About the programme
The Master of Human-Computer Interaction (MHCI) is run by the Human-Computer Interaction Institute in Carnegie Mellon's School of Computer Science. It is a one-year professional master's taught over three semesters, from August to the following August. CMU says it was the first programme of its kind when it started in 1997.
Students take seven core courses and four electives, which can come from anywhere in the university. The fall core covers an HCI pro-seminar on communication and User-Centered Research and Evaluation. In spring, students take Interaction Design Fundamentals, Advanced Interaction Design and a programming course (Programming Interactive Experiences or Software Structures for User Interfaces).
The largest part of the degree is a seven-month capstone. Teams work with an outside client from spring (HCI Project I) through summer (HCI Project II, 48 units). The programme also focuses on designing AI products and deploying them responsibly.
- Format
- In person in Pittsburgh, full-time, cohort-based. The degree is STEM-designated.
- Length
- Three semesters (fall, spring, summer) over about 12 months, with at least 36 units each semester.
- Cost
- Tuition is $31,100 a semester for 2026-27, about $93,300 for three semesters. This excludes academic fees and living costs. The programme does not offer its own financial aid.
- Admissions
- Fall entry only. The deadline for the 2027-28 cohort is 15 January 2027 (3 pm EST), with no early round, and the fee is $100. You need a 500-word statement, a resume, three letters and a 1-minute video essay. The GRE and work samples are optional.
- Background
- No specific degree is required. Cohorts come from design, social science, business and computer science. Non-native English speakers need TOEFL 25 per section, IELTS 8.5 (no band below 8.0) or Duolingo 130.
- Capstone
- A seven-month team project for an external client, running from spring to the end of summer.
Who it suits
Suits people who want a short, intensive degree with a large client project and some programming. Applicants who want a two-year degree with time for an internship, or a studio-led design degree, should compare other options.
Checked against Carnegie Mellon University’s official programme pages in October 2026.
