Online Human-Computer Interaction Master’s Degree
Craft Interfaces That Bridge People and Technology
The Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) at Grand Canyon University explores the intersection of technology and human behavior — how users think, feel and interact with digital systems. Delivered online through the College of Engineering and Technology, this program teaches you to design seamless experiences for apps, websites, artificial intelligence (AI) powered tools and smart devices.
If you’re passionate about improving user experience (UX), user interface (UI) and bridging the gap between design and technology, this HCI master’s degree may be for you. Through collaborative projects with peers and faculty, you’ll integrate principles of psychology into user-centered strategies that drive innovation in fields such as software development, product design, education and healthcare technology.
Online: $600 per credit [More Info]
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master's)
- Undergraduate Degree*
- 2.8+ GPA
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
- GMAT: 500
- GRE: 300 combined**
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
Experience Digital Innovation Through Flexible Learning
Technology is most powerful when it’s designed for people. Earning a master’s in human-computer interaction at GCU allows you to develop user-centered design skills supported by industry-relevant tools and research, all within a collaborative online learning environment led by experienced faculty. Our STEM program can equip you with the skills to translate theory into practical solutions and advance your education with the convenience of online learning — allowing you to study without putting your career or personal commitments on hold.
Online HCI Master’s Degree Coursework
Your studies go beyond theory — this program immerses you in the practical side of human-computer interaction. You’ll explore how design decisions impact usability while building practical skills through interactive projects and research-driven approaches to create more intuitive and effective technology for diverse audiences.
Students in this program can expect to develop skills in areas such as:
Career Paths for Master’s in Human-Computer Interaction Graduates
Graduates of the online HCI master’s program can acquire professional skills that may lead them to explore fields that focus on creating intuitive digital experiences. These fields include healthcare, education, finance, gaming and manufacturing.
Positions that draw on human-computer interaction skills fall under the broader U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) category of computer and information technology occupations(See disclaimer 1) — an industry projected to grow much faster than average, with a median annual wage of $105,990 as of May 2024.(See disclaimer 2,3)
Graduates may pursue roles within interactive technology fields that require knowledge and experience in the following areas:
Conducting UX/UI design research
Testing and evaluating product usability and engineering
Analyzing product strategy
Designing user-friendly systems
Developing interactive learning platforms
Creating immersive experiences
Building secure, intuitive interfaces
Enhancing safety and usability in complex systems
Median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations as of May 2024.(See disclaimer 2)
Estimated number of jobs each year for computer and IT occupations from 2024 to 2034.(See disclaimer 3)
Earn Your HCI Degree From an Accredited University
GCU has held continuous institutional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The College of Engineering and Technology shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore answers to frequently asked questions about the human-computer interaction master's degree. Use this as a source to help you make an informed decision for your future.
What is human-computer interaction?
Is a master’s in human-computer interaction worth it?
What can you do with a human-computer interaction degree?
Does HCI include AI?
Program Curriculum
Core Courses
Ready to design technology that truly works for people? Apply now and start your journey toward a master’s in human-computer interaction.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). Computer and Information Technology Occupations. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved November 2025.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Computer and Information Technology Occupations as of May 2024, retrieved November 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as computer and information technology occupations, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer and Information Technology Occupations, retrieved November 2025.
- Coursera. (2024, Oct. 21). What Is Human-Computer Interaction and How Does It Work? Retrieved November 2025.
- Torpey, E. (2025, February). The Fastest Growing Industry Sector, 2023-33: Professional, Scientific and Technical Services. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved November 2025.
- Geeks For Geeks. (2025, July 23). How AI Could Soon Take Human-Computer Interaction to New Levels. Retrieved November 2025.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, March 11). TED: The Economics Daily. AI Impacts in BLS Employment Projections. Retrieved November 2025.