SUB-Specialization in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
Introduction to HCI SUB-Specialization
The Media and Graphics Interdisciplinary Centre (MAGIC) coordinates the MAS and MLIS Sub-Specialization in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). Human-Computer Interaction is an interdisciplinary field of study that explores human behaviour in technology-rich environments with the goal of informing the design and testing of new technologies. MAGIC does not grant degrees; however, students earning degrees in participating departments can also earn a Specialization in Human-Computer Interaction by successfully completing the Specialization requirements listed below in addition to those necessary for their Master’s degree.
Application to the The HCI Subspecialization is open to qualified students in the stand-alone MAS and MLIS degrees [students in the Dual MAS/MLIS are not eligible].
Specialization Requirements The Specialization in HCI consists of: (A) a sequence of 3 required foundation courses, (B) one elective course and (C) a thesis/project in HCI.
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure their coursework meets the requirements for the Master’s degree in their home department.
- Three (3) Required Courses: Successful completion of a sequence of three required HCI foundation courses, one from each area below: i. One (1) Foundations of HCI Course: CPSC 544: Human-Computer Interaction ii. One (1) Empirical Methods and Analysis course: PSYC 546A: Introduction to Graduate Statistics or equivalent iii. One (1) One Design + Evaluation course CPSC 543: Physical Interface Design & Evaluation or EECE 518: Human Interface Technologies
Students requesting additions and changes to the list of qualifying courses will be considered by the HCI Specialization Committee in consultation with the departments in which the courses are held.
Efforts have been made so that Specialization students can register for these courses; however, availability may be limited requiring permission of the instructor. Students should contact the professor teaching the course as soon as possible if having problems with registration.
- One (1) HCI elective: A minimum of 3 credits from at least one additional HCI theory and applications course approved by the HCI Specialization Committee. Approved HCI electives are selected so as to provide an opportunity for cross-disciplinary studies as well as permitting students to satisfy the requirements for the Specialization using courses from within their department. Example elective courses include:
Computer Science
- CPSC 507: Software Engineering
- CPSC 514: Advanced Computer Graphics
- CPSC 524: Computer Graphics, Modeling and Rendering
- CPSC 533C: Information Visualization
- CPSC 554: Topics in HCI (can be taken multiple times for credit according to change in topics)
Electrical & Computer Engineering
- EECE 589: System Design for Robots and Teleoperators
- EECE 596: Human Interface Technology
Psychology
- PSYC 578: Perceptual Processes I
- PSYC 582: Cognitive Processes I
- PSYC 590: Survey of Social Psychology I
Additional eligible elective courses: As appropriate, proposals for adding additional courses in various departments, such as (but not limited to) Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Department of Audiology and Speech Sciences, Faculty of Commerce, Department of Computer Science, Education, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Forestry, School of Human Kinetics, School of Library, Archival and Information Studies, Faculty of Music, and Department of Psychology will also be considered by the specialization committee for credit towards the Specialization in Human Computer Interaction.
- Completion of a research thesis with an HCI focus. SLAIS students are required to do a 12-credit thesis. The requirement is that Specialization students do their thesis in an HCI research topic. Thesis proposals must be submitted to and approved by the HCI Specialization Committee. The student will then choose a MAGIC affiliate faculty as thesis advisor. The role of the thesis advisor will be to certify that the finished thesis meets all requirements for the Specialization.
Upon completion of the course requirements (A and B above) students become HCI Specialization Candidates. In order to complete the requirements for the Specialization, Candidates must:
- Finalize a research thesis proposal if not done so already. The research thesis proposal must be submitted to:
- to MAGIC,
- the student's thesis supervisor in their department
- the student's MAGIC HCI thesis advisor (if different than ii above)
- Chose a MAGIC affiliate faculty as HCI thesis advisor
- Complete the project to the satisfaction of the HCI thesis advisor, whose responsibility it is to certify to the Specialization committee that all requirements have been met.
HCI Specialization Candidates who do not already have a MAGIC affiliate faculty supervisor will be directed toward a MAGIC affiliate faculty advisor who will advise them with regard to research requirements for the HCI Specialization. This faculty member may be a co-advisor if the student has a supervisor in his/her department. Typically, the student's supervisor will also be their MAGIC HCI thesis advisor.
Once the students meet all the requirements above they receive a Specialization in HCI at the time they students receive their graduate degree.
Students should submit their application information to the Director of MAGIC as early as possible (email or paper copy). Applicants must be students in good standing in a Master’s-level degree program at UBC with an interest in HCI. Students may be admitted at any point in their program, but it is recommended that they have an HCI project or thesis topic identified. Acceptance is based upon a student’s demonstrated commitment to the field of HCI. If accepted, they will then be classified as an HCI Specialization Student and placed on the mailing list for announcements of HCI events (such as lectures and special courses).
Application materials to be sent to the MAGIC:
- application form requesting admission for the Specialization in HCI
- curriculum vitae
- electronic copy of transcript (grad and undergrad)
- planned course list if course work has not been completed
- abstract and title of HCI thesis
- letter of support from student's supervisor
Once reviewed, the student will be notified by email of their acceptance.
Applying Directly for CandidacyStep 1: Student completes the course work requirements, then applies for and is granted candidacy.
Step 2: A candidate enters into an agreement with an approved HCI thesis advisor and submits a research thesis proposal that is then approved by the director or the committee.
Step 3: The candidate completes the research project and the supervisor confirms that the project satisfies the requirements for the project (NOT that it satisfies ALL requirements, which makes no logical sense because a project cannot satisfy course requirements).
A student in good standing in his/her department may petition the Director of the HCI Specialization for admission directly as a Candidate for the Specialization in HCI.
Under special circumstances a student may be admitted as a Candidate for the Specialization in HCI at the time they are first admitted to a graduate program at UBC. Such a student will have an exceptional record and a demonstrated commitment to the interdisciplinary study of HCI. Also under special circumstances a student may petition the HCI Specialization Committee for equivalent-credit for courses taken elsewhere or for independent research work
