What is the Master of Science in Human Computer Interaction degree program?

It is a research-focused degree intended primarily for on-campus residential students interested in a research-oriented career or continued study toward a Ph.D. degree. Two paths are offered:

Path #1: Master of Science in HCI, thesis: An HCI faculty member must agree to serve as your major professor (to supervise your research). The student's major professor usually provides funding for a half-time graduate assistantship.
Path #2: Master of Science in HCI with capstone project/creative component: You do not need an HCI faculty member to serve as your major professor. Assistantship funding is unavailable for this path. Students are responsible for tuition and fees. This path is not available for online students.

The HCI Graduate Program offers two master's degrees. Here's the difference between the two:

Master of Science in Human Computer Interaction (MS in HCI) – is a research-focused degree intended for on-campus residential students interested in a research-oriented career or continued study toward a Ph.D. degree.
- Students pursuing Path #1, the MS thesis, must find an HCI faculty member (to serve as their major professor/faculty adviser) to oversee their research. Students cannot be admitted until they have a major professor/faculty adviser. The thesis research is generally done in a lab setting, working closely under the direction of a faculty member. This path is competitive.
- Path #2: the MS creative component (capstone project) is for students who want an MS degree and don't want to complete a thesis or find a major professor/faculty advisor. Path #2 is not offered online. This path is not competitive; students are admitted if they fulfill the minimum admissions requirements.
The online Master of Human Computer Interaction (MHC/MHCI) – is a coursework-only master's degree for online students seeking a terminal professional degree to advance their careers. It requires the completion of 10 three-credit courses, some of which will satisfy the core requirements of our program.

#1 - How to Apply? What are the application fee and deadlines? Do you offer an application fee waiver?

How to Apply and application fee information: found here.
Application Deadline: found here.
The HCI Graduate Program regrets that we are unable to offer any application fee waivers for any applications for any term.

#1.5 - Can Path #1 be offered online?

The MS in HCI can be offered online, but it rarely is. Faculty usually don’t advise online MS thesis students. If a student would like to pursue an online degree, it is recommended they apply for the online Master of Human Computer Interaction.

#2 - Is the MS in HCI a designated STEM degree?

Yes, it is. International students may be eligible for the 24-month F1 OPT (optional practical training) extension. You can learn more about this on the International Students and Scholars Office website.

#3 - Are three-year degrees accepted?

3-year degrees from India, Bangladesh, Canada (excluding Quebec), Nepal, and Pakistan are not accepted. 3-year degrees from other countries are reviewed on an individual basis.
If you have a 3-year, you would need to complete one full year of work towards a Master’s degree in the same field of study from an accredited/recognized institution/program. Or you would need to earn a PGD from an accredited/recognized institution/program.

#4 - Should I find a major professor for MS Path #1 before applying?

You can apply without finding an HCI faculty member to serve as your major professor. More information will be shared with applicants once the application deadline has passed.

#5 - When will my application be reviewed for admission?

Applications will not be reviewed for admission until the application is considered complete. Required materials can be found here.

#6 - Are official transcripts required when applying?

No, please upload your unofficial transcripts from every academic institution you attended for which a degree was conferred.
You will be required to submit your official transcript if you are admitted to Iowa State University. The Office of Admissions will share instructions with you in your official admissions letter.

#7 - Do you accept students with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0?

The HCI Graduate Program will only accept students with a 2.8 GPA or higher for MS Path #2 students. You’re welcome to apply if your GPA falls into this range.
If you are applying for the MS thesis or Ph.D. degree, a GPA of 3.0 and above is required.

#8 - Admissions Process

Your admission to either of the on-campus MS or Ph.D. programs requires the following:

admission to graduate school by the ISU Graduate College
acceptance by a major professor (for MS path #1 and Ph.D. students)
For MS students, evidence of financial support is by either (1) an assistantship letter of intent, or (2) demonstrated self-support.
For all Ph.D. students, a half-time graduate assistantship is required.

If a faculty member is interested in admitting a student (they make the admission decision for Path #1 MS students), either that professor or the HCI Graduate Program will contact you with an admission offer.

#9 - How do I identify a major professor for MS path #1 or for the Ph.D degree?

If you are seeking a major professor, you are urged to contact HCI faculty members who conduct research in your anticipated area of research to discuss the potential for their support as an advisor and graduate assistantship funding. You will need to identify faculty members in human computer interaction with research interests similar to yours.

Once you have identified one or more potential faculty members to contact, send each a brief (1-page maximum) email message with information including:

A paragraph explaining your background, why you applied (or will be applying) to the program, and your specific area of interest
Paragraph noting why you are interested in working with them and how you think you can help them achieve their research goals
Semester and year when you plan to begin your studies
A request to join their research group and for funding via a research or teaching assistantship.

A directory of HCI faculty members can be found at this link. If you would like a more detailed list (that includes the faculty's research interests), please email HCI@iastate.edu to request the list.

#10 - Financial Support and Scholarships

Information about tuition, assistantships, and scholarships can be found here.

#11 - What is the English proficiency requirement?

For the purpose of applying to Iowa State, English may be considered your primary language if you have been raised in an environment where English is the only official language of your locality and nation, and English is the language used in your home. If your primary language is not English, you must meet the university’s English proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:
1. Earn a bachelor’s or higher degree from a country where English is the only official language.
2. Submit official results from one of the exams that can be found at this link.

#12 - What are my housing options in Ames?

Department of Residence: Graduate students can explore dedicated housing options in Wallace Hall, Frederiksen Court, and SUV.
- Hall and Apartments: https://www.housing.iastate.edu/halls-and-apartments/
- Contact the Department of Residence: https://www.housing.iastate.edu/about/
Rent Smart Ames
- The Rent Smart Ames program was created to provide landlords and tenants with the resources and expertise to make renting in Ames a Smart Choice! Through a collaborative effort between the City of Ames and Iowa State University communities, Rent Smart Ames incorporates information landlords and tenants need to know about renting.
- Learn more hereLinks to an external site.!

Living in Ames Resources

Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau: https://www.thinkames.com/cytes-guide/Links to an external site.
City of Ames: https://www.cityofames.org/home

#13 - How much time does it take to complete the on-campus MS degree program?

The program is 30 credits.
Path #1 students typically complete the program in 2 years
Path #2 students will complete the program in 18-24 months.

#14 - When will I be notified of my application status?

Students will be notified by email when their completed application package has been sent to the HCI faculty members. Every applicant will be notified via email, whether they were accepted or denied by April 15 for fall applications and by November 15 for spring applications.

#15 - Must I have an MS degree before I apply to the Ph.D. program?

It is not required that students have an MS degree before they apply to the Ph.D. program.

#16 - Is the GRE required?

The GRE is optional for all applicants.

#17 - Are there prerequisites to apply? Who can apply?

We welcome applicants from all undergraduate majors, backgrounds, and work experiences to apply.

#18 - Is it recommended I submit a portfolio with my application materials?

You are welcome to share your portfolio, but it is not required to submit one.

#19 - International students only: when is the financial statement required for my application?

you can wait to upload this until you receive the admission decision. Please submit a bank statement and/or letter from an official sponsorship agency (including government) showing the equivalent to one year’s expenses. If you have any government or other scholarships, please include the letter. The amount you need to show can be found here. This form at this linkLinks to an external site. may be helpful in planning your financial documents.

Graduate assistantships are awarded on the basis of academic and/or professional excellence. Recipients receive tuition reduction and a stipend (salary) to work approximately 10 or 20 hours per week on assigned professional responsibilities, such as teaching or research. Assistantships do not always cover the full cost of attendance; in those cases, the applicant must cover the remaining costs. We ask that you indicate the maximum amount of funds you can provide for your own support annually on the Financial Statement.

#20 - Can an international student participate in Curricular Practical Training/CPT (internship)?

Yes, they can! An international student must have been enrolled for one academic year in the current program at ISU.
- Academic year is defined as a fall and spring semester.
Students must be making normal progress toward degree completion.
You can learn more about how the CPT process works at this link.
A student is responsible for finding their own internship to participate in CPT.

Links to an external site.