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.

*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

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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.