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Carnegie Mellon University’s Bachelor of Science in Human-Computer Interaction (BS in HCI), launched in 2020, is one of the world’s first standalone undergraduate HCI degrees. Housed in the Human-Computer Interaction Institute (HCII) within the School of Computer Science (SCS), the program trains students to create digital systems that are technically robust and user-centered.
Students explore the interaction between humans and digital technologies and learn to design, build, and evaluate interactive systems that serve diverse users across domains like web, mobile, VR/AR, and IoT. The program blends computer science fundamentals, user experience (UX) design, psychology, and research methodology to produce professionals with "T-shaped" knowledge broad technical skillsets with deep specialization in HCI.
University Ranking Highlights:
Top 1 in Human-Computer Interaction (CSRankings, based on HCI publication volume)
Top 5 in Computer Science globally (U.S. News & World Report, 2024)
Home to world-renowned HCI research centers and labs
Course Overview
Mathematics and Statistics Core: Integration and Approximation, Calculus in Three Dimensions, Probability and Computing, Probability, Probability Theory for Computer Scientists, Introduction to Probability Theory, Great Ideas in Theoretical Computer Science, Matrix Theory
HCI Core: User-Centered Research and Evaluation, Methods for Statistics & Data Science, Statistical Graphics and Visualization, Regression Analysis, Interaction Design Fundamentals, Advanced Interaction Design, Learning Media Design, Persuasive Design
Psychology (Choose one): Cognitive Psychology, Human Information Processing and Artificial Intelligence, Social Psychology, Personality, Perception, Visual Cognition, Language and Thought, Reason, Passion and Cognition
HCI Desing Elective (Choose 1): Advanced Interaction Design, Learning Media Design, Persuasive Design, Design of Artificial Intelligence Products, Design Educational Games, Service Design, Digital Service Innovation
HCI Technical Elective (Choose 1): Human Al Interaction, Gadgets, Sensors and Activity Recognition in HCI, Machine Learning in Practice, Interactive Data Science, Introduction to Machine Learning (SCS Majors), Natural Language Processing, Artificial Intelligence: Representation and Problem Solving, Experimental Animation, Practical Data Science, Computer Graphics, Technical Animation, Computer Game Programming, Cognitive Robotics: The Future of Robot Toys, Introduction to Human Robot Interaction, Machine Learning and Sensing, Web Application Development, Artificial Intelligence Methods for Social Good
Client-Based Capstone projects integrated into curriculum
Optional Senior Thesis with hands-on research experience
Access to labs like HCII, CMU Design, and Robotics Institute
Internship opportunities through CMU’s strong industry ties
Project-based learning with cross-functional collaboration across disciplines like art, design, and psychology
84% employed or in graduate school within six months (Class of 2023 – secondary major data)
$114,024 average starting salary
Recent employers: Amazon, Apple, Capital One, Deloitte
Graduates pursue roles in UX, product design, frontend engineering, or research
Competitive pathway to top graduate HCI, design, or CS programs
Deadline details: The Common Application Regular Decision deadline for all first-year and transfer applicants to Drama and Music is December 1, 2024, and all pre-screen/portfolio materials must be submitted by December 1, 2024. The Common Application Regular Decision deadline for all first-year and transfer applicants to Architecture, Art and Design is January 2, 2025, and the portfolio requirements must be submitted by January 10, 2025.SAT/ACT Update: Carnegie Mellon is test optional for undergraduate applicants, which means the submission of SAT or ACT results is not required. However, School of Computer Science applicants are strongly encouraged to submit either an SAT or ACT score, including the math subscore.SAT/ACT Score Reporting: If you choose to submit scores: note that we allow superscoring of SAT test results, but we are unable to accept superscored results for the ACT exam due to the composite score included in the score report.English Language Proficiency- https://www.cmu.edu/admission/admission/international-applicants#languageRecommendations: School Report- Required, Counselor Recommendation- Required, Mid Year Report- Required, Final Report- Required, Teacher Evaluation(s): 1 Required, 1 Optional, Other Evaluation(s): 0 Required, 1 Optional.Recommendation Requirements: We require two letters of recommendation, one from a high school counselor and one from a teacher. While we'll accept a third recommendation from a teacher or other recommender, we require our committees to consider only two recommendations in the decision-making process.Writing Requirements: Common App essay- Required, Writing Supplement- 3 Required Questions.UX DesignerInteraction DesignerFront-End EngineerTechnical Product ManagerUser ResearcherUX Engineer
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Carnegie Mellon University
