The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Human Computer Interaction (HCI) at Iowa State University is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for advanced roles in academia, industry, and business. The program emphasizes research and requires students to complete a dissertation under the guidance of faculty and a Program of Study Committee. A minimum of 72 graduate credits are required, with at least 36 credits earned at Iowa State University, including all research credits.
GRE is optional. Admission is competitive and based on academic qualifications, area of interest, research specialties, faculty research needs, evidence of creative talent, clear communication skills in English, and career promise. Meeting minimum guidelines does not guarantee admission.
All admitted students are offered a half-time graduate assistantship requiring 20 hours of work per week as a research assistant.
The program typically takes 3-5 years to complete. This includes coursework and the research required for your dissertation.
You need an undergraduate degree from an accredited university with a GPA of 3.0 or equivalent, and your international degree must be comparable to a US bachelor's degree. A Master's degree is preferred but not required. Admission is competitive and considers academic qualifications, research interests, and communication skills.
You apply online through the Iowa State University graduate application portal. You will need to submit academic transcripts, a personal essay, and a resume by the application deadline. It is encouraged to contact faculty whose research aligns with your interests after submitting your application.
The application deadline for Fall admission is January 15, and the deadline for Spring admission is September 1. Applicants are typically notified of admission decisions by April 15 for Fall and November 15 for Spring.
All admitted students are offered a half-time graduate assistantship requiring 20 hours of work per week as a research assistant. This assistantship typically covers tuition and provides a stipend.
The program is taught in English. Applicants are assessed based on their clear communication skills in English as part of the admission process.