Master of Science in Human Computer Interaction

HCI Degree Program

The MS in Human Computer Interaction is an interdisciplinary degree program. The program prepares students for a career in the private or public sector, as well as for continuation of studies in a Ph.D. program. 

Paths for Admission: We offer two paths to complete your master’s degree at Iowa State University for the Master of Science in HCI:

  • Path #1: Master of Science in HCI, thesis or non-thesis/creative component
    • An HCI faculty member must agree to serve as your major professor (to supervise your research) and usually provides funding for a half-time graduate assistantship.
    • This path can be completed in person or online.

  • Path #2: Master of Science in HCI with capstone project
    • Students in this program take 27 credits of coursework plus a 3-credit capstone course (to fulfill the research requirement).
    • You do not need a major professor to be admitted to this path.
    • Assistantship funding is unavailable for this path. Students are responsible for tuition and fees.
    • This path is not available for online students.

At a Glance

Program Tuition and Fees: Varies, based on the home department of the student’s major professor. 

Application Deadline: January 15 for Fall Admissions and September 1 for Spring admissions

Format: Residential/In-person or Online. See the Paths for Admission for more details.

Length of Program: 30 credits; Path #1 students typically complete the program in 2 years; Path #2 students will complete the program in 18-24 months.  

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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MS IN HCI PROGRAM

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Application Process

  • To start the application process, you can apply online.

  • The program requires that admitted students have undergraduate degrees from an accredited university with a GPA of 3.0 or equivalent. International degrees must be comparable to a US bachelor’s degree or higher from a college or university regionally accredited/recognized by the Ministry of Education in that country.

  • 3-year degrees from India, Bangladesh, Canada (excluding Quebec), Nepal, and Pakistan are not accepted. 3-year degrees from other countries are reviewed on an individual basis.

  • GRE is optional for all students.

  • International applicants must submit an English proficiency exam score; the score must meet or exceed the minimum. The English exam minimums can be found at this link.

    • The English exam requirement may be waived if a degree is earned from a country where English is the only official language.

  • The demonstrated ability to write software competently. This requirement can be met during your course of study in the program.

  • Your admission to the MS program requires:
    1. Admission to graduate school by the ISU Graduate College.
    2. MS Path #1 students must receive acceptance from an HCI faculty member to be their major professor/advisor.
    3. For all international MS students, evidence of financial support, by either an assistantship letter of intent or demonstrated self-support.

Contact Information

For questions about the HCI Graduate Program, please contact the HCI Program Coordinator by e-mail at hci@iastate.edu, or phone at 515-294-2089.

Application Process

  • To start the application process, you can apply online.
  • The program requires that admitted students have undergraduate degrees from an accredited university with a GPA of 3.0 or equivalent. International degrees must be comparable to a US bachelor’s degree or higher from a college or university regionally accredited/recognized by the Ministry of Education in that country.
  • 3-year degrees from India, Bangladesh, Canada (excluding Quebec), Nepal, and Pakistan are not accepted. 3-year degrees from other countries are reviewed on an individual basis.
  • GRE is optional for all students.
  • International applicants must submit an English proficiency exam score; the score must meet or exceed the minimum. The English exam minimums can be found at this link.
    • The English exam requirement may be waived if a degree is earned from a country where English is the only official language.
  • The demonstrated ability to write software competently. This requirement can be met during your course of study in the program.
  • Your admission to the MS program requires:
    1. Admission to graduate school by the ISU Graduate College.
    2. MS Path #1 students must receive acceptance from an HCI faculty member to be their major professor/advisor.
    3. For all international MS students, evidence of financial support, by either an assistantship letter of intent or demonstrated self-support.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions about the HCI Graduate Program, please contact the HCI Program Coordinator by e-mail at hci@iastate.edu, or phone at 515-294-2089.