Masters+

Ph.D.+

Certificates+

Why Study Human-Centered Computing?

Human-centered computing explores human interactions with information technologies and how the use of these technologies can improve lives.

Do you remember a time you did something you never thought possible, with the help of a computer? How about a time you wanted to throw the computer out the window in frustration? You’ve probably experienced both the highs and lows of human-computer interaction. The Master’s program will set you on a path to improving user’s interactions with information technology, even if you don’t have an educational background in technology.

At a Glance

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FINANCIAL AID ↓HOW TO APPLY ↓APPLICATION DEADLINES ↓PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS ↓PROGRAM CONTACTS ↓

What Are My Career Options Studying Human-Centered Computing?

The Master of Science program in human centered computing is an interdisciplinary program that has been training students since 2007. The program has two tracks: a practitioner track for those who wish to become user experience, information architecture, or usability professionals and a research track for those who are interested in pursuing a Master’s thesis and possibly applying to a Ph.D program. Graduates from our program have moved on to be user experience directors in both government and industrial positions, and graduates from the research track have joined top human centered computing Ph.D research programs.

Tuition, Scholarships & Financial Aid

Find opportunities to further advance your career and academic studies.

UMBC participates in all federal and state student financial aid programs and offers scholarships and assistantships through the Graduate School, Graduate Departments and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

2025–2026 Graduate Cost Calculator Graduate Assistantships Fellowships Funding Your Education

Ready to Apply?

Review Master of Science in Human Centered Computing Requirements

Ph.D.: GRE General Test optional

Should have or be willing to acquire the necessary competence in statistical analysis and experimental design

M.S.: Majority of students have GPA well above 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; GRE General Test not required.

Accelerated B.S./M.S. Program: Undergraduate students interested in this program must have completed the IS gateway and be enrolled in IS 410 prior to application. For more information, click here.

Start Your Graduate Admissions Application

Please note that application decisions can take 6-8 weeks after the program’s deadline, and depend on how many applications a department receives. You will receive an email once the department processes your decision letter. You will be able to see your decision letter by logging in to the application website. Your decision letter will be where the application checklist was. You may also check your recommendation statuses to send reminders or update contact information from the user page. If you are having trouble logging back in, you can recover your account.

Have Questions?

Please contact the appropriate Graduate School staff member for assistance, or contact our Main Office at gradschool@umbc.edu or 410-455-2537.

Application Deadlines

Spring Semester

Domestic Students:
Apply by December 1

Fall Semester

Domestic Students:
Apply by May 1

International Students:
Apply by April 1

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Contact Information

Human-Centered Computing Program Contacts

Program Director

Foad Hamidi
foadhamidi@umbc.edu

Program Coordinator

Shannon Carey
410-455-2650
shannoncarey@umbc.edu

UMBC Graduate School Admissions Office Contact Information

Mailing Address

UMBC Graduate School
1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250

Admissions Staff

Staff are available from
Mon - Fri, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 410-455-2537

Request Help

Email Graduate Admissions at gradschool@umbc.edu.

Master of Science in Human Centered Computing