The best human-computer interaction bachelor’s degrees are a way to study our increased reliance on computers and computer-based technology and train for new jobs in tech. Bachelor’s Degrees in Human-Computer Interaction offer a multidisciplinary program that combines computer science with social sciences.
Human-computer interaction bachelor’s degree programs focus on learning interaction design to understand how humans interact with technology and create human-centered technology designs. This article will cover the best Bachelor’s Degrees in Human-Computer Interaction as well as the careers you can pursue with a degree in this field.
Where Can I Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction?
Some of the best colleges where you can get a Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction include Arizona State University, Drexel University, Stony Brook University, California College of the Arts, and Carnegie Mellon University. Human-computer interaction (HCI) programs are sometimes also called interaction design programs.
What Schools Offer the Best Human-Computer Interaction Bachelor’s Degrees?
- Arizona State University
- Drexel University
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Stony Brook University
- California College of the Arts
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction?
The admission requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction typically include standardized test scores, a high school diploma with an official transcript, a personal essay, and a letter of recommendation. Some universities may have additional Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction requirements such as a portfolio of relevant projects.
Different universities have different application and admissions requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction, so make sure to contact your university of choice for details on their specific admissions process to ensure that you submit a complete application. Most applications include a fee, and some require proof of financial responsibility or financial aid information.
Human-Computer Interaction Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
- SAT or ACT scores
- Minimum GPA
- Application essay
- Letter(s) of recommendation
How to Get a Human-Computer Interaction Bachelor’s Degree
You can get a Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction by successfully fulfilling all the degree requirements. This means completing all coursework credits in your major, minor, or concentration, and maintaining the required minimum GPA.
The best way to get a human-computer interaction bachelor’s degree is to attend a program full-time for eight consecutive semesters. You will also need to complete and submit any capstone or thesis projects by the required deadline.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction?
You need to complete about 120 credits for a Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction. The credits are usually broken down into two main categories, which are general education requirements and program major curriculum.
Human-Computer Interaction Degree Requirements
- Complete a minimum of 120 credits
- Fulfill general education requirements
- Maintain at least a 2.5 GPA
- Pass all core course requirements
- Complete a capstone or thesis project
Best Human-Computer Interaction Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Bachelor of Science in Human Systems Engineering (User Experience) | Higher Learning Commission |
| California College of the Arts | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interaction Design | National Association of Schools of Art and Design |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Bachelor of Science in Human-Computer Interaction | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Drexel University | Bachelor of Science in User Experience & Interaction Design | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Human-Computer Interaction | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Purdue University | Bachelor of Science in UX Design | Higher Learning Commission |
| Santa Monica College | Bachelor of Science in Interaction Design | Western Association of Schools and College |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | Bachelor of Fine Arts in UX Design | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools |
| SUNY Stony Brook University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with specialization in Human-Computer Interaction | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Washington | Bachelor of Science in Human Centered Design and Engineering | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
Best Schools for Human-Computer Interaction: Top Human-Computer Interaction Bachelor’s Degree Programs
There are many schools where you can earn a degree in human-computer interaction. The admission requirements, application process, degree requirements, and tuition vary from one school to another. As such, choosing the best human-computer interaction bachelor’s programs can be different.
In this section, we’ll share details on ten of the best schools for a Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction to give you an idea of what options are available to you. Learn more about the top human-computer interaction programs, how much they cost, and what the admission requirements are below.
What Is a Human-Computer Interaction Bachelor’s Degree?
A human-computer interaction bachelor’s degree is a four-year program that focuses on how humans interact with technology in their everyday life. Human-computer interaction combines interdisciplinary fields of engineering, design, and psychology. Students use the principles of cognitive psychology, graphic design, and software development to improve user experience.
Computers, mobile devices, wearable technology, virtual reality, and augmented reality are all examples of human-computer interactions that require interdisciplinary design. Students who want a career path in product design or industrial design will gain the necessary practical and technical skills to build thoughtful interfaces with a Bachelor’s Degree of Human-Computer Interaction.
How Important Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction?
A Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction is very important considering humanity’s increased reliance on technology in our personal and professional lives. One of the main reasons that a human-computer interaction bachelor’s degree is important is that it will prepare you to work professionally.
User interface design jobs focus on creating effective technology products and, with a degree in this field, you will be part of shaping the future of technology. With the power to shape the systems and technology that humans rely on and interact with regularly, it is important to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction.
What Types of Bachelor’s Degree Can You Get in Human-Computer Interaction?
Two common types of Bachelor’s Degrees in Human-Computer Interaction are a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Fine Arts. In addition, a less common human-computer interaction degree is a Bachelor of Engineering. All of these human-computer interaction bachelor’s degree types are four-year, undergraduate programs, but they each look at the field from different perspectives.
Is It Better to Get a Bachelor of Fine Arts or Bachelor of Science in Human-Computer Interaction?
It is better to get a Bachelor of Science in Human-Computer Interaction if you are most interested in the technological components of the field. The best type of human-computer interaction bachelor’s degree for you really depends on what your career goals are. The curriculum for a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Science are similar, but they differ in the overall outcomes.
A Bachelor of Fine Arts in Human-Computer Interaction focuses on the end product and how humans interact with the product. As such, the corresponding career paths focus on interaction design jobs like product design.
Alternatively, a Bachelor of Science in Human-Computer Interaction focuses on creating the technology behind a product. Bachelor of Science career paths rely on technical skills like software development and engineering. So, when deciding which is better, a Bachelor of Fine Arts or Bachelor of Science in Human-Computer Engineering, think about what aspect of the industry interests you most.
What Is the Difference Between a Human-Computer Interaction Bachelor’s Degree and a Human-Computer Interaction Certificate?
The difference between a human-computer interaction bachelor’s degree and a certificate in human-computer interaction is that a bachelor’s degree is much more in depth than a certificate course. You might consider a human-computer interaction certificate vs a bachelor’s degree if you already have a degree in a related field, but want some additional training in a related field.
Another key difference between a human-computer interaction certificate and a human-computer interaction bachelor’s degree is that the latter is typically more respected by employers. A bachelor’s degree takes longer, covers a wide range of topics, and opens up more career options. Generally, it is better to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction rather than a certificate.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction?
According to the Nation Center for Education Statistics, a Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction costs an average of $16,647 per academic year, excluding fees and on-campus living expenses. This is based on the average cost of a four-year institution.
To manage the cost of tuition at public and private universities, you can apply for financial aid. Financial aid includes federal aid programs, scholarships, academic grants, loans, or work study. All of these options can help lower the typical human-computer interaction bachelor’s degree cost.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Human-Computer Interaction Bachelor’s Degree?
It takes four years on average to get a human-computer interaction bachelor’s degree at most colleges or universities. This is the typical Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction length for full-time students taking a full course load and carefully following the course list required for their degree.
The entire degree comprises 120 credits worth of coursework. The 120 credits are usually spread out over two semesters per year for four years. This means taking an average of 15 credits per semester, but actual course loads can vary from 12 to 18 credits per semester.
How Hard Is It to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction?
It is not very hard to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction, even though some of the coursework will be challenging. You will have to take many math, engineering, and computer science courses to get the technical background this field requires.
However, most human-computer interaction programs include practical projects for hands-on learning, which helps students learn through practice and get a deeper understanding of core concepts. HCI is also a research-based field, meaning there is a lot of room for exploration and opportunities for creativity.
Why Should You Get a Human-Computer Interaction Bachelor’s Degree?
A human-computer interaction bachelor’s degree prepares you for many different lucrative career paths at the top companies hiring UX designers. Students will develop the necessary skills to improve interactions between computers and humans, making user interfaces easy and enjoyable to use. One of the main benefits of getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction is that you will be job ready and able to enter the workforce upon graduation.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Bachelor’s Degree Program in Human-Computer Interaction?
Common Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction courses includes the topics of user interface design, qualitative research, software development, calculus, and psychology. However, the specific courses in a Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction program will vary by school.
Most programs also have a capstone project or thesis project course that you will take in your senior year. Learn more about the topics covered in this degree through our Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction course list below.
User Interface Design
This design course explores the principles and processes of designing user interfaces on different devices. It takes a hands-on approach, and students will create models or prototypes of their designs and test their functionality and limitations.
Qualitative Research
Qualitative research is the process of collecting and analyzing data like user opinions, feelings, and perspectives about various technologies. Qualitative research teaches students how to design surveys to assess human interactions with technology.
Software Development
This course covers how to use programming languages to create user interfaces. Common programming languages that might be covered are Java, C++, and HTML. Students will create a simple program or app to practice their programming skills.
Calculus
Math is at the core of science and scientific study. A calculus course will build a strong foundation in understanding programming languages and other mathematical skills required to create and design technologies.
Psychology
Knowing how the human mind develops and works is important to understanding how humans interact with technology and how societal and cultural influences affect our perspectives. With a good understanding of human psychology, students will be able to design technologies that effectively address human needs.
Continuing Education Paths for Human-Computer Interaction Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
The best path to take with a human-computer interaction bachelor’s degree is to pursue a Master’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction. Some universities also offer a doctorate program in human-computer interaction. These graduate degrees focus on research and allow students to study very specific areas of interest in the field.
Related Human-Computer Interaction Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Human-Computer Interaction Bachelor’s Degree Programs
When there are so many factors to consider, knowing what to look for in a Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction program can be difficult. However, some of the main things to look for in the best human-computer interaction bachelor’s degree programs are accreditation, cost, and curriculum. Learn about the value of considering these factors and several others below.
Accreditation
Accreditation shows that a third-party evaluator approves of the quality of education at an institution. An accredited university or college provides a high standard of course content. Attending an accredited school means that you can trust that potential employers and future schools will see your degree as valid.
Cost
Higher education is an expensive affair. You need to consider whether or not you can afford to get a bachelor’s degree at a particular institution. Take your time to research the cost of tuition, books, supplies, meals, and living expenses. Calculate the full cost and explore financial aid options before deciding on a program.
Curriculum
Compare the degree plan and curriculum offered by different universities to ensure that the course content includes topics that are in line with your career goals. Most human-computer interaction bachelor’s degrees are similar, especially in introductory courses. However, they don’t all include the same upper-level classes and topics.
Employment Outcomes
Graduating with a bachelor’s degree opens up opportunities for different careers. You can use the school’s website or the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) site to research the employment outcomes of people who hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction. This will help you understand how likely you are to get different kinds of jobs after graduation.
Continuing Education
Human-computer interaction is continually changing as technology evolves. By the time you complete your undergraduate program, new technologies will have emerged. Research your options for continuing education through certifications, certificates, or degrees to keep yourself on the cutting edge of research and emerging technologies.
What Is the Most Affordable Human-Computer Interaction Bachelor’s Degree?
The most affordable Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction is the Bachelor of Science in Interaction Design degree from Santa Monica College. This is a two-year program, and students must first complete 60 lower-division credits through an Associate Degree in Graphic Design or a similar field. The estimated cost of this degree program is $10,000 for California residents.
Salary and Job Outlook for Human-Computer Interaction Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
Once you have successfully graduated, there are many human-computer interaction bachelor’s degree job options available to you. With the help of your school’s career services, you can put together an impressive portfolio, write a winning resume, and do some pre-interview prep to get you ready for your first interview.
In the next section, we’ll cover some common Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction jobs. You will also learn about the average Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction salary and which jobs pay the most.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Human-Computer Interaction Bachelor’s Degree?
It is not very hard to get a job with a human-computer interaction bachelor’s degree. There are many applications for this degree across industries from manufacturing to healthcare. Graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction can apply their knowledge and skills as designers, strategic planners, and engineers.
What’s the Average Human-Computer Interaction Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for a Bachelor’s in Human-Computer Interaction degree holder is $87,000 per year, according to PayScale. However, individual positions may offer an even higher salary. For example, the average product design manager’s salary is $120,619 per year, also according to PayScale data.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Human-Computer Interaction Bachelor’s Degree?
You can get a variety of jobs with a human-computer interaction bachelor’s degree in the fields of finance, real estate, healthcare, education, transportation, and manufacturing. Some of the highest-paying human-computer interaction jobs for bachelor’s degree holders include working as a UX designer, UX researcher, or UI engineer.
Human-Computer Interaction Degree Jobs
- User interface engineer
- UX researcher
- User experience designer
- UI developer
- Product designer
Potential Careers With a Human-Computer Interaction Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction?
You can make between $60,000 and $100,000 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction. Entry-level positions offer a good income, which you can build on once you gain experience in your field.
The average amount of money that human-computer interaction majors make out of college varies with the state they work in, the company they work for, and their specific role. The highest paying human-computer interaction jobs are in research and engineering, though design and development also pay well. We’ll cover these jobs and salaries in detail in the section below.
Highest-Paying Human-Computer Interaction Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Human-Computer Interaction Bachelor’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| User experience researcher | $88,594 |
| User interface engineer | $87,584 |
| Product designer | $86,477 |
| User interface developer | $77,724 |
| User experience designer | $77,331 |
Best Jobs for Human-Computer Interaction Bachelor’s Degree Grads
Let’s look further into the best jobs for human-computer interaction bachelor degree graduates. Based on the information above, we will discuss the salaries and the highest paying states as well as the availability of jobs and the overall job outlook. Learn more about why these are the best jobs for a Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer interaction graduate below.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction Worth It?
Yes, a Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction is worth it. You can study human-computer interaction through an arts program or a science program based on your interests. In addition, there are many universities and colleges offering human-computer interaction bachelor’s degree programs in person and online, giving you affordable and flexible choices.
The applications for human-computer interaction are constantly growing, and there are a lot of job opportunities in this emerging industry. Entry-level positions have good salaries, and there are a lot of opportunities for career growth. A human-computer interaction bachelor’s degree is worth it because you’ll have a career at the heart of technology development.
Additional Reading About Human-Computer Interaction
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Human-Computer Interaction Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
Yes, you can pursue a human-computer interaction bachelor’s degree online. For example, Arizona State University offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction as one of their online learning programs. You can also begin your quest for a degree by exploring online UX design courses.
No, you don’t need a degree to get a job as a UX designer. You can take courses or short training programs to get the skills you need to work in this field. However, many employers prefer candidates with a degree.
Other careers you can pursue with a degree in HCI are interactive design, augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence development. The degree provides project-based learning to address real-world problems. Plus, the technical skills you learn can be applied to a wide variety of careers.
You don’t need to go to a private university to get a degree in HCI. Many public universities offer competitive HCI degree programs. As an interdisciplinary program, the HCI path promises a rewarding career, regardless of whether you attend a public or private university.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
