UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA CRUZ · UNITED STATES
Human Computer Interaction M.S.
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 4 quartersProgram Duration
- Capstone ProjectFinal Requirement
- Silicon Valley CampusLocation
- Cross-disciplinary focusLearning Approach
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Human Computer Interaction (HCI) at UC Santa Cruz aims to equip students with essential skills for user experience (UX) and interaction design professionals. The program focuses on design methodologies, ethical and inclusive practices, prototyping, technical implementation, user research, teamwork, and professional communication. It is designed to accommodate students from diverse backgrounds, including those with social science expertise, technical skills, or subject matter knowledge, fostering peer learning across disciplines. The program is offered at the UCSC Silicon Valley Campus, facilitating connections with industry leaders and other graduate programs. This is a four-quarter, Plan II master's program requiring a capstone project, with an encouraged summer internship component.
Curriculum
The M.S. in Human Computer Interaction requires a minimum of 53 credits. The curriculum includes core HCI courses, a choice of build courses depending on technical background, a mandatory seminar taken each quarter, and elective courses. All core HCI courses must be passed with a letter grade of 'B-' or better, or an 'S' grade.
- Year 1
- Introduction to HCIHCI 200
- Introduction to HCI MethodsHCI 201
- Ethics and Activism in Tech and DesignHCI 220
- Introduction to Build: Bootcamp or Advanced Physical ComputingHCI 202A / HCI 202B
- HCI SeminarHCI 290
- HCI Capstone 1HCI 271
- HCI Capstone 2HCI 272
- Elective 1
- Elective 2
Careers
The HCI M.S. program includes career planning courses and activities, and encourages student internships during the summer, preparing graduates for professional roles in user experience and interaction design.
- Human Computer Interaction Professional
- User Experience (UX) Designer
- Interaction Designer
Frequently asked questions
- What is the duration of the Human Computer Interaction M.S. program?
- The program is designed as a four-quarter master's program.
- What are the career outcomes for graduates of this program?
- Graduates are prepared for professional roles as Human Computer Interaction Professionals, User Experience (UX) Designers, and Interaction Designers.
- What is the final requirement for the HCI M.S. program?
- The program requires a capstone project, and an internship during the summer is also encouraged.
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- Tuition and fee details for international students are not provided in the source documents. Prospective students should consult the official UC Santa Cruz Graduate Admissions and Fees pages for current information.
- How do I apply to the Human Computer Interaction M.S. program as an international student?
- International graduate students should follow the general graduate admissions process for UC Santa Cruz, which includes submitting an online application, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of English proficiency by the specified deadlines.
- When is the application deadline for the HCI M.S. program?
- The application deadline is typically in December for Fall admission, but you should verify this on the UCSC Graduate Admissions website.
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Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition and fee details for international students are not provided in the source documents. Prospective students should consult the official UC Santa Cruz Graduate Admissions and Fees pages for current information.
Tuition (home)Tuition and fee details for domestic students are not provided in the source documents. Prospective students should consult the official UC Santa Cruz Graduate Admissions and Fees pages for current information.
LivingEstimated living costs are not provided in the source documents. Prospective students should consult the official UC Santa Cruz Graduate Admissions and Fees pages for current information.
Residency for tuition purposes determines whether a student is charged in-state or out-of-state fees. New and continuing students must complete the Statement of Legal Residence (SLR) on their MyUCSC To-Do List. Deadlines to submit the SLR are May 6 for freshmen and June 6 for transfers and graduate students. Supporting documents may be requested and have deadlines of June 1 for freshmen and July 1 for transfers and graduate students to ensure fees are assessed accurately.
How to apply
1. Review Program RequirementsFamiliarize yourself with the specific course requirements and prerequisites for the HCI M.S. program.
2. Prepare Application MaterialsGather necessary documents, including transcripts from all previous institutions, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. International applicants will also need to provide proof of English proficiency.
3. Complete the Online ApplicationSubmit the application through the UC Santa Cruz Graduate Admissions portal.
4. Submit Statement of Legal Residence (SLR)If applying as a graduate student, you will need to complete the Statement of Legal Residence (SLR) to determine your residency status for tuition purposes. The deadline to submit the SLR is typically June 6, with supporting documents due by July 1.
5. Await Admission DecisionAdmission decisions are typically released after the application review process.
Frequently asked questions
What is the duration of the Human Computer Interaction M.S. program?
+
The program is designed as a four-quarter master's program.
What are the career outcomes for graduates of this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for professional roles as Human Computer Interaction Professionals, User Experience (UX) Designers, and Interaction Designers.
What is the final requirement for the HCI M.S. program?
+
The program requires a capstone project, and an internship during the summer is also encouraged.
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
Tuition and fee details for international students are not provided in the source documents. Prospective students should consult the official UC Santa Cruz Graduate Admissions and Fees pages for current information.
How do I apply to the Human Computer Interaction M.S. program as an international student?
+
International graduate students should follow the general graduate admissions process for UC Santa Cruz, which includes submitting an online application, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of English proficiency by the specified deadlines.
When is the application deadline for the HCI M.S. program?
+
The application deadline is typically in December for Fall admission, but you should verify this on the UCSC Graduate Admissions website.