Computer Science-Applied: Human–Computer Interaction

To submit a proposed plan of study, use the Applied CS Program webform.
 

As we integrate technology in more facets of our lives, the interface between humans and computers grows both larger and smaller: Larger in the sense that we interact with more applications and devices; Smaller in that our uses become more personalized and intimate.

The human-computer interaction (HCI) applied option helps you to understand both sides of this interface: the computer through programming, information visualization, and core computer science courses; and the human through cognition and psychology courses. Only by understanding both sides can we maximize the potential of computing in human lives.

Potential job opportunities

  • User experience (UX) or interaction design: design and develop graphical user interfaces, interaction methods, workflows, and other front ends. Companies: Apple, Microsoft, Google, and any company that produces user-facing software.
  • Web designer: analyze, design, and develop interfaces for web sites and web applications, integrate and present information from multiple sources. Companies: Amazon, Expedia, Google, and any company that produces software for the web.

    Courses

    Core

    • CS 468 (Inclusive Design) or CS 464 (Open Source Software)
    • CS 453 (Scientific Visualization) or CS 458 (Introduction to Information Visualization)
    • CS 492 (Mobile Software Development)
    • PSY 340 (Cognition Psychology)

    Possible Electives

    • PSY 302 (User Experience Research)
    • PSY 312 (Careers in Human Computer Interaction)
    • PSY 350 (Human Lifespan Development)
    • PSY 360 (Social Psychology)
    • PSY 370 (Personality)
    • PSY 426 (Psychology of Gender)
    • PSY 434 (Brain and Behavior Methods)
    • PSY 440 (Cognition Research)
    • PSY 442 (Perception)
    • PSY 444 (Learning and Memory)
    • PSY 446 (Psychology of Human Computer Interaction) 
    • PSY 454 (Cognitive Development)
    • PSY 456 (Social Development)
    • PSY 464 (Social Cognition)
    • PSY 494 (Engineering Psychology)

    Faculty

    Julie A. Adams

    Julie A. Adams

    Professor
    College of Engineering Dean's Professor

    julie.a.adams@oregonstate.edu

    Collaborative Robotics and Intelligent Systems Institute | Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
    Artificial Intelligence and Robotics | Software Engineering and Human-Computer Interaction
    A profile picture of Martin Erwig.

    Martin Erwig

    Professor
    Stretch Professor of Computer Science

    erwig@oregonstate.edu

    Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
    Programming Languages | Computer Science Education
    Profile image placeholder

    Carlos Jensen

    Associate Professor

    cjensen@eecs.oregonstate.edu

    Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
    Cherri Pancake

    Cherri Pancake

    Professor Emeritus

    pancake@eecs.orst.edu

    Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
    Software Engineering and Human-Computer Interaction