Interdepartmental Program
Yes
Explore the dynamic intersection of technology, design, and human behavior with Iowa State University's Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) graduate program. Our program offers a comprehensive curriculum that blends theory with hands-on practice to prepare students for careers in user experience (UX) design, interaction design, usability engineering, and research in HCI.
The HCI graduate major reflects a broad recognition in academia and industry of the need to train researchers to meet the challenges created by today’s breakneck pace of technological progress. HCI graduate students benefit from interacting with ISU faculty from departments representing every college in the University, as well as researchers at the VRAC Research Center.
Degrees Offered:
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Master of Human Computer Interaction (M.H.C.I.)
- Online Master of Science (M.S.)
- Online Master of Human Computer Interaction (M.H.C.I.)
How long does it take to earn a degree?
- Median time to earn the doctorate: 4.0 years (Methods)
- Median time to earn the master’s: 1.6 years (Methods)
Learning Goals
- Design and evaluate systems with a user-centered design lens
- Participate in a multidisciplinary product development team
- Choose and apply an appropriate user-centered design approach
- Identify key players and organizations in HCI
- Use theories and models in the HCI field
- Describe emerging technology trends
515-294-2089
Tiffany Kayser
info@hci.iastate.edu
Program Homepage
Program Handbook
Application Requirements
Application Deadlines:
MS and Ph.D. degrees: January 15 for Fall admissions and September 1 for Spring admissions; Master of Human Computer Interaction (M.H.C.I.) and Graduate Certificate: July 15 for Fall, December 15 for Spring, and April 15 for Summer admission. For full consideration, all materials must be submitted by the deadline.
Application Details:
This program is open to domestic and international students.
Application Instructions
Admission Requirements
Graduate College Requirements:
- 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
- Academic Records/Transcripts
- Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
- Proof of English Proficiency.
Program Specific Requirements:
In order to complete your application, please upload the following in PDF documents to your Admissions MyAccount:
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume or Curriculum vitae
- Three (3) letters of recommendation must be submitted using the online process via your application.
Please visit this link for additional information.
- Program Requires GRE: No
- Program Requires GMAT: No
- Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No
International Requirements:
- Financial Statement: Application
- English Proficiency Minimum:
| TOEFL Paper (PBT) |
587 |
| TOEFL Internet (iBT) |
95 |
| IELTS |
7 |
| PTE |
65 |
| Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) |
115 |
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
Yes
Program offers a Coursework Only?
Yes
Program Director
flemingc@iastate.edu
Program Staff
labagley@iastate.edu
tlkayser@iastate.edu
