10 Best Affordable HCI Masters Programs

Interested in learning about how humans interact with technology? Earning one of the best affordable HCI masters programs at an information school is the right choice. It doesn’t matter whether you study at Cornell University, New York University, Tufts University, Stanford University, or any of the other best HCI programs on this list. It will provide you with the skills you need to work in the science business.

A masters degree human computer interaction institute is one of the most flexible degrees around. It can be tailored to fit your individual interests. The human-computer interaction (HCI) field is a rather new academic field. It meets the need for current practitioners. It’s also becoming one of the more established disciplines in the business world. HCI professionals are in demand. They also make a competitive salary.

Featured Programs

Human-computer interaction (HCI) is a dynamic field. Technology is advancing. HCI is more important than ever before. Want to work in any industry that involves computers or software? Then you need to pursue an education in  human computer interaction.

See Also: 10 Best Master’s in Industrial Engineering

What is Human-Computer Interaction?

What exactly is human-computer interaction? It is a rather new academic field. It will teach you how to develop, create, and analyze the computer systems of now. You’ll also develop systems for the future. You’ll understand exactly how these systems impact individuals. That’s along with business and society, too.

Earn a master’s degree in human-computer interaction. You could work in rewarding fields like:

• project management
• front-end design and technology
• development
• interaction design
• human factors engineering

Of course, user experience design is another popular field.

Your human computer interaction MS degree will provide you with the skills you need to create new information technologies. You’ll work with internal and external client modules that recognize human behavior. They can also recognize external factors like:

• time
• motion
• sound
• aesthetics

These are all in the name of giving end users a better experience.

Are you a computer whiz? There’s a good chance that the challenging coursework you’ll encounter in one of the top master’s in user experience design programs doesn’t worry you at all. Instead, it might be logistics that has you breaking out in a cold sweat. It could be the thought of finances.

The good news? Earning a master’s degree doesn’t have to be a gargantuan endeavor. Sure, your coursework will demand your full attention. That doesn’t mean you have to take classes full-time. Plenty of graduate students continue to work. That’s while earning their degrees on a part-time basis. 

See Also: Best Online Master’s Programs in HCI

Advantages of These Programs

Take online HCI master’s classes. Participate in a human computer interaction institute. You’ll be able to create a course schedule that allows the best of both worlds. The top user experience degree master’s programs are flexible enough to let you design your own academic field program. They offer maximum convenience.

Of course, all of the MS HCI options we’ll tell you about from these various university departments are affordable, too. There’s a good chance that you already exhausted your budget for a bachelor’s degree. You might be worried about how you’re going to pay for a master’s degree on an already-tight budget. 

Earn an online degree. Even just take a few classes online. This is a great way to save money. Many schools offer reduced tuition fees for students online rather than on-campus. Of course, you also won’t have to worry about footing the bill for other expenses. These include things like parking, transportation, and room and board. 

And if online learning just isn’t for you, don’t worry! There are plenty of other ways you can save money. All while while earning a master’s in human-computer interaction! That’s regardless of whether you study for full time six months for one year, part time for two years, or somewhere in between. Take a look at the 10 best affordable master’s in human-computer interaction. It’s a great place to start!

Dive in now to learn more about the best M.S. in HCI degree programs in the country. 

See Also: 10 Online Master’s in Computer Engineering

What Are the Best Master’s in Human-Computer Interaction Degrees?

We know that you have educational goals that you’re itching to pursue. You may not know where to start. The editors of Master’s Programs Guide has a unique ranking methodology. It’s based on the following five aspects:

25% Overall Degree Affordability: Average cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition per school

25% Graduation Rate: Number of students who start at the university and actually finish there

20% Earnings Potential: Average mid-career salary of school alumni

20% Selectivity: The number of students who apply versus the number who actually get accepted

10% Online Graduate Offerings: The number of degree programs offered online in each department

At Master’s Programs Guide, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals at a well known school. We’ve compiled this list of some of the best HCI programs.

See Also: Best Affordable Online Master’s in Computer Engineering

#1. Georgia Institute of Technology

Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction

Georgia Institute of Technology offers the best online master’s in human-computer interaction degree program. Georgia Institute of Technology is frequently referred to as “Georgia Tech.” It is a public research university that is part of the extensive University System of Georgia.

HCI is one of the more established disciplines here. There is a dedicated media lab that you can enjoy. It has campuses in:

• Savannah, GA
• France
• Singapore
• China
• Ireland

This is in addition to its main campus in Atlanta. The master of science in HCI will teach you how to create user interfaces that are not only easy to use. They are also enjoyable to interact with. The degree program is offered as a collaboration between four departments. These four departments are: 

• Industrial Design
• Psychology
• Literature, Media and Communication (LMC)
• Science Business

You’ll take classes from all four departments for the human computer interaction masters. You’ll complete a total of 36 credit hours of coursework. You’ll also work in the media lab. This is for a total of three to four semesters. Georgia Tech offers you the chance to add elective courses. For example, you can take classes from the school of engineering. You can also take things like:

• Art history
• Industrial and systems engineering
• Product design
• Human centered design
• Architecture
• Design and technology
• Music technology

You’ll work with 50 faculty in a myriad of research labs and centers. Examples include the GVU Center and the Sonification Lab. You’ll be supported in your computer science research and coursework.  You’ll work with engaging faculty, and academic advisors.

Graduate from this best HCI master’s program. You’ll also be able to tap into a supportive global alumni network. They’ll support you in your search for a lifelong career.

#2. Iowa State University

Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Human Computer Interaction 

Are you looking for a fast-paced human computer interaction masters program?  Don’t want to study in the big city? Like you might at New York University or Stanford University? The HCI masters at Iowa State is a great choice. It is located in Ames, IA. ISU is the largest university in the state and a member of the Big 12. 

Iowa State University school is known for its groundbreaking initiatives. It was coeducational from its start. It was also the state’s first designated land-grant institution. Its Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction is no less impressive!

You’ll learn how to design and evaluate systems. These interaction human systems are focused on end users. It is a multidisciplinary degree. It is also available at the doctoral and certificate levels. Human computer interaction courses include:

• Design and Ethics
• Communication Technologies and Social Change
• Design and Evaluation of Human-Computer Interaction

Information science courses for HCI programs break down into four core realms:

• Evaluation
• Phenomena
• Implementation
• Design

All in all, you’ll be tasked with taking four classes. There’s one from each category.

You can also take a variety of electives. Examples include:

• Computer science
• Social sciences
• Human factors
• Project management
• Computer interface design
• Design and engineering
• Human centered design

You can tailor your degree toward your specific goals and interests. This program has affordable tuition. There are multiple financial aid opportunities available. 

#3. University of Kansas

Masters in Interaction and User Experience Design

The UX Design master’s at the University of Kansas is another one to put at the top of our list. The University of Kansas is similar to to the University of Wisconsin Madison, in that it is a public research university. It will educate you in the theory, practices, and methods of interaction design.

This degree from the University of Kansas includes 31 credit hours of coursework. Twelve of these are in the major. You’ll take classes in:

• Consumer experiences
• Designing business services
• Design user experiences
• Strategic design innovation
• Design management
• Design strategies and methods

You can then take electives, a research project, and a thesis.

You might explore:

• Web development
• Interaction design
• Inventive design
• User experiences
• Human machine systems design
• UX research
• Product design
• Human experience design interactions

This is an engaging and high-quality interaction design degree program. The information school degree is also affordable. You’ll pay a flat rate for fees. Tuition is charged per credit hour. Tuition rates on the Edwards campus are the same. This is  regardless of your residency. There are no limitations on how many credit hours you can take. Plus, you may qualify for financial aid. Examples include the JRCERT Scholarship along with grants and student loans. 

#4. University of California Irvine

Master of Human-Computer Interaction & Design Program

Another one of the best human computer interaction graduate programs can be found at the University of California Irvine. It is widely recognized as offering one of the top master’s in experience design. It is one of the ten campuses of the University of California System. The University of California Irvine is home to more than 36,000 students. They are enrolled in more than 200 programs of study.

The University of California Irvine offers research initiatives. It is known for its computer science programs. It’s also known for its contribution to the tech industry. UC Irvine is rated as a Public Ivy. It is regarded as having a quality of education that is comparable to what you might find at a more expensive Ivy League institution. 

The Master of Human-Computer Interaction and Design program at the University of California Irvine is a mixed format, low-residency degree. You can take most classes online. You will be able to engage with other learners by accelerated on-campus visits. These take place just a few times over the course of the program. This HCI degree offers all the logistical benefits and affordability of online learning. Plus there’s all the flexibility and support of on-campus education. Not to mention low student-faculty ratios!

The University of California Irvine has a highly interdisciplinary program. It will give you the flexibility you need to complete your master’s. You can also continue in your profession. You’ll learn from UC Irvine faculty. They have diverse interests in fields like:

• Computer science
• Art and design
• Cognitive psychology

You will even be able to complete a hands-on project component for an external client.

Some of the information science and other cutting edge topics you might study at UC Irvine include:

• Computer graphics technology
• Interactive computing
• Interactive design
• UX design research
• Industrial design
• Human robot interaction
• Computer interface design
• Artificial intelligence
• Design thinking
• Design and engineering
• Product design

#5. University of Maryland

Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction (HCIM)

The University of Maryland at College Park is known for being one of the best schools. It has a top HCI masters program. This school provides students with hands-on experience in the industry. This helps them make a serious impact—and land jobs, of course!

The University of Maryland HCIM degree is no exception. You can work with more than 400 computer science industry partners. You can engage in hands-on learning at the school’s world-renowned research centers and labs. You’ll learn the theoretical information you need to leverage information technology. You’ll make a positive social impact. Plus, you will gain the technical skills necessary to design and develop interfaces for all users.

You’ll complete 30 credit hours of information science courses. This is done within the span of just two years. Human computer interaction courses include:

• Interaction Design Studio
• Introduction to HCI Fundamentals
• User Experience Research Methods

In your elective courses, you will study topics related to:

• Design thinking
• Interactive design
• Product design
• User design
• User experience
• User research

Of course, you’ll complete a capstone project, final project, or thesis. You will be able to take several elective courses, too. 

This is a well known and highly affordable program. The University of Maryland College Park HCIM degree charges tuition at a rate of just $731 per credit hour. This is for in-state students. You can take courses during the winter or summer semester. This can reduce the amount of time you need to spend in school. Of course, financial aid is available, too.

#6. SUNY College at Oswego

Master of Arts in Human-Computer Interaction

The SUNY College of Oswego’s degree in human-computer interaction is one of the best UX design master’s program options. It is ideal for students seeking a more flexible option. It has a rolling admissions policy. You can apply at any time. Most students take just two years to complete the HCI degree.

Cornell University isn’t the only school in New York to offer one of the best human computer interaction masters program options. It might not be an Ivy League School. Yet SUNY College at Oswego has one of the best HCI programs in the state. It is offered in windy Oswego, NY. It includes 33 credit hours of courses in research and design. This includes studies in:

• Computer science
• Human factors
• UX design
• Human centered computing
• Human centered design
• Human factors engineering

It’s incredibly affordable. Tuition only costs $471 per credit hour.

The HCI specialization curriculum at SUNY Oswego is an interdisciplinary program. As an interdisciplinary degree, it blends concepts from:

• Graphic design
• Social science
• Design thinking
• User experience
• User design
• Computer science

You can learn crucial user-centered design approaches. You’ll need these to create mobile apps and software design programs. It’s also useful for creating computer games and websites. 

Other topics you might explore include:

• Interaction design
• Interactive computing
• User interface design
• Design thinking
• Human side factors

You can choose from two tracks to help you meet your goals. There’s a project/thesis track. There’s also a professional track. If your interests lie in research, the project/thesis track is the best choice for you. Industry-minded individuals will want to pursue the professional track. This includes courses in business.

Whatever the case may be, you’ll complete information science core classes such as:

• Graphical User Interfaces
• HCI Methods I-Design and Evaluation
• Systems Simulation
• Graduate Multimedia
• Computer science

Courses are project-heavy. They strongly emphasize:

• Hands-on learning
• User research
• Work in the media lab
• Gaining practical skills for professional practice. 

#7. DePaul University

Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction

The College of Computing and Digital Media at DePaul University is another top contender. It offers another one of the best Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction degrees. It includes information science core courses such as:

• HCI Design Fundamentals
• Website Design for HCI
• Prototyping and Implementation
• Foundations of Human-Computer Interaction

The program culminates in a capstone project. You’ll apply all of the skills you have learned in one comprehensive project. 

When you enroll, you’ll benefit from a diverse program. It not only includes quality courses like these:

• Human centered computing
• UX design
• User research
• Human centered design
• User experience
• Human machine systems design

It is also taught by engaging instructors. It is affordable and effective. This university offers some of the best career outcomes around. It has a 94% career placement rate within six months of graduation. It has low tuition rates and excellent career outcomes. The return on investment here can’t be beaten.

This is due in part to the high caliber of education. It is also due to the fact that you’ll be able to engage in faculty research projects. You can participate in these projects for independent study credit. You can also apply to become a graduate assistant. 

There are plenty of ways to get involved besides just research. You can contribute to student organizations. Examples include the Chicago Interaction Design Association and XD Roundtable. You’ll have access to the school’s extensive alumni network. This includes professionals at all kinds of Fortune 500 companies in Chicago. This human computer interaction masters program is the best!

#8. Indiana University-Bloomington

Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction

The Department of Informatics at Indiana University Bloomington is another to consider. It offers one of the best Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction Design programs. It is an intensive two-year program. It will help you learn the theories and techniques of HCI. You’ll learn everything behind the creation of new media. You’ll also learn interactive tools and systems. You can make a real difference in the lives of software users everywhere.

This is a STEM-designated program. This computer science degree at Indiana University Bloomington culminates in a capstone project. You can showcase your unique work in a design space of your own choosing. It includes information science core themes in:

• interaction design
• UX research
• academic scholarship
• creative activity
• design strategy

In this HCI specialization at Indiana University Bloomington, you’ll work closely with industry partners. You’ll do interviews, observations, and design activities. You’ll also develop skills in:

• Media arts
• Visual arts
• Human machines system design
• Research and design
• Design thinking
• User research
• Product design
• User experience
• Information technologies 

IU Bloomington has a groundbreaking curriculum. It was the first in the United States to emphasize design as an equal partner to HCI. Its design lab is often compared to the famed Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT Media Lab).

This is an affordable interdisciplinary program. It features low tuition rates and ample financial aid opportunities. You’ll benefit from great flexibility. You can choose your classes and design your own schedule. Plus you’ll have access to media lab resources. You can take up to 15 elective credits. Options include:

• Disney: Tech Tourism and Leisure
• Introduction to Virtual Reality
• Field Deployments
• Mobile and Pervasive Design

#9. Carnegie Mellon University

Master of Human-Computer Interaction

The Carnegie Mellon University HCI master’s degree is the first program of its kind in the entire world. It is dedicated to preparing professionals for careers in:

• user experience design
• user-centered research
• human-computer interaction

This program offers a rigorous computer science curriculum. It is meant to be completed over the course of just one year. 

This program at Carnegie Mellon University is unique. You will join a cohort of students. Together you will complete the entirety of your courses. You’ll learn from a diverse group of peers. Plus there are innovative, engaging faculty. You’ll complete your studies with a flagship seven-month capstone. This pairs you with an external industry client. Core classes include:

• Communications in HCI
• User-Centered Research and Evaluation
• Interaction Design Studio

At Carnegie Mellon, you might also explore topics related to:

• Human centered design
• Design impact
• Digital media
• User research
• Visual arts
• Interactive computing
• Interactive systems
• User experience
• User interface design

The degree has a mixed format. You can explore many different subjects.

The school graduated its first class in 1997. This is the longest running HCI master’s. Carnegie Mellon University has graduated more than 1,000 students. You’ll be able to work closely with this alumni group. This degree is not only one of the best affordable masters in human-computer interaction. It is also one that has an excellent return on investment. 

#10. Michigan State University

Master of Arts in Human-Computer Interaction

Not to be confused with the University of Michigan! Michigan State University is known for being one of the best UX design schools around. It offers a Master of Arts in Human-Computer Interaction. This degree will prepare you both for direct entry into the industry. It can also prepare you for eventual Ph.D. work. 

This computer science major at Michigan State University contains core classes  such as:

• Media and Information Policy
• Theories of Media and Information
• Understanding Users Social Computing
• Web Development
• Interaction Design
• User Research
• Human Factors
• Human Centered Design

You will learn how to understand and anticipate user needs. You’ll also learn how to generate technology designs. These address user experience needs. They can bring solutions to life. 

The degree has a strong emphasis on social media prototyping and computing. It will allow you to engage closely with the cutting-edge technology you need. You will be able to impart both social and industry change. 

This degree program is also affordable. It has low tuition rates and generous financial aid. In the 2019-2020 academic year alone, Michigan State University awarded more than $1,130,531,413 in financial aid! You may be eligible for grants, assistantships, and student loans. Be sure to apply!

OTHER NOTABLE PROGRAMS 

#11. Rice University

Location: Houston, TX

Degree: Master of Human-Computer Interaction & Human Factors

Net Price: $38,438

Website        

#12. Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis

Location: Indianapolis, IN

Degree: Master of Science in HCI Curriculum

Net Price: $9,662

Website

#13. University of Washington

Location: Seattle, WA

Degree: Master of Human-Computer Interaction and Design at the University of Washington

Net Price: $16,590

Website

#14. Drexel University

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Degree: MSI In Human-Computer Interaction & User Experience

Net Price: $34,995a

Website

#15. Rochester Institute of Technology 

Location: Rochester, NY

Degree: Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction

Net Price: $45,808

Website

Frequently Asked Questions

What is required to earn a degree in human-computer interaction?

Each school will be unique when it comes time to earn your master’s degree in a human factors or user research area. What each program requires students to do varies greatly. However, there are a few commonalities that most share.

Let’s take a look at one of the most popular programs in human-computer interaction. This is the one offered by Georgia Tech University. Georgia Tech offers a total of 36 credit hours of study. You must maintain a 3.0 GPA in all of your courses. 

This includes all core, specialization, and project-based (or capstone) courses. It also includes elective courses. These might include:

• Graphic Design
• User Research
• Information Management
• Inventive Design

You’ll also complete an internship to gain industry experience. 

A university might have additional requirements. You might conduct original research. You could work with a professor to further their research. You might even take special courses that prepare you for life after graduation. For example, you might take a course exploring different career options. Your own interests are at play, too. Depending on your area of focus, the classes needed to graduate might change.

What are the best human computer interaction HCI degrees?

As an interdisciplinary field, it’s easy to find a human computer interaction HCI degree. Finding the best human computer interaction HCI degree is another story! It is a rather new academic field compared to other more established disciplines.

Look for programs that will allow you to gain the skills in science, business, and technology you need for career success. You should plan on taking courses in other fields, like art history, too. Plenty of time in a media lab is also essential!

You’ll find the best masters programs linked earlier in this post. However, you can also find top human computer interaction graduate programs at:

• Tufts University
• New York University
• Cornell University
• University of Michigan Ann Arbor
• University of Wisconsin Madison
• University of Washington
• The Massachusetts Institute of Technology

What do I need to apply for a master’s degree in human-computer interaction?

Most university departments enroll students twice per year. This is once in the fall and spring semester. Some, like Georgia Tech or Stanford University, only offer open the application process in the fall. Some take things one step further. They offer summer or winter admission. That’s in addition to spring and summer. This makes the process of applying to and starting your degree easier than ever. 

Many university departments have also waived GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores. This is in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s worth checking to see whether you need GRE scores. Give yourself plenty of time to take this test in case you decide to retake for a higher score. 

All schools, including Georgia Tech University, require that students submit undergraduate transcripts. This doesn’t always have to be in human-computer interaction. It should be from a related field like computer science or even psychology. Most schools have posted undergraduate GPAs, too. In the case of Georgia Tech, you must have a 3.0. Others, like Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, ask for a 2.75.

In most cases, having a GPA below this cut-off does not always disqualify you. You might be asked to submit additional supplemental materials. These might include:

• a statement of purpose
• portfolio
• two letters of recommendation
• a resume

Most schools will take a look at your application as a whole. They will evaluate the entire package as a holistic entity. This is rather than by one qualifying component. You’ll submit a graduate school application. You may also submit an application fee. The amount varies, but the average fee is around $40. 

It doesn’t matter what your background or timeline for admission might be. It’s always a good idea to get in touch with the admissions department. Schools frequently update their list of admissions requirements. Many require unique pieces. These might not be listed as necessary for other schools. Get in touch with schools well before the application window. That way you are prepared .

For example, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville has a specific statement of purpose topics that must be addressed. Other schools don’t ask for a statement of purpose at all! 

Do your research ahead of time. You’ll be thanking yourself once you start filling out applications later on. 

Is there financial aid available for master’s degrees in human-computer interaction? 

Are you pursuing one of the best human-computer interaction master’s programs? You’ll have more to think about than your application materials alone. 

How are you going to pay for your education? Make no bones about it. Earning a master’s degree can be expensive. Fears over the cost of attendance (or all the student loans you might have to take on) shouldn’t deter you from applying to graduate school.

There is some good news about attending graduate school today. More schools, government entities, and outreach organizations are doing everything they can. They want to make college more affordable. 

Before you start making a finalized list of all the schools to which you intend to apply, take a close look at their tuition and fees. Keep an open mind while you’re doing this. This should especially be the case when it comes to public vs private schools. There’s an unfortunate misconception out there that private schools are always more expensive than public schools. That is simply not the case.

Many private schools wind up being more affordable than public schools. They offer additional financial aid and scholarship. That’s not always the case. Yet it’s worth checking into what your “net price” will be. Don’t just look at what the school’s “sticker price” is. 

Tuition can be charged on a per-credit-hour or per-semester basis. The per-credit-hour model is far more popular for master’s degrees. Be sure you pay attention to all the fine print, too. Some schools, like Georgia Institute of Technology, charge higher tuition prices for in-demand programs. Human-computer interaction is an example!

Research all of the financial aid and scholarship opportunities that exist. You can usually find ample resources by connecting with the financial aid department at your school. You can often find outside awards with organizations in your community, too. 

Many of these are available to students regardless of academic standing. This is instead of relying on some other aspect of your application. Some outside scholarships to consider include:

• the AFCEA Tidewater Chapter Scholarship offered by the Armed Forces Communications-Electronics Association
• the Jibril Griffin Scholarship from the Always Giving Back Foundation

Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This will determine your eligibility for federal and state financial aid. This includes grants and student loans. Many universities use it to determine eligibility for institutional aid as well. 

Another misconception that people have about graduate school is that it’s far more expensive than undergraduate school. Also, that there will be limited financial aid available. It’s true that financial aid resources tend to be targeted more toward students who are working on bachelor’s degrees. Yet there are plenty of opportunities for graduate degrees too.

You just need to know where to look. Starting with your school’s financial aid department (and completing the FAFSA!) are both excellent places to start. 

What kinds of jobs can I get with a degree in human-computer interaction?

Once you have a diploma in hand, all that’s left is to find a job. You likely won’t have to look for a job in established disciplines for too long. There are many career opportunities.

The need for professionals with skills in established disciplines exists in more places than you might even realize. From the cars we drive that must be equipped with computers to map our route. Even the way we vote for our next president. Just about every aspect of our daily lives has been put into the hands (or should we say keys?) of computers.

You’ll studying everything from behavioral science to business courses to interactive media. Your master’s program will prepare you for work in all sorts of areas. This might include employment in the areas of international affairs. You might work in higher education. Even information architecture to jobs, software developers, or in computer science business applications.

There is a demand for people who know how to design and update the computers. So there are plenty of new job opportunities to explore! The top master’s in experience design will give you the skills you need to make an impact And to land one of those job opportunities, too!

How much can I make with a master’s degree in human-computer interaction? 

You’ll have plenty of options for working in established disciplines. There’s the potential to earn a high salary, too. Most students go on to careers in:

• user experience design (UX design)
• engineering (or software development and engineering)
• researching

It can be tough to find reliable information on what to expect in terms of a salary. That’s because this is a relatively new field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has yet to report any data.

A web programmer or web designer are two career paths that loosely cover user experience design. You can expect to earn an average salary of around $77,2000. The earners in the top 10% earn more than $146,430. Many of these professionals work on a freelance or per-contract basis. The sky is truly the limit when it comes to how much money you can make! This is especially true if you join a Silicon Valley firm. Big tech is huge!

These jobs are in high demand, too. They are expected to grow by about 8% by 2029. Why such a surge in growth? There are a myriad of factors behind the surge. The most obvious is that e-commerce is rapidly growing. Retail firms are expanding their online offerings as well. Couple that with a growth in the use of mobile devices to search the web. There’s an increased need for professionals who can make websites and interfaces more user-friendly for mobile browsing.

Another career you might pursue with a degree in human-computer interaction is in software development. You can expect to earn a high median pay of around $110,140 per year. This average salary is for workers with bachelor’s degrees. Those with master’s degrees will enjoy even higher wages. 

An additional benefit of choosing a career as a software developer? You’ll create the systems and applications that run on computers or other devices. You’ll enjoy plenty of job prospects. Workers are in high demand for this field. There’s a job outlook for the next generation of workers at 22%. That’s significantly higher than the national average of 5%. It is fueled, in part, by the growth in the use of tablet and smartphone applications.

Related:

• 35 Best Affordable Masters in Computer Science
• Best Affordable Online Masters in Computer Engineering
• Best Affordable Online Master’s in Human-Computer Interactions