Master of Science in Human Computer Interaction

HCI Degree Program

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Human Computer Interaction (HCI) is an interdisciplinary degree program that prepares students for careers in both the private and public sectors and for continued study in a Ph.D. program.

At Iowa State University, we offer two options for completing the M.S. in HCI:

  • Master of Science in Human Computer Interaction – Thesis Option: Students pursuing the thesis option must have an HCI faculty member agree to serve as their major professor to supervise research. This faculty member typically provides funding for a half-time graduate research assistantship.
  • Master of Science in Human Computer Interaction – Creative Component (Capstone Project) Option: This program consists of 27 credits of coursework plus a 3-credit capstone project course, which fulfills the research requirement for the creative component. Students are responsible for tuition and fees.

At a Glance

Tuition, Fees, Assistantships and Scholarships: click here to learn more

How to Apply: Application instructions can be found here.

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

Format: Full-time student enrollment; residential/In-person. 

Length of Program: 30 credits; MS Thesis students typically complete the program in 2 years; MS Creative Component (Capstone) students will complete the program in 18-24 months.  

Apply Today

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MS IN HCI PROGRAM

Degree requirements
Course Offerings
frequently asked questions
Request Information

Application Process

  • The application process and admission requirements can be found here.
  • 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.
  • GRE is optional for all students.
  • Your admission to the MS program requires:
    1. Admission to graduate school by the ISU Graduate College.
    2. MS Thesis 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.