The program develops competencies in designing, implementating and evaluating user interfaces. The program has required courses in all of these areas.
Common job titles for graduates include information architect, user experience designer, interaction designer, usability analyst, user researcher and usability engineer.
Graph showing plan of HCI Masters Programs (through Fall 2012)
Proposed HCI Variable-length program (starts Winter 2013)
The proposed variable-length program for HCI uses four introductory graduate-level courses in place of the 5 prerequisite phase courses. The PPA guide summarizes the approximate equivalencies.
HCI 402 was renumbered to HCI 302 but will be renumbered back to HCI 402 for the variable length program. It is the same course. Either numbering counts for the HCI 302/402 requirement.
Students with HCI backgrounds. If a student already has some HCI experience (e.g. an undergrad degree in HCI), they may be better served by allowing them to take some advanced electives in place of some required courses. If they have taken an introductory HCI course (e.g. ISM/IM/HCI 210), have them take an elective in place of HCI 440.
Online students.Students who take many courses online will benefit by taking PM 440 (Collaborative Technologies) early in the Foundation Phase. PM 440 counts as an HCI elective. In PM 440, students learn how to use various tools to collaborate on team projects.
Scheduling required courses. Other than HCI 440, most required courses are offered at least twice a year. Usually there are no good substitutes for these courses. Students are strongly encouraged to take these required courses (i.e. HCI 470, 430, 445, 450, 454 and 460) as soon as they can. The capstone course (HCI 594) is offered at least twice a year. Ideally, students should take this course as soon as they have completed the other required courses. It is best to allow a few electives after the capstone. This planning gives students the possibility of conducting an independent study that continues their capstone project.
Students with Graphic Design backgrounds. These students may be candidates for taking an elective instead of HCI 470. Consult an instructor of HCI 470.
HCI job postings. Many job announcements are posted to the HCI-info email list. This list is very well subscribed and includes many alums of the HCI program. Students can subscribe by going to this URL: http://mailman.depaul.edu/mailman/listinfo/hci-info