The Human Computer Interaction Graduate Program

As the use of computers becomes increasingly central, the study of Human Computer Interaction will emerge as one of the most dynamic and important areas of research. Interdisciplinary in the extreme, this emerging field will have an impact on nearly every area of human endeavor. The Human Computer Interaction graduate major reflects a broad recognition both in academia and industry that the need exists to specifically train researchers in this burgeoning area, to meet the challenges faced by this rapidly evolving area of technological progress.

The women and men who contribute to this new paradigm will be shaping the future.

Purpose

The study of the relationship between humans and increasingly powerful, portable, interconnected and ubiquitous computers is becoming one of the most dynamic and significant fields of technical investigation. The Interdepartmental Graduate Major in Human Computer Interaction is an interdisciplinary training program created to provide advanced education and training while fostering research excellence in Human Computer Interaction at Iowa State University.
HCI Degrees:

• M.S. in Human Computer Interaction

The entrance requirements for the M.S. in HCI graduate program include transcripts, test scores and other indicators that the student applicant can be successful at the graduate level. Furthermore, we require the demonstrated ability to write software competently. For those who do not have the required computing background, we provide an introductory survey course, with appropriate follow up material.

• Ph.D. in Human Computer Interaction

The entrance requirements for the PhD in HCI include
a) the three courses required for the master's program
b) a master's degree and
c) a portfolio demonstrating the potential for research at the boundaries of thehuman
computer interface.

HCI Certificate:

The Human Computer Interaction Graduate Program would like to announce the addition of an online Graduate Certificate in Human Computer Interaction. Through distance learning, students who are working in business and industry are able to take courses to learn more about Human Computer Interaction, furthering their education without having to travel to the Iowa State University campus to study or committing to a full graduate program. The certificate can be earned in one year if two courses per semester are taken, or in two years if a student chooses to take one course each semester.

The Human Computer Interaction (HCI) Initiative

Driven by unprecedented technological progress, the study of the relationship between humans and increasingly powerful, portable, interconnected and ubiquitous computers is fast becoming one of the most dynamic and significant fields of technical investigation. Intent on establishing a leadership position in the rapidly changing field of Human Computer Interaction (HCI), ISU is making a strategic investment to accelerate research, attract talented students and faculty members and expand the graduate program in this vital area of study.

Interdisciplinary in the extreme, this emerging field is having an impact on nearly every area of human endeavor. With researchers representing departments from every college in the University and related research underway at the Virtual Reality Applications Center and elsewhere, ISU is well positioned to quickly expand its focus and become a leader in HCI research.

The technical research component of the HCI initiative focuses on five areas:

• Information sensorization - human factors, cognitive models, virtual and augmented reality interfaces, haptics
• Mobile/ubiquitous interfaces - wireless connectivity, integration of remote sensors and participants, group interfaces
• Intelligent agents - network-based software services for individuals, groups and organizations
• Accessibility for non-technical collaborators - technology to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration
• Enabling infrastructure - software and hardware to facilitate HCI research