Information Architect, Usability Analyst, User Researcher, Visual Designer, Product Designer

Graduates have worked at: Google, Capital One, American Airlines, Blackboard, Washingtonian, Cvent, Informatica, Ericsson, Deloitte, Microstrategy, New York Times, Cisco, PBS, Johns Hopkins University, PayPal, VistaPrint, NIH, Aspera (IBM), and many more top organizations

Graduate placement rate: (2021 UMD Career Center survey): 96.5% placement (employment or continued education); 95% of graduates report that their education at the UMD INFO College supported their career goals.

Through internships, class projects, capstone projects, and events, students build relationships with the INFO College’s 400+ top industry and government partners, such as Microsoft, Google, IBM, Adobe, PayPal, Capital One, Fidelity, World Bank, CISCO, Verizon Wireless, PBS, Nickelodeon, Blackboard, Honda, American Airlines, BlueCross BlueShield, NIH, IRS, U.S. Dept of Defense, Smithsonian, National Archives, Department of the Interior, Bloomberg, and the Washington Post.

Our students also have opportunities for hands-on learning at the INFO College’s world-renowned research centers and labs, such as the prestigious Human-Computer Interaction Lab (HCIL), home of KidsTeam. KidsTeam engages children as technology design partners, developing real-world products. Watch the KidsTeam in action! Another great way to learn about the HCI research happening at the INFO College is to browse our HCI news.

With a history of activism, the UMD INFO College continues today to champion accessibility, diversity, inclusion, and democratization of information. Our faculty, staff, and 2500+ students, who come to us from over 63 countries (30% from underrepresented groups and 45% female), create a welcoming and encouraging environment. Diversity and inclusion is central to the mission of the college and is seen across courses, research, scholarship, events, and community development.

UMD is known for its bustling, social culture. Over 40% of our students are involved in student organizations at the college or at the university. Click here to learn more about student life at UMD.

UMD is also committed to a shared vision for the entire campus community, known as TerrapinSTRONG — a shared understanding and set of values from which we work to improve the sense of community, connection, and inclusion on our campus. Learn more about TerrapinSTRONG.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Virtual Information Sessions

Tuition

• In-State (Maryland resident) tuition and fees will amount to approximately $28,500 to complete 30 credit hours.
• Out-of-State tuition and fees will amount to approximately $58,000 to complete 30 credit hours.

View our detailed breakdown of tuition & fees.

Financial Aid

The UMD INFO College provides financial aid to select current students who demonstrate academic excellence. Students may also reduce their tuition costs by serving as a TA or GA at UMD, but please note that these positions are competitive. There are also additional sources of financial aid offered by the University and by outside sources. Learn more about financial aid.

Application Deadline:

The deadline to apply to the Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction (HCIM) program is in early January each year for admission to the following Fall (August) semester. A new cohort starts each Fall. We do not have Spring semester admissions for the HCIM program.

Application Requirements:

• Must have earned a 4-year baccalaureate degree
• 3.0 GPA on prior undergraduate or graduate work
• GRE scores are optional (not required)
• A TOEFL,  IELTS, or PTE score is required for international applicants (more information below)
• No prior programming or computer science education is required
• A portfolio of 3-5 pieces (PDF or online), that showcases how your skills and experience connects to human-computer interaction through the lens of art/design, the social sciences, or technology (you can learn more about the portfolio requirement in the FAQs above)

You will be required to submit TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores if you do not hold a degree from a U.S. institution or from one of the English speaking countries. Please check on the list of English speaking countries and options for providing evidence of English proficiency here.

• Note: Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens but the TOEFL/IELTS/PTE is required.
• See the Graduate School’s English Language Proficiency Requirements for instructions on submitting scores. The University of Maryland’s TOEFL Institution Code is 5814.
• You can find English language proficiency requirements here. Please note that your English proficiency scores (including listening, writing, reading, and speaking sub-scores) must satisfy the criteria for full enrollment to be accepted to the HCIM program. HCIM is a very rigorous program that requires an excellent command of the English language. Therefore, Bridge and Intensive English programs are not an option for applicants to the HCIM program. Please see the minimum English Proficiency Scores Requirements for full HCIM admission:
  • iBT TOEFL: Total 96 (Speaking 22, Listening 24, Reading 26, Writing 24)
  • IELTS: Overall 7 (Listening 7, Reading 7, Writing 7, Speaking 6.5)
  • PTE: Total: 68 (Writing 68)

For international students: The Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction (HCIM) program is a STEM-OPT certified program. This meets F1 Visa STEM requirements.

More About HCIM Admissions