Humanize IT

What is the relationship between humans and machines? This question has been asked by computer scientists for more than 50 years. Today, with the explosion of the World Wide Web and the pervasive use of computers in daily life, the field of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) is more relevant than ever. HCI studies how people use technology as well as their relationship to it. It emphasizes understanding user needs and making computing more intuitive.

The MS in Human-Computer Interaction (MS/HCI) at RIT is a multifaceted program where students learn to conceptualize, design, implement, and evaluate usability in technologies for a specific user population – whether an individual, an organization, or society at large. The program includes:

• Practical discussions of real-world software and computing issues
• Qualitative analysis based upon user observations and feedback interviews
• Synthesis and distillation of user feedback data into meaningful information for design decisions
• Understanding human cognition as it applies to information systems
• Studying interaction design to maximize usability
• Applying interface design, prototyping, testing and evaluation skills
• Exposure to cutting-edge research within the HCI discipline

This multi-disciplinary approach prepares students for a broad range of positions in government, industry and academia. Careers in this field are available across all segments of the economy. There is clear recognition in academia, government, and industry of the need for trained HCI practitioners and researchers. The long-term prognosis for careers in HCI is excellent, as new products and increasingly ubiquitous technologies are developed. In fact, U.S. News and World Report (Marty Nemco, 12/11/2008) recently listed HCI as one of the best career areas for 2009. Job opportunities include usability engineers, user experience designers, information architects, interface designers, human-factors specialists, web designers, requirements analysts, and more.

The MS/HCI program is offered within the Golisano College of Computing & Information Sciences at RIT, one of the largest computing colleges in the United States. Because of this, the program has a strong technical computing component and provides in-depth study of HCI practices along with the opportunity to become involved in cutting-edge HCI research.

For More Information

Check out:

• The RIT information page
• Click here to download the degree handbook.
• Email us at: InformaticsGrad@rit.edu
• Call us at (585) 475-2700