Academics – Studying HCI at UMD

There are many ways to work with HCIL Faculty at UMD – from taking occasional courses to getting a degree.

First students need to apply to an academic program on campus, then once they are accepted they can choose to work with HCIL faculty on various research projects.

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE

While there is no specific undergraduate degree in HCI at UMD, it is possible to study some aspects of HCI by majoring in Information Science through the College of Information. Students may also explore the potential to customize a degree through the UMD Individual Studies Program (IVSP). The IVSP allows a student to create their own major and program of study through a faculty advisor. Learn more about the IVSP program.

The B.A. in Technology and Information Design (InfoDesign) supports students in their efforts to use technology in the service of the greater good; to apply and expand their creativity; to develop a start-up mentality (in which they must try solutions and fail first in order to succeed); and to engage in rapid development and prototyping grounded by rapid evaluation and assessment. Students participate in hands-on studio and laboratory classes in user-centered design, technology development, problem-solving and cross-disciplinary communication.

MASTER’S DEGREE

he College of Information, Maryland’s INFO College, offers a Master of Science degree in Human-Computer Interaction. The HCI Master’s degree integrates information, computer science, education, psychology and design to prepare students for careers in industry or research. Through coursework and research experiences, students in this program will develop skills in the fundamentals of human-computer interaction, advanced research methods, user experience design, usability analysis and testing, social computing strategies and technologies, and technology design. Electives and projects allow students to focus on areas of interest within HCI. To learn more about the HCI master’s degree, visit the INFO College’s HCI Master’s website.

PH.D. IN HCI

The Human-Computer Interaction Laboratory (HCIL) is an interdisciplinary research community, but prospective students must be admitted and pursue a degree in a particular department, usually computer science, library and information science, information management, psychology, or education. Once admitted, we consider students for Graduate Research Assistantships and for participation in projects.  Often projects involve students from several units and we collaborate regularly.

Computer Science

Students first apply to the PhD program in Computer Science, then choose to work with CS faculty who focus on HCI (see the HCIL faculty list)

Information

Students first apply to the PhD program in Information , then choose to work with INFO College faculty who focus in HCI (see the HCIL faculty list).

Other Departments

There are also other departments with faculty who are members of HCIL and have a focus on HCI (see the HCIL faculty list).