Human-centered computing (HCC) is concerned with the development and management of systems in which the central focus is the user. The systems should be aware of the user, easy to use, ubiquitous, and intelligent. In the final analysis, human-centered systems improve workplace satisfaction, capitalize on information in the environment, and act on behalf of the user. Current research in HCC focuses on the building of adaptive interfaces, navigation through information spaces, social computing, and the use of virtual environments in information science. Within this specialization, you will take courses to help you understand humans and model their preferences, interests, and knowledge; analyze explicitly and implicitly generated data; and design systems with natural and intuitive interfaces.
The following requirements are in addition to the course requirements of the general MSIS degree.
Human-Centered Computing Required Courses
Students in the Human-Centered Computing specialization must take the following three required courses:
- INFSCI 2415 - INFORMATION VISUALIZATION
- INFSCI 2430 - SOCIAL COMPUTING
- INFSCI 2470 - INTERACTIVE SYSTEM DESIGN
Human-Centered Computing Electives
Students in the Human-Centered Computing specialization must take two electives from the following list.*
- INFSCI 1430 - USER EXPERIENCE ENGINEERING*
- INFSCI 1450 - GAME DESIGN*
- INFSCI 1470 - IMMERSIVE MEDIA TECHNOLOGIES*
- INFSCI 2440 - ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
- INFSCI 2460 - SPATIAL REASONING FOR GIS
Counts toward the maximum of 6 credits in upper-level undergraduate classes.
Additional Approved Electives
Students may select two courses from the department’s standard graduate course offerings, including independent study and practicum experiences.
Students may also pursue opportunities that fall outside of the department’s standard graduate course offerings such as the Pittsburgh Council on Higher Education cross-registration, doctoral seminars, courses offered in other Pitt graduate departments, or undergraduate upper-level coursework in information science or computer science (1100-1999).**
**These opportunities may not exceed six credits and require advisor approval prior to enrollment.