Frequently Asked Questions

The Master of Human-Computer Interaction and Design program does qualify as a STEM degree. However, since we are considered “low-residency” we are unable to issue international applicants I-20’s due to the program being mainly taught online.

The application deadline for Fall 2024 admission is June 15, 2024. We encourage you to not wait until the last minute to apply. We only admit for fall admission.

Please upload your work portfolio directly on your application under the “Master of Human Computer Interaction and Design Program” section after the “Academic Program” section. A strong portfolio should include 3-4 individual pieces that you feel best showcase your work. Your portfolio should be formatted as either a custom website or a PDF. See ourApplicant Portfolio pagefor more information.

Application fee waivers are managed by our central admissions office, Graduate Division. The MHCID program may not qualify for a fee waiver as it is not a state-supported program. Please see theinformation about application fee waiverson the UCI graduate page.

Please seethis breakdown of our current program fees [pdf, 127kb]for detailed fee information. It is required that all admitted students make quarterly payments for each of the Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer quarters.

The executive committee for the program reviews every applicant in detail both for general admissions to the program and for individual fellowships. We will attempt to notify fellowship winners at the same time as admissions, but there can sometimes be a delay in this process.

We find that a portfolio of students’ work is a better indicator of capability in the program than a GRE score. So, for those of you who have been working, please put together a portfolio. There is more information on ourApplicant Portfolio page.

You are welcome to submit a valid GRE score in addition to your portfolio, or in place a portfolio if you do not yet have one.

English language proficiency standardsare available on our admissions website. Any further questions should be forwarded to the Graduate Division atgradapplicant@uci.edu.

You are required to have three letters of recommendation submitted on your behalf. The letters should be submitted by your employer, client, peer or a former instructor. The letter writer should be main a discipline related to your proposed field of study who is in a position to analyze your abilities and academic promise.

Information onhow to submit letters of recommendationis available on the UCI graduate admissions website.

Yes, you can apply to more than one program. A separate application, application fee, and uploaded documents are required for each application.

You know the sales pitch: “you can be a superstar UXer in a brief period of time with our bootcamp!” If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Bootcamps are great for figuring out if you have any interest or aptitude for UX. They don’t reach the threshold you need to be considered an expert.

A Master’s degree is just what it says, a degree that indicates you have developed Mastery of a domain. At UCI, we take this very seriously. In our Master’s program, you won’t just create portfolio pieces. You will learn the fundamentals that underlie the theories, the tools, and the processes for conducting research, designing interactive systems, and working with developers. Once you are truly a master of these topics, building a strong design or research portfolio is easy.

The listedfeesinclude all costs for the program, except air, ground, or rail transportation required to attend the in person sessions (three total: September, March, September), and books. MHCID is a one-year program. Fees are subject to change each year. UC Irvine bills for fees each quarter.

Students visit campus three times, once in September, once in March, and once again the following September for graduation.

The first course of the program, IN4MAX 280, has two components, online and in-person. The in-person portion is held at UCI in early September. The schedule and dates are set in advance to accommodate for travel. Students also attend an online portion of the class over multiple days.

Two additional in person visits are required, one in late March for the Spring Intensive and Capstone Kickoff, and one in the following September for Commencement.

Our best advice is to not to plan anything other than attending and participating in the 280 course this week. Work and other appointments will most likely not be possible.