Human Computer Interaction.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
All data shown below (except Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity) is based on the category, not just this specific degree.
Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Why Human Computer Interaction. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 43.8%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Human Computer Interaction. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $58808 and average student debt of $25738, the financial outlook for Human Computer Interaction. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
Human Computer Interaction. is a program that attracts motivated students who want to make an impact. Starting pay for new grads is typically $58808, and with an average debt of $25738, the debt-to-income ratio comes in at 0.44—meaning you’ll have lots of flexibility after graduation.
This program sees about 2324 graduates annually, so you’ll be joining a well-established network. Whether you’re aiming for a high-paying job, a stable career, or a chance to make an impact, Human Computer Interaction. is a great foundation. Remember, your journey is shaped by the opportunities you pursue—so get involved and stay curious!
Degree Overview
Human–Computer Interaction (HCI) (CIP 30.3101) is an interdisciplinary field focused on how people interact with technology and how digital systems can be designed to be usable, efficient, ethical, and human-centered. It examines the relationship between users and computers, software, devices, and emerging technologies, with the goal of improving how technology fits into human lives. This degree is designed for students who want to shape technology around human needs rather than forcing people to adapt to poorly designed systems.
For a degree search site, Human–Computer Interaction is especially relevant as digital products increasingly affect every aspect of daily life—from work and healthcare to education, entertainment, and communication. It appeals to students who are interested in technology but also care deeply about usability, accessibility, psychology, and design. HCI blends computer science, psychology, design, and social science into a single, highly applied discipline.
What Is a Human–Computer Interaction Degree?
A Human–Computer Interaction degree is an interdisciplinary program that studies how humans use, experience, and are affected by interactive technologies. Instead of focusing only on coding or hardware, HCI emphasizes designing systems that are intuitive, inclusive, and aligned with human cognitive and emotional processes.
Students explore questions such as:
- How do people perceive and understand digital interfaces?
- Why do some systems feel intuitive while others feel frustrating?
- How can technology be made accessible to all users?
- How do design choices influence behavior and decision-making?
Universities offer HCI programs to:
- Train professionals who can design user-centered digital systems
- Prepare students for careers in UX, product design, and usability engineering
- Develop research expertise in human-centered technology
- Bridge technical development with human factors and ethics
Programs often include hands-on projects, usability testing, and design studios.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how humans think, perceive, and behave when using technology, and how to design interfaces that support those processes. Coursework emphasizes research, testing, and iterative design rather than guesswork.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- User research and usability testing—observing and evaluating how people use systems
- Interaction design—designing workflows, interfaces, and user experiences
- Human-centered design thinking—iterative problem-solving focused on user needs
- Prototyping and wireframing—creating and testing design concepts
- Information architecture—structuring content and navigation
- Accessibility and inclusive design—designing for diverse abilities and users
- Data analysis and evaluation—interpreting user feedback and behavior
- Interdisciplinary collaboration—working with engineers, designers, and stakeholders
Topics You May Explore
Coursework varies by institution, but commonly includes:
- Human Factors and Ergonomics: cognitive and physical interaction with systems
- User Experience (UX) Design: usability, aesthetics, and interaction flows
- Cognitive Psychology: perception, attention, memory, and decision-making
- Usability Engineering: testing methods and evaluation metrics
- Interaction Design: gestures, inputs, and interface behavior
- Information Visualization: presenting data in user-friendly ways
- Accessibility and Universal Design: inclusive technology design
- Prototyping Tools and Methods: wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes
- Ethics and Technology: privacy, bias, and responsible design
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Human–Computer Interaction degree prepares students for fast-growing roles at the intersection of technology and design. Many graduates enter industry directly, while others pursue advanced study.
Common career paths include:
- UX Designer: designing user-centered digital products
- UX Researcher: studying user behavior and needs
- Interaction Designer: designing how users interact with systems
- Usability Engineer: testing and improving system usability
- Product Designer: shaping end-to-end user experiences
- Human Factors Specialist: optimizing safety and performance
- Product or Design Analyst: using data to inform design decisions
- Graduate or Professional School Path: preparing for advanced HCI or design research
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in organizations that build or evaluate technology:
- Technology and software companies
- Design and UX agencies
- Healthcare and medical technology firms
- Education and learning technology organizations
- Government and public sector technology teams
- Research laboratories and universities
- Startups and innovation labs
How Much Can You Earn?
HCI maps to strong salary outcomes due to high demand for user-centered design.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level UX or design roles: often $65,000–$85,000
- UX designers and researchers: commonly $85,000–$130,000
- Senior or specialized HCI professionals: often $140,000+
Location, portfolio strength, and experience significantly affect earnings.
Is This Degree Hard?
Human–Computer Interaction is considered moderately challenging. It is less math-heavy than some computing fields but requires strong analytical thinking, creativity, research skills, and technical literacy. Students must balance design intuition with evidence-based testing.
The challenge lies in understanding human behavior deeply while also working within technical constraints.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Enjoy both technology and design
- Care about usability, accessibility, and ethics
- Like solving problems through research and iteration
- Are interested in UX, product design, or human-centered technology
- Want a career where empathy and analysis matter
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for an HCI program:
- Take computer science, psychology, or design courses
- Develop strong communication and writing skills
- Practice observing how people use technology
- Learn basic design or prototyping tools
- Explore accessibility and inclusive design concepts
Human–Computer Interaction (CIP 30.3101) is a future-focused degree for students who want to humanize technology. It prepares graduates to design digital systems that are intuitive, inclusive, and impactful—ensuring that innovation serves people, not the other way around.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor