Pedagogy

There is a critical world-wide need for broadly educated computing professionals. Graduate students with a concentration in human-computer interaction have many opportunities for participation in activities outside the classroom that can complement their course work, enhance their professional development, and provide direct experience in applied settings. Students are encouraged to participate in the human-computer interaction research being conducted by participating faculty members. Involvement in such projects can provide research experience and, in some cases, provide financial assistance, course credit, and thesis or dissertation topics. The Center for Human-Computer Interaction sponsors a seminar series involving presentations by noted authorities on human-computer interaction from both inside and outside Penn State. Students also may participate in cooperative education and intern programs to carry out field studies and develop industrial experience.

There is a national trend toward interdisciplinary degree programs in HCI. Carnegie-Mellon University, Georgia Tech, Stanford University, and the University of Michigan have all recently established such programs. The Center works with interested departments and colleges to coordinate interdisciplinary Masters and Ph.D. programs in areas incorporating human-computer interaction. The Center is also exploring the development of a graduate certificate program in HCI. At the undergraduate level, the Center serves as a resource for faculty delivering core IST courses, many of which focus on human-computer interaction or include HCI content.