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IU Indianapolis Bulletin » Schools » Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering » Admission » Graduate Admissions » Ph.D. » Human-Computer Interaction

Human-Computer Interaction

Successful applicants to our Ph.D. program in Human-Computer Interaction must have a strong background in computing and information technology. You should be able to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required of the undergraduate Informatics degree.

Promising applicants lacking competencies necessary for admission may be allowed to take courses that will satisfy those requirements, as determined by Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering faculty. Those courses, however, would not count towards degree or certificate completion.

Prerequisites
  • Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (with demonstrated technical skills)
  • Minimum Overall GPA: 3.0 (4.0 point scale)
  • Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores from within the past five years if you are seeking direct financial assistance (such as an assistantship or fellowship) from the School of Informatics and Computing. A GRE score is not required to submit your FAFSA or to seek other federal or private financial assistance opportunities.

Successful applicants will have a foundation of core knowledge and skills (from either past education or work experience) in one or more of the following proficiency areas:

Successful applicants for the graduate degrees in Human-Computer Interaction will have knowledge and skills (from either past education or work experience) in one or more of the following proficiency areas:

Programming

Proficiency in programming/scripting, including:

  • One or more languages (e.g., JavaScript, Java, C++, Python)
  • A basic understanding of programming methodologies, such as system design and architectures or problem and algorithm analysis
  • Other computing knowledge, such as artificial intelligence and database administration

Design

Proficiency with the principles and processes of visual communication, industrial design, digital media, or other disciplines using design theory and practice, including:

  • Knowledge and application of 3D animation and/or modeling tools
  • Design methodologies for 2D and 3D product development
  • Conceptual modeling, prototyping, and product delivery
  • Fundamental concepts of visual communication (e.g., page design/layout)
  • Design principles, typography and color theory
  • Knowledge and application of a range of digital (vector and raster) authoring tools for Web or interface design

Social Sciences

Coursework in one or more of the following areas:

  • Psychology (general, cognitive, and behavioral)
  • Sociology and anthropology (ethnography)
  • Cross-cultural psychology and communication, information management, and/or information and library science
  • Business, product strategy, management, marketing and related areas.

How to Apply

The Graduate Admissions Committee will not review applications until the application fee and all required materials are completed and received by the deadlines indicated.

Submit a resume, transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation to:

Graduate Admissions Committee
Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering
 535 W. Michigan Street, IT 419
Indianapolis, IN 46202
  1. Complete and submit the online application form at this link:  https://graduate.iupui.edu/admissions/apply.html. Paper applications are not accepted. Choose “Ph.D. Informatics” and “Informatics” in the “Academic Interest” section. Be sure to indicate on your personal statement your intended area of specialization.
  2. Submit a resume listing your education, work, research, honors/awards and computer programming experience. This may be attached to your online application or sent separately.
  3. Submit a personal statement (visit the IU Writing Center for instructions on how to write such a statement). This may be attached to your online application or sent separately. Your personal statement should indicate the following:
    • Why you’re applying to the program
    • Your post-graduation career plans
    • Your intended area of specialization
  4. Submit all official transcripts from previous colleges and universities. NOTE: we do not require transcripts from Indiana University campuses.
  5. Submit three references from academic instructors and/or employers. To submit references, you will input contact information for each person on your electronic application. The reference will receive a form via email to fill out and submit electronically.
  6. Complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and ensure that IU Indianapolis receives your score report from the GRE exam board. The Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering school code for the GRE is 1325 – enter this code on the exam’s answer sheets.
  7. Submit English language proficiency exam score (International and non-native English speaking students only – see instructions below).

Special Instructions for International Students and Non-native English Speakers

Submit proof of English proficiency if your native language is not English. This requirement may be waived if you are a citizen of the United States or a country where English is the official language for higher education, are completing your bachelor’s or master’s degree in the United States or a country that is predominately English speaking.

On-Campus Programs (except Computer Science)

90 TOEFL, 7.0 IELTS, or 130 Duolingo

On-Campus Computer Science Program

80 TOEFL, 6.5 IELTS, or 115 Duolingo

Upload a copy of your test score results in the Documents Section (under Test Score Report upload option) on the online application.  TOEFL test results may also be sent through ETS to IU Indianapolis school code 1325.


Last updated: 3/2024