Human-Computer Interaction Minor

The Human-Computer Interaction Minor (18 credits) is a collaboration between the College of Art and the McKelvey School of Engineering, with a mix of required and optional courses in each school. Students are able to gain a multidisciplinary understanding of the principles and applications of human-computer interaction (HCI), and they are introduced to the techniques and processes necessary to create effective user interfaces.

The HCI minor is intended for students who are interested in the design of user-centered interactive technologies and those desiring jobs that include user interface creation, product design, UX/UI design, app development, and virtual and augmented realities. For students in the College of Art — particularly designers and computationally intrigued artists — the minor provides a more in-depth knowledge of back-end development skills. For students outside the College of Art, an HCI minor supports their studies with a clear track in a hybrid pursuit of design and programming.

Students pursuing the minor must complete two pillar courses, one integration course and three approved electives. Courses tagged FA HCI Minor are considered approved electives.

At least 15 of the 18 credits must be applied exclusively to the minor and cannot be counted toward another major or minor. For students who declare this minor in fall 2026 and later, this double counting restriction includes the Sam Fox Electives required for the BA, the BFA, and second majors in the College of Art.

The requirements below apply to students who declared the minor in Fall 2026 or later. Students who declared a minor prior to Fall 2026 should refer to Prior Bulletins for minor requirements.

Required Courses: 18 units

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If both integration courses are completed, the extra course will count toward the 9 units of electives.

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At least one course must be completed in both ART and CSE.