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  • Online User Experience and Human-Computer Interaction Degree

    Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction & User Experience

    American adults spend almost four hours a day on average using their electronic devices. With our screen time on the rise, how we interact with technology is becoming increasingly important for businesses to understand. This concept is at the core of Drexel University’s online MS in Human Computer Interaction master’s program, which focuses on the tightly coupled relationships between people and computing systems. The program takes a holistic approach to how we use technology every day, and the courses are designed to teach you to create technologies that support human needs in all aspects of life, from work to home to wellness to entertainment.

    All courses are offered entirely online, and are designed for anyone looking to make the jump into the world of User Experience (UX) and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). A robust technical background isn’t required for this degree. Whether you’ve got the design skills and are looking for a degree to help you with the technical aspects, have a technical background but need to build up your design skills, or are completely new to the industry and are looking to make a career change, Drexel’s online master’s degree will prepare you to excel in the industry.

    What is a degree in UX and human-computer Interaction?

    At Drexel, the online Master of Science in Information - Human Computer Interaction and User Experience is meant to prepare you to excel in jobs throughout the field, from a UX designer or analyst to a content strategist. To do that, the curriculum combines foundational HCI knowledge with industry-relevant UX design techniques, culminating in a design- or research-based capstone project. You’ll learn to problem solve by developing artifacts, processes, and systems, while building user interface prototypes and practicing recognizing and communicating key pieces of data and information.

    The program is highly interdisciplinary, which means you’ll have the ability to take courses in areas like media arts and design, psychology, and sociology. Core UX and HCI courses include "Designing with Data" and "Social and Collaborative Computing."

    What is UX/Human-Computer Interaction?

    Both UX and HCI look at how humans interact with technology, and how that interaction can be enhanced to the make the experience better. HCI is largely a research field, while UX tends to focus on design elements. Combined, though, they can be used to improve technology design to better serve users. This makes an HCI and UX professional a real asset for businesses: they can figure out how people are using (or want to use) a product, and design that product to best meet the needs of the user.

    How do I Become a UX Designer?

    There is no “traditional” background for a UX designer. The field is relatively new, and many current UX designers first trained and worked in other disciplines. That’s good news for would-be UX designers; it means it’s never too late to pursue a UX career. Typically, if you’re interested in working in UX design, you would begin by researching the field, learning to use the tools and programs most widely used by designers, and building a portfolio of sample UX projects. Some common skills UX designers will be expected to know and use on the job are:

    • Wireframing
    • Prototyping
    • Product Design
    • Coding
    • Content Development

    Of course, earning your degree in UX can go a long way in helping you stand out in the field, especially if you don’t have any previous experience. Drexel’s master’s degree gives you not only the opportunity to learn these skills, gain inside knowledge of the field and build your portfolio, but also to network with faculty who have worked in UX and have ties to the industry.

    Graduates with a Master’s in UX and Human-Computer Interaction Salary Expectations

    UX and human-computer interaction is a lucrative field with high earning potential. Drexel’s degree program will make you stand out in the job market and help you command a competitive salary.

    Job Title

    Average Salary*

    UX Designer

    $132,800

    User Researcher

    $129,150

    User Interface Designer

    $128,000

    Front End Developer

    $124,050

    User Interface Developer

    $139,400

    *Data from WANTED Analytics

    What Can You Do with a UX & Human-Computer Interactions Degree?

    Drexel’s MS in Human-Computer Interaction and User Experience prepares you for roles throughout the industry. A few common titles are user researcher, UX designer, and user interface (UI) designer. So, what’s the difference between them?

    User Researcher — A user researcher uses quantitative and qualitative research to learn more about your business’s target audience. This feedback can help determine the design process and ensure your product meets your users’ needs.

    UX Designer — The goal of a UX designer is to improve the interaction between a customer and a product. This includes doing market research and content development, wireframing and testing a product, and working with other designers and developers toward execution. It’s a hands-on role that weaves throughout the lifecycle of a product.

    UI Designer — While UI and UX share some common traits, UI design tends to be more visually-oriented. A UI designer will work to translate a brand into a product, and focuses on a user’s visual experience – for example, how a user interacts with an app or website, with an eye for aspects like color and patterns.

    MS in HCI & UX Online Program Feaures

    • Learn from faculty with decades of experience in both academic research and the latest applied-techniques
    • Curriculum focuses on how to analyze, evaluate, and collaboratively create computing systems from a human-centered perspective
    • Interdisciplinary courses draw on disciplines like psychology, sociology, software engineering, and computer science

    Archived Webinar


    Drexel University offers a variety of Graduate Minors that can be added to any master's degree program.
    State restrictions may apply to some programs.

    Curriculum

    This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.

    Required Courses
    HCI/UX Research & Design Certificate
    INFO 508 Information Innovation through Design Thinking 3.0
    or DSRE 620 Solving Design Problems
    INFO 615 Designing with Data 3.0
    INFO 690 Understanding Users: User Experience Research Methods 3.0
    INFO 691 Prototyping the User Experience 3.0
    HCI/UX Theory & Frontiers Certificate
    INFO 608 Human-Computer Interaction 3.0
    INFO 609 Accessible and Inclusive Design 3.0
    INFO 616 Social and Collaborative Computing 3.0
    INFO 693 Human-AI Interaction 3.0
    Elective Courses
    Select five or complete an additional certificate
    15.0
    DIGM 501 New Media: History, Theory, and Methods
    AS-I 501 Creative Interdisciplinary Team Research: Principles and Practice
    INFO 540 Perspectives on Information Systems
    INFO 590 Foundations of Data and Information
    INFO 623 Social Network Analytics
    INFO 633 Information Visualization
    INFO 659 Introduction to Data Analytics
    INFO 682 Storytelling
    INFO 725 Information Policy and Ethics
    MKTG 601 Marketing Strategy and Planning
    Capstone Project
    INFO 890 Capstone Project 6.0
    Total Credits 45.0

    Elective Certificates

    Applied Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
    CS 501
    or CS 570
    Introduction to Programming
    or Programming Foundations
    3.0
    CS 614 Applications of Machine Learning 3.0
    INFO 629 Applied Artificial Intelligence 3.0
    Select one: 3.0
    CS 502 Data Structures and Algorithms
    CS 503 Systems Basics
    DSCI 501 Quantitative Foundations of Data Science
    DSCI 511 Data Acquisition and Pre-Processing
    DSCI 521 Data Analysis and Interpretation
    DSCI 631 Applied Machine Learning for Data Science
    INFO 612 Knowledge-Based Systems
    INFO 692 Explainable Artificial Intelligence
    INFO 693 Human–Artificial Intelligence Interaction

     

    Computer Science
    CS 501 Introduction to Programming 3.0
    CS 502 Data Structures and Algorithms 3.0
    CS 503 System Basics 3.0
    CS 504 Introduction to Software Design 3.0

     

    Data Science Foundations
    DSCI 511 Data Acquisition and Pre-Processing 3.0
    DSCI 521 Data Analysis and Interpretation 3.0
    Select three: 9.0
    DSCI 501 Quantitative Foundations of Data Science
    INFO 590 Foundations of Data and Information
    INFO 623 Social Network Analytics
    INFO 633 Information Visualization
    INFO 648 Healthcare Informatics
    INFO 725 Information Policy and Ethics
    CS 570 Programming Foundations
    CS 590 Privacy
    CCS 661 Responsible Data Analysis

     

    Web Application Design
    INFO 532 Software Development 3.0
    INFO 600 Web Systems and Architecture 3.0
    INFO 655 Introduction to Web Programming 3.0
    Select two: 6.0
    SE 627 Requirements Engineering ad Management
    SE 638 Software Project Management
    INFO 670 Cross-Platform Mobile Development

     

    View Course Descriptions

    Admissions Criteria

    • A four-year bachelor's degree in any major from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or an equivalent international institution
    • GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred, in a completed degree program, bachelor’s degree or above

    Required Documents

    With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.

    • A completed application
    • Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions attended (including trade schools)
    • One letter of recommendation required, two suggested (academic, professional, or both)
    • Essay/Statement of Purpose
      • In approximately 500 words, describe what professional goals you hope to achieve, how an advanced degree facilitates that success, and anything else you want the Admissions Review Board to know about you.
    • Resume
    • Additional requirements for International Students

    Tuition

    The tuition rate for the academic year 2023-2024 is $1396 per credit.

    For the academic year 2023-2024, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.

    • This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
    • Special tuition rates available for Drexel University AlumniMilitary members, and members of our Partner Organizations
      • These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
      • Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
      • All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
      • Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
      • When receiving special tuition plans with Drexel University Online, you may not combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.

     

    Academic Calendar

    2023-2024 Academic Year

    Term

    Classes Begin

    Classes End

    Exams Begin

    Exams End

    Fall 2023

    September 26, 2023

    December 9, 2023

    December 11, 2023

    December 16, 2023

    Winter 2024

    January 8, 2024

    March 16, 2024

    March 18, 2024

    March 23, 2024

    Spring 2024

    April 1, 2024

    June 8, 2024

    June 10, 2024

    June 15, 2024

    Summer 2024

    June 24, 2024

    August 31, 2024

    September 3, 2024

    September 7, 2024

     

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