Human Computer Interaction M.S.

We are holding an Information Session on January 11th 7-8PM PST. Register below to learn more about our HCI MS program and the application process. Hear from faculty, staff, students, and alumni!

Welcome to HCI at UCSC’s Silicon Valley Campus

What are the effects of technology on society? How are people shaping technologies to fit their needs? How do we design technologies that uplift a diverse range of users? Human Computer Interaction (HCI) embraces a multidisciplinary approach incorporating computer science, anthropology, sociology, psychology, and the humanities to thoughtfully design a more equitable future with technologies.

Located in the heart of the Silicon Valley in Santa Clara, California, UCSC’s new Master of Science in HCI is a four-quarter (15 months) program that guides students into the User Experience (UX) profession, such as in product design and UX research. Students will learn and apply design methodologies, prototyping and technical build skills, user research, and collaborative teamwork and stakeholder communication. Drawing from UC Santa Cruz’s strong tradition in social justice, students will think critically and address unconscious bias, include underrepresented users, and identify potential harms in the design process

Questions regarding the MS in HCI at UCSC can be directed to the Graduate Advisor

 

Please refer to the Division of Graduate Studies Admissions website for our current application due date.

*GRE is not required nor will it be considered in admissions for HCI M.S. applications. 

 

Apply Now!

 

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What can I do with an MS in Human Computer Interaction?

An MS in Human Computer Interaction from UCSC provides students with tangible skills and a portfolio necessary to pursue a career in a variety of roles, including user experience (UX) design, user interface (UI) design, user research, and more. Note that depending on the organization, a UX/HCI professional may serve many of the roles below simultaneously.

Product Designer/Interaction Designer
Product designers work collaboratively with user research and engineers to craft the experience and look and feel of systems through prototypes. Designers shape an interactive and innovative user experience that considers different interaction paradigms (e.g., touch interfaces, voice user interfaces, GUIs), contextual or cultural factors, and accessibility. They have a sensibility for the business needs and outcomes of designs. Product designers are adept at rapid prototyping systems of different fidelities.

User Experience (UX) Researcher
A UX researcher engages in qualitative (e.g., interviews) and/or quantitative (e.g., experimental designs) user research methods to help their product teams understand users, identify their pain points with technologies, and suggest design opportunities to improve technologies for users. As user advocates, UX researchers also engage in methods that allow users to be co-designers of technologies and identify unconscious bias in design (e.g., systems that disproportionately harm some while benefiting others). UX researchers do both formative and summative research to influence multiple stakeholders in technology development and product strategy. 

UX Engineer/Prototyper
UX Engineers have a strong mix of design and technical skills who can rapidly engineer novel and high-quality prototypes (e.g., AR/VR, IoT prototypes) of varying fidelity levels to help craft product experiences. UX Engineers often bridge discussions between design and engineering stakeholders.  
      
Product Manager 
Product Managers guide new product features and ideas from concept to launch. They understand and balance user needs and business needs. They work closely with multiple stakeholders like designers, engineers, and research to shape product strategy.

Job Growth for the HCI Field

Job growth projections for human computer interaction, user experience, and information technology are very positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects significant job growth in these areas. Further, as technology becomes increasingly integral to the economy and our daily lives, there are opportunities in increasingly diverse industries, such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government institutions.

BSOE
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  • Leaders in areas of big data, cyber physical systems, genomics, computational media, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and human-computer interaction
  • Interdisciplinary research generates cutting-edge technologies and other innovations
  • Focus on engineering for social good
  • World-class faculty and thriving research centers

More info regarding the Baskin School of Engineering>>

Silicon Valley Campus
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  • Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the UCSC Human Computer Interaction Master's program offers unprecedented access to HCI industry companies and events.
  • Home to the Games & Playable Media, Serious Games, and Natural Language Processing professional Master's degree programs.
  • State-of-the-Art facility with multi-disciplinary teaching and research
  • Vibrant academic hub at the center of Silicon Valley

More info regarding the Silicon Valley Campus>>

UCSC
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  • A campus with world-class facilities and one of the most visually spectacular settings in higher education.
  • In 2015, Business Insider listed UCSC as one of the "20 universities most likely to land you a job in Silicon Valley."
  • Named to the 2017 US News & World report top 50 Best Global Universities.
  • In 2017, UC Santa Cruz was rated 3rd in the world for research influence by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, tied with Stanford University.

More info regarding UCSC>>