FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


What is the difference between the HCI M.S. program and the DM M.S. program? Can I apply to both? [back to top]

The HCI program is interdisciplinary and students choose a home unit from Computer Science, Psychology, and LCC (the School of Literature, Communication, and Culture, which is the home of the DM program). HCI/LCC students take four courses in LCC (that is, within the IDT offerings). DM students are strongly recommended to take at least one course in HCI.

The Digital Media M.S. program (formerly known as IDT) emphasizes the representational aspects of the digital medium, seeing it as part of the traditions of representation that include books, theater, film, graphic and fine arts.

HCI emphasizes the computer engineering and empirical psychology aspects of design, such as usability, user testing, and system design. Applicants to HCI/LCC must submit the same Statement of Purpose and portfolio as applicants to DM.

It is permissible to apply to both programs, but it requires two separate complete applications since the applications are screened and processed differently.


Where can I find more information about the HCI program? [back to top]

The College of Computing maintains a website on the Masters in HCI program at Georgia Tech(http://www.gvu.gatech.edu/education/degree.html).


What do graduates of the MS program in HCI go on to do? [back to top]

Many students pursue the PhD in a related field, at Georgia Tech or other leading universities. However, most graduates have gone on to work as HCI professionals and researchers at prominent companies and governmental agencies, including AOL; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); Cingular; Convergys; Google; IBM; IBM Research; Kyocera; Verizon; and Yahoo Research.


Can I attend the HCI program part-time? [back to top]

Yes, but you must be full-time if you are accepted as a Graduate Assistant. Full time course load is equivalent to 12 hours each semester. Part-time students must be registered for a minimum of 3 semester hours.


Do I have to have a background in computer science to be accepted to the program? [back to top]

No. Our students come from a variety of different educational backgrounds.


When do you admit students to the HCI program? [back to top]

We generally admit students only in the fall semester.


About how many people are accepted into the program each year? [back to top]

We can only admit 25 to 30 students per year.


Can I take classes on the evenings, weekends, or over the Internet? [back to top]

No. Most classes are taught between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., though some classes might be scheduled later. They are offered Monday through Friday, and no distance learning is available. Because the program emphasizes interdisciplinary team work, distance learning is not practical.


Do you have a PhD program in HCI? [back to top]

No, but the PhD program in Computer Science offers an HCI specialization. Each academic unit participating in the MS program also offers a related PhD program: Human-Centered Computing (College of Computing); Digital Media (School of LCC); and Psychology with specializations in Cognitive Psychology and Engineering Psychology (School of Psychology).