Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction (HCIM)

Curriculum

Through an interdisciplinary curriculum – with perspectives from information studies, computer science, engineering, design, education, psychology, and the social sciences – students in the UMD Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction (HCIM) program are uniquely prepared to leverage information technology for positive social impact, develop interfaces for users of all ages and abilities, and understand modern design methodology. The HCIM program requires 30 credit hours of academic work to be completed:

• 4 Core Courses (12 Credits) that teach our students Programming, Human-Computer Interaction, User Experience (UX), User Interfaces (UI), Research Methods, Data Analysis, and Design
• 4 Elective Courses (12 Credits) that allow students to specialize in areas such as Privacy, Usability, Youth Learning, Data Visualization, and more
• 2 Capstone or Thesis Courses (6 Credits)

Learn more about the HCIM curriculum and course planning.

Create a Schedule That Works for You

We offer both in-person and online classes, allowing you the flexibility to create a hybrid schedule that works for you. We do not offer this program fully online.

As a student in the program, you can choose to participate full-time and earn your degree in as little as two years – or take your time and set your own pace.

• The world renowned Human-Computer Interaction Lab (HCIL) (external link, opens in a new tab) creates more hands-on learning opportunities for students
• #1 in Maryland, #6 in USA – HCI Masters Program (Edurank) (external link, opens in a new tab)
• #2 in USA – HCI Masters Program (College Rank) (external link, opens in a new tab)
• #10 in USA – UMD – Public Institution for Patents Awarded (IPO Assoc)
• #10 in USA – UMD – Public Institution for Research Spending (NSF Survey)

Expert Faculty

AT THE FOREFRONT OF HCI

Meet More HCIM Faculty

As technology becomes increasingly integral to our daily lives, there is a growing need for skilled information technology professionals who can create easy-to-use, meaningful technologies for diverse populations.

“Professors at INFO taught me not only the fundamentals of UX design, but also how to be an advocate for design.” – Jenny Hottle, HCIM Alumna, Product Designer for the New York Times

Career Paths

User Experience Designer, User Experience Researcher, User Interface Designer, Interaction Designer, Information Architect, Usability Analyst, User Researcher, Visual Designer, Product Designer

Employers of Graduates

Google, Capital One, American Airlines, Blackboard, Washingtonian, Cvent, Informatica, Ericsson, Deloitte, Microstrategy, New York Times, Cisco, PBS, Johns Hopkins University, PayPal, VistaPrint, NIH, Aspera (IBM), and many more top organizations

Graduate Placement Rate

97% placement in employment or continued education within one year of graduation
95% of graduates report that their education at the UMD INFO College supported their career goals

(2021 UMD Career Center survey)

Average Salaries for Potential Jobs

PURSUE YOUR PASSION

INFO’s HCIM graduates work at various organizations, including but not limited to: Google, Adobe, Cisco, Epic Games, The New York Times, Medstar Health, Amtrak, IBM, Intuit, Capital One, Duo, Federal Government, Fidelity Investments, Volvo, Flikshop, Library of Congress.

Through internships, class projects, capstone projects, and events, students build relationships with the INFO College’s 400+ top industry and government partners, such as Microsoft, Google, IBM, Adobe, PayPal, Capital One, Fidelity, World Bank, CISCO, Verizon Wireless, PBS, Nickelodeon, Blackboard, Honda, American Airlines, BlueCross BlueShield, NIH, IRS, U.S. Dept of Defense, Smithsonian, National Archives, Department of the Interior, Bloomberg, the Washington Post, Nasa, Wise Cities, Flikshop, Montgomery County, MD; Praxis Impact, Hometown Heroes, Mathventure, and University Park Maryland.

Our students also have opportunities for hands-on learning at the INFO College’s world-renowned research centers and labs, such as the prestigious Human-Computer Interaction Lab (HCIL) (external link, opens in a new tab), home of KidsTeam (external link, opens in a new tab). KidsTeam engages children as technology design partners, developing real-world products. Watch the KidsTeam (external link, opens in a new tab) in action! Another great way to learn about the HCI research happening at the INFO College is to browse our HCI news.

• Human-Computer Interaction Lab – HCIL
• KidsTeam (external link, opens in a new tab): Children & Adults Working as Design Partners – engaging children as technology design partners, developing real-world products. Watch the KidsTeam in action! (external link, opens in a new tab)
• Artificial Intelligence Interdisciplinary Institute at Maryland – AIM
• Maryland Initiative for Digital Accessibility – MIDA
• Immigration and International Information Research Alliance – i3r@UMD (external link, opens in a new tab)
• Values-Centered Artificial Intelligence (VCAI) Initiative – VCAI
• Social Data Science Center – SoDa
• Campus Computing Community – 3C
• Discover more centers and labs here.
• Learn about HCI research happening at the INFO College by browsing our HCI news feed.

INFO’s faculty, staff, and 2800+ students come from over 61 countries and create a welcoming and encouraging environment. 56% of students identify as male, 45% female, 1% other; 63% of students identify Asian (29%), Black (24%), White (22%), Hispanic/Latino (9%), Biracial (4%), American Indian or Alaskan Native (<1%), Pacific Islander (<1%), Unknown/Other (12%). The INFO College is committed to bringing together many perspectives to foster deeper understanding and innovation.

At UMD students can also choose from hundreds of student organizations (external link, opens in a new tab), including INFO student organizations, service opportunities, and social activities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Virtual Information Sessions

Tuition

• In-State (Maryland resident) tuition and fees will amount to approximately $37,000 to complete 36 credit hours.
• Out-of-State tuition and fees will amount to approximately $72,000 to complete 36 credit hours.

View our detailed breakdown of tuition & fees.

Financial Aid

The UMD INFO College provides financial aid to select current students who demonstrate academic excellence. Students may also reduce their tuition costs by serving as a TA or GA at UMD, but please note that these positions are competitive. There are also additional sources of financial aid offered by the University and by outside sources. Learn more about financial aid.

Application Deadline

For best consideration to the Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction (HCIM) program, apply by January 20, 2027. The final deadline for submitting applications is March 3, 2027. A new cohort starts each Fall. We do not have Spring semester admissions for the HCIM program.

The HCIM program welcomes students from all backgrounds! Prospective students do not need to have any previous programming or computer education.

For international students, the Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction (HCIM) program is STEM-OPT certified, providing a 24-month work authorization extension for eligible F-1 students.

More About HCIM Admissions