Human-computer interaction (HCI) combines disciplines within the fields of computing and information sciences (information systems, software engineering, artificial intelligence) and the behavioral sciences (cognitive science, cognitive psychology, sociology, organizational psychology, and social psychology) to study the design, implementation, and evaluation of interactive computer-based technology. The main purpose of this field is to solve real problems in the design and human use of technology. Examples of HCI products include intelligent tutoring systems, wearable computers, and highly interactive Web applications.

The Bachelor of Science in Human Computer Interaction, a joint degree program with Rutgers-Newark, provides the student with the necessary background to conduct design activities including: eliciting from the client, formulating, and articulating functional specifications; knowing how human factors and cognitive models influence design; knowing the principles of, and having experience with, communication design; understanding how implementation constraints influence design; and incorporating evaluation results into iterated designs.

Students implement their design knowledge by using their analysis and programming skills and demonstrating their computational literacy, such as knowledge sufficient for effective communication and decision making about interface construction tools and languages, multimedia authoring tools, data structures and algorithms and systems development. They also become proficient in evaluation activities, including experimental design, survey methods, usability testing and statistical analysis.

The program includes the following options, which are four courses selected from a list provided in each department: learning systems, human systems, applications development, publishing and multimedia, communications, networks, and the Web, or tailored options in computer applications.

All students majoring in HCI are required to prepare a Program of Study Form, an approved copy of which must be on file with the IS department (for NJIT students) or psychology department (for Rutgers students). The form should be prepared as early as possible in the student’s career, and changes should be made only in consultation with the department advisor.

Students are admitted to the program by applying to either NJIT or to Rutgers-Newark. Those admitted to NJIT must satisfy the GUR at NJIT and those admitted to Rutgers-Newark must satisfy the General Educational Requirements at Rutgers-Newark.