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Home > MSI Degree > HCI

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Specialization


Human-Computer Interaction covers topics from the design of useful, usable interfaces to the study of the social consequences of technology innovation.

You'll be ready to create effective human-computer interaction both by determining useful system functionality and by designing a usable interface. "Interface" is broadly construed to include not just the visual/auditory display and interaction dialog, but the situation in its entirety, the group in which this task takes place, and the organizational goals and resources.

The principles of HCI apply to people who design technologies for work, education, and entertainment and social interaction. SI coursework prepares students by combining the theories of cognitive and social psychology, computer science, and design with practical experience. HCI students can engage in world-class research. For example, SI studies the communications core of the Great Lakes Regional Center of Excellence in Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases.

SI students can build and study collaboratories (virtual work spaces with participants dispersed geographically) and take note of how voice, video, and data tools are used.

HCI and usability as SI practices them are concerned with broadening access to information resources and providing users better tools for information access.

Some job titles of recent graduates are:
  • Entrepreneur
  • Human factors engineer
  • Information architect
  • Interaction designer
  • Software developer
  • Technical writer
  • Usability analyst
  • User experience designer
  • Web developer
Our graduates work in organizations like:
  • Apple Computer
  • Ford Motor Company
  • Columbia University
  • Google
  • IBM
  • LG Electronics
  • Motorola
  • Nokia
  • Northrop Grumman
  • Travelocity
  • General Dynamics
  • Microsoft
  • National Library of Medicine
  • USDA Economic Research Service
  • ProQuest
  • Wells Fargo
  • Nike
  • MITRE Corp.
  • Intel
  • Staples

To Learn More

Read more about the HCI specialization requirements.

For application materials and upcoming admissions deadlines, read SI's application information.

The new faculty coordinator for the HCI specialization is Associate Professor Mark Ackerman and he can be contacted at ackerm@umich.edu.

HCI is one of nine specializations within the Master of Science in Information program at the School of Information. For information about the other MSI specializations, visit their respective links:

Last updated: Mar 13, 2008 Home > MSI Degree > HCI
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