About the programme
The Master of Human-Computer Interaction & Design (MHCID) is run by the Department of Informatics in UC Irvine's Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences. It is a one-year, low-residency degree aimed mainly at people already working in UX or related tech roles, though recent graduates with relevant experience also apply.
Students complete 48 units: nine core courses and three quarters of an industry-focused special topics seminar (IN4MATX 289). The core runs from an HCI and design overview through user needs analysis, design and prototyping, UX evaluation, advanced prototyping, an interactive technology studio and a course on innovations in the field.
Teaching is mostly online, with three short campus visits: September at the start, March, and the following September for graduation. The degree ends with a client-facing capstone with an industry partner, and the final assessment combines capstone performance, peer evaluations and a portfolio review.
- Format
- Mainly online, with three required visits to the Irvine campus. The programme describes itself as full-time and expects 35-40 hours of work a week, although many students keep their jobs.
- Length
- 48 units over about 12 months (four quarters, fall to summer). The catalogue allows up to 24 months only by exception.
- Cost
- For the cohort entering fall 2026: a $59,940 programme fee plus a $120 student services fee, or $60,060 in total, billed in four quarterly payments. There is no in-state rate. Travel for campus visits, books, housing and health insurance are extra.
- Admissions
- Fall entry only. The fall 2026 deadline was 15 May 2026. You need a 3.0 GPA, a statement of purpose, a resume, three letters and either a portfolio (preferred) or GRE scores. The school does not issue I-20 student visas because the degree is low-residency.
- Capstone
- A client-facing capstone with an industry partner, assessed alongside individual and peer evaluations and a portfolio review.
Who it suits
Suits working UX, design or tech professionals who want a one-year degree without moving to Irvine. Not a fit for international students who need a US student visa, or for anyone who wants a traditional on-campus programme.
Checked against University of California, Irvine’s official programme pages in October 2026.
