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 School of Informatics and Computing 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:
- Programming- Proficiency in programming/scripting, including:
- One or more languages (e.g., HTML, JAVA, C++ and Visual Basic)
- A basic understanding of programming methodologies, such as system design and architecture, problem and algorithm analysis
- Other systems knowledge such as artificial intelligence and database analysis/database technology
- Design- Proficiency with the principles and processes of visual communication, industrial design, new media or other disciplines that deal with 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 the following key areas:
- Psychology (general, cognitive and behavioral)
- Sociology and anthropology (ethnography)
- Cross-cultural psychology and communication
- Information management and/or Information and library science
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 CommitteeSchool of Informatics and Computing
535 W. Michigan Street, IT 475
Indianapolis, IN 46202
- Complete and submit the IUPUI Graduate Online Application form. 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Submit all official transcripts from previous colleges and universities. NOTE: we do not require transcripts from Indiana University campuses.
- 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.
- Complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and ensure that IUPUI receives your score report from the GRE exam board. The Informatics and Computing school code for the GRE is 1325 – enter this code on the exam’s answer sheets.
- Submit English language proficiency exam score (International and non-native English speaking students only – see instructions below).
- Pay your $65 application fee.
If your native language is not English, submit with your application one of the following official test scores from within the past two years:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Minimum required scores: 250 for the computer-based test, 600 for the paper test and 79 for the Internet-based test.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Minimum required score of 6.5 or higher
Use IUPUI School Code 1325 to ensure correct routing of your score to IUPUI.
- The TOEFL may be waived if a B.S. or M.S. degree has been earned in the United States
- If you are in the Indianapolis area, placement into G013 or higher on the IUPUI ESL Placement Test may replace the TOEFL requirement for admission. Test registration is arranged by calling 317-274-4240. You must have submitted your application and received a University ID to be eligible to register for this test.
- If you need additional English language study, you may enroll at the ELS Language Centers intensive English program at IUPUI and successfully complete Level 112. We accept successful completion of ELS 112 in place of a TOEFL report.
Last updated: 04/19/2019
