Human-Centered Design (MS)

The Human-Centered Design MS program is intended for students who want to pursue leadership roles in user experience research and design, and to explore, extend and integrate theoretical and practical issues in design using a human-centered approach.

Human centered design (HCD) involves various research approaches and methods that place people in the center of the design process.  Many fields use human-centered design, as it provides problem-solving techniques that enhance whatever is being built to make products, services, companies, tools and methods user-friendly, accessible, useful, marketable and saleable, and ultimately popular.  Human-centered design can be applied towards engineering, computing, science and technology, psychology, social sciences, and other disciplines.  The Human-Centered Design MS program allows students and faculty to apply these skills broadly to influence a number of disciplines.

The objective of the Human-Centered Design and Engineering MS program is to train AI engineers who can:

• Research, explore, extend and integrate theoretical and practical issues in design using a human-centered approach
• Function in multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative solutions to real-life design problems
• Be prepared for career opportunities in human-centered/experience design

Admission Information

The Graduate Programs Office serves as the primary source of information for all prospective graduate students, providing detailed guidance and resources to facilitate the application process.  Up-to-date and comprehensive details regarding admissions procedures, requirements and deadlines can be found on the program page on the Graduate Programs website.

Transfer of Credit

With approval of the HCD Graduate Committee, students may transfer in, or elect as a graduate non-candidate for degree (NCFD), up to six credits of graduate-level courses in computer science and information systems. See Transfer of Credit in the Graduate Study section for additional information on University of Michigan-Flint policies regarding the transfer of graduate credit.

Time Limit for Degree Completion

All requirements must be completed within six calendar years of initial enrollment in the program.

Academic Rules & Regulations

See the College of Innovation and Technology (CIT) , College of Innovation and Technology Graduate Programs , and Graduate Study  sections for rules and regulations pertaining to all Innovation & Technology graduate programs.