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College of Engineering

Human Centered Design and Engineering

428 Sieg Hall
206-543-2567
Website
Faculty Website
hcdehelp@uw.edu

In the department of Human Centered Design & Engineering (HCDE), students and faculty come together to design solutions for global challenges by tailoring technology to human needs and interests. By employing engineering approaches rooted in a broad range of disciplines, we investigate the interaction of people with technology and technical development. From user-centered design to human-computer interaction, we are designing the future. Students in HCDE build a strong foundation in designing user-experiences (UX) and -interfaces (UI), creating information visualizations, conducting usability research, designing for the web, and building web technologies. Students join research groups and collaborate with faculty to address a wide range of research and design challenges. HCDE graduates find jobs as multimedia and web developers, usability engineers, interface designers, user experience researchers, and information architects at high-tech companies.

 Undergraduate Program


Human Centered Design and Engineering

428 Sieg Hall
206-543-2567
hcdehelp@uw.edu

 Program of Study: Major: Human Centered Design and Engineering


Program Overview

Human Centered Design and Engineering (HCDE) undergraduate students learn design and engineering processes to solve problems through a deep understanding of people and their contexts. Students in the HCDE Bachelor of Science program graduate with an engineering degree and a strong foundation in designing user experiences and interfaces, creating information visualizations, conducting user research, designing for the web, and building web technologies. Upon graduation, students find jobs as user experience (UX) researchers and designers, multimedia and web developers, usability engineers, interface designers, and information architects at technology companies.

This program of study leads to the following credentials:
  • Bachelor of Science in Human Centered Design and Engineering degree
  • Bachelor of Science in Human Centered Design and Engineering degree: General Option
Continuation Policy

All students must make satisfactory academic progress in the major. Failure to do so results in probation, which can lead to dismissal from the major. For the complete continuation policy, contact the departmental adviser or refer to the department website.

 Bachelor of Science in Human Centered Design and Engineering degree


Credential Overview

Human Centered Design and Engineering (HCDE) undergraduate students learn design and engineering processes to solve problems through a deep understanding of people and their contexts. Students in the HCDE Bachelor of Science program graduate with an engineering degree and a strong foundation in designing user experiences and interfaces, creating information visualizations, conducting user research, designing for the web, and building web technologies. Upon graduation, students find jobs as user experience (UX) researchers and designers, multimedia and web developers, usability engineers, interface designers, and information architects at technology companies.

Admission Requirements

Engineering Undeclared Students

See section on College of Engineering Admission for additional details on Direct-to-College admission and placement process for Engineering Undeclared students. The deadline to submit a request for placement in an engineering major occurs annually on July 1.

If the number of Engineering Undeclared students requesting the major exceeds the department capacity for such students, a matching process is implemented. Factors considered include performance in prerequisite courses, quality of overall academic record, content of personal statement, applicable work or extracurricular activities, and other special circumstances as disclosed by the applicant.

Engineering Undeclared students in good standing with respect to the continuation criteria described below may request placement into an engineering major after completion of minimum requirements as specified below:

  1. ENGR 101
  2. English composition
  3. MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126 (or MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136)
  4. CHEM 142 (or CHEM 143 or CHEM 145)
  5. PHYS 121 (or PHYS 141)
  6. One course from list of approved courses on the College of Engineering website. Students are encouraged to choose a course required for graduation in the majors they are considering.
  7. Minimum 2.0 grade in each course used to satisfy a placement requirement.
  8. Minimum 12 credits as a matriculated UW student. Some departments require more credits. See department websites for details.

Students in good standing who do not meet the placement requirements by July 1 will be placed into a major on a conditional basis pending the completion of all placement requirements. Additional advising resources will be available to these students. See section on College of Engineering Continuation Policy for Engineering Undeclared Students for additional details.

Other Current UW Students and Transfer Students

Current UW students without Engineering Undeclared status and transfer students may apply. Admission is competitive.

  1. Admission is for autumn quarter. Application deadline: April 5.
  2. Minimum course requirements for application: 10 credits from MATH 120, MATH 124 (or Q SCI 291), MATH 125 (or Q SCI 292), MATH 126, MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136; one course from CSE 121, CSE 122, CSE 123, CSE 142, or CSE 160; one course from STAT 220, STAT 221, STAT 290, STAT 311, STAT 390, QMETH 201, Q SCI 381, EDPSY 490, IND E 315; three courses from CHEM 142, CHEM 143, CHEM 145, CHEM 152, CHEM 153, CHEM 155, CHEM 162, CHEM 165, PHYS 114, PHYS 115, PHYS 116, PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123, PHYS 141, PHYS 142, PHYS 143, NURS 301/B STR 301, BIOL 118, BIOL 180, BIOL 200, BIOL 220, PSYCH 202; 5 credits English composition; all courses completed prior to application deadline.
  3. Grade requirements: Minimum 2.0 grade in each course required for application; minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA in courses required for application

Factors evaluated include performance in prerequisite courses, quality of overall academic record, demonstrated ability to handle rigorous course load, record of honors, content of personal statement, applicable work or extracurricular activities, and other special circumstances as disclosed by the applicant.

Completion Requirements
Completion Requirements

180 credits

General Education Requirements

Basic Skills

  1. Written and Oral Communication (12 credits)
    1. English Composition: 5 credits from the University list
    2. Writing: 4 credits met by coursework in the major; remaining credits from the University list
  2. Reasoning (RSN) (5 credits): met by program requirements
  3. Diversity (DIV) (5 credits): courses may also apply to an Areas of Inquiry requirement. Of Special Note: For students admitted to the University prior to autumn quarter 2023, the DIV requirement is 3 credits.

Areas of Inquiry

  1. Arts and Humanities (A&H) and Social Sciences (SSc) (30 credits)
    1. A&H (10 credits)
    2. SSc (10 credits)
    3. Additional credits in A&H or SSc to bring total to 30 credits
  2. Natural Sciences (NSc) (50 credits)
    1. Mathematics (minimum 5 credits): see department website for list of approved courses
    2. Statistics (minimum 5 credits): see department website for list of approved courses
    3. 5 additional credits from Mathematics or Statistics list of approved courses
    4. Sciences (minimum 15 credits): see department website for list of approved courses
    5. Additional NSc courses from Mathematics, Statistics, or Sciences approved list of courses to bring total to 50 credits

Major Requirements

83 credits

  1. HCDE Core (46 credits): HCDE 302, HCDE 303, HCDE 308, HCDE 310, HCDE 313, HCDE 315 or HCDE 316, HCDE 321, HCDE 322, HCDE 351, HCDE 492, HCDE 493
  2. Engineering Fundamentals Electives (12 credits): see department website for list of approved courses; minimum one course from CSE 121, CSE 122, CSE 123, CSE 142, or CSE 160
  3. Experiential Learning Electives (2 credits): see department website for list of approved courses
  4. Engineering Electives (15 credits): see department website for list of approved courses
  5. Systems and Society Electives (8 credits): see department website for list of approved courses
  6. Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA for courses applied to major requirements
  7. Courses applied toward the Areas of Inquiry requirements cannot count toward major requirements.

Additional electives to reach 180 credits

 Bachelor of Science in Human Centered Design and Engineering degree: General Option


Credential Overview

Human Centered Design and Engineering (HCDE) undergraduate students learn design and engineering processes to solve problems through a deep understanding of people and their contexts. Students in the HCDE Bachelor of Science program graduate with an engineering degree and a strong foundation in designing user experiences and interfaces, creating information visualizations, conducting user research, designing for the web, and building web technologies. Upon graduation, students find jobs as user experience (UX) researchers and designers, multimedia and web developers, usability engineers, interface designers, and information architects at technology companies.

Admission Requirements
Engineering Undeclared Students

See section on College of Engineering Admission for additional details on Direct-to-College admission and placement process for Engineering Undeclared students. The deadline to submit a request for placement in an engineering major occurs annually on July 1.

If the number of Engineering Undeclared students requesting the major exceeds the department capacity for such students, a matching process is implemented. Factors considered include performance in prerequisite courses, quality of overall academic record, content of personal statement, applicable work or extracurricular activities, and other special circumstances as disclosed by the applicant.

Engineering Undeclared students in good standing with respect to the continuation criteria described below may request placement into an engineering major after completion of minimum requirements as specified below:

  1. ENGR 101
  2. English composition
  3. MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126 (or MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136)
  4. CHEM 142 (or CHEM 143 or CHEM 145)
  5. PHYS 121 (or PHYS 141)
  6. One course from list of approved courses on the College of Engineering website. Students are encouraged to choose a course required for graduation in the majors they are considering.
  7. Minimum 2.0 grade in each course used to satisfy a placement requirement.
  8. Minimum 12 credits as a matriculated UW student. Some departments require more credits. See department websites for details.

Students in good standing who do not meet the placement requirements by July 1 will be placed into a major on a conditional basis pending the completion of all placement requirements. Additional advising resources will be available to these students. See section on College of Engineering Continuation Policy for Engineering Undeclared Students for additional details.

Other Current UW Students and Transfer Students

Current UW students without Engineering Undeclared status and transfer students may apply. Admission is competitive.

  1. Admission is for autumn quarter. Application deadline: April 5.
  2. Minimum course requirements for application: 10 credits from MATH 120, MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136; one course from CSE 121, CSE 122, CSE 123, CSE 142, or CSE 160; one course from STAT 220, STAT 221, STAT 290, STAT 311, IND E 315; three courses from CHEM 142, CHEM 143, CHEM 145, CHEM 152, CHEM 153, CHEM 155, CHEM 162, CHEM 165, PHYS 114, PHYS 115, PHYS 116, PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123, PHYS 141, PHYS 142, PHYS 143, BIOL 118, BIOL 180, BIOL 200, PSYCH 202; 5 credits English composition; all courses completed prior to application deadline.
  3. Grade requirements: Minimum 2.0 grade in each course required for application; minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA in courses required for application

Factors evaluated include performance in prerequisite courses, quality of overall academic record, demonstrated ability to handle rigorous course load, record of honors, content of personal statement, applicable work or extracurricular activities, and other special circumstances as disclosed by the applicant.

Completion Requirements
Completion Requirements

180 credits

General Education Requirements

Basic Skills

  1. Written and Oral Communication (12 credits)
    1. English Composition: 5 credits from the University list
    2. Writing: 4 credits met by coursework in the major; remaining credits from the University list
  2. Reasoning (RSN) (5 credits): met by program requirements
  3. Diversity (DIV) (5 credits): courses may also apply to an Areas of Inquiry requirement. Of Special Note: For students admitted to the University prior to autumn quarter 2023, the DIV requirement is 3 credits.

Areas of Inquiry

  1. Arts and Humanities (A&H) and Social Sciences (SSc) (30 credits)
    1. A&H (10 credits)
    2. SSc (10 credits)
    3. Additional credits in A&H or SSc to bring total to 30 credits
  2. Natural Sciences (NSc) (50 credits)
    1. Mathematics (minimum 5 credits): see department website for list of approved courses
    2. Statistics (minimum 5 credits): see department website for list of approved courses
    3. 5 additional credits from Mathematics or Statistics list of approved courses
    4. Sciences (minimum 15 credits): see department website for list of approved courses
    5. Additional NSc courses from Mathematics, Statistics, or Sciences approved list of courses to bring total to 50 credits

Major Requirements

83 credits

  1. HCDE Core (46 credits): HCDE 302, HCDE 303, HCDE 308, HCDE 310, HCDE 313, HCDE 315 or HCDE 316, HCDE 321, HCDE 322, HCDE 351, HCDE 492, HCDE 493
  2. Engineering Fundamentals Electives (12 credits): see department website for list of approved courses; minimum one course from CSE 121, CSE 122, CSE 123, CSE 142, or CSE 160
  3. Experiential Learning Electives (2 credits): see department website for list of approved courses
  4. Engineering Electives (15 credits): see department website for list of approved courses
  5. Systems and Society Electives (8 credits): see department website for list of approved courses
  6. Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA for courses applied to major requirements
  7. Courses applied toward the Areas of Inquiry requirements cannot count toward major requirements.

Additional electives to reach 180 credits


Additional Information

Department of Human Centered Design and Engineering Policy on Double Degrees

Students majoring in human centered design and engineering may not earn a double degree with the Bachelor of Science in Informatics degree or any of its credential options, or the Bachelor of Design degree in Interaction Design.

Additional Information

As of winter quarter 2024, the option credential in Data Science is no longer offered. As of autumn quarter 2023, the option credential in Human-Computer Interaction is no longer offered. Please refer to the UW Seattle General Catalog Archive for information about these option credentials.

Student Outcomes and Opportunities

  • Expected Outcomes: HCDE BS graduates contribute to society by applying design and engineering processes to solve problems through a deep understanding of people and their contexts. In particular, they are leaders in:
    • Investigating people and systems, using quantitative and qualitative methods, to identify opportunities for new systems and strengths and weaknesses of existing systems.
    • Designing, building, and evaluating systems according to a variety of perspectives, with an emphasis on understanding the relationships between social and technical elements of systems.
    • Bringing ideas to actualization through expertise in design strategy and processes, effective communication and collaboration skills, and ethical perspectives.
    • Identifying and learning new skills, perspectives, and tools that help them and others accomplish their goals.

    The Department of Human Centered Design and Engineering prepares students to assume positions in industry, government, and non-profit organizations and to apply to graduate programs.

  • Instructional and Research Facilities: Department facilities include the HCDE Design Laboratory and Laboratory for Usability Testing and Evaluation (LUTE).
  • Honors Options Available: With College Honors (Completion of Honors Core Curriculum and Departmental Honors). With Honors (Completion of Departmental Honors requirements in the major). See adviser for requirements.
  • Research, Internships, and Service Learning: HCDE undergraduates are required to complete at least one 3-credit internship. The supervised internship must be approved by the faculty internship adviser. As an internship substitution, students may elect to take part in a six-month co-op, sponsored by the Engineering Co-op program. Additionally, undergraduates work in research groups with HCDE faculty and graduate students.
  • Department Scholarships: HCDE selects one recipient of a College of Engineering Scholarship annually. The criteria for this scholarship are the applicant's academic history and likelihood for success in the technical communication field.
  • Student Organizations/Associations: Students in the HCDE degree program participate in student activities such as the HCDE Student Association, the Minority Science and Engineering Program (MSEP), and Women in Science and Engineering (WISE).

Of Special Note: The HCDE department is an inclusive, hitersiciplinary academic community. Students generally call their professors by their first name and have the opportunity to work individually on projects and research supervised by HCDE faculty. Undergraduate students are encouraged to work in research groups and to attend conferences and professional meetings.

 Graduate Programs


Human Centered Design and Engineering


 Program of Study: Doctor Of Philosophy (Human Centered Design And Engineering)


Program Overview

An engineering degree. The program provides experience for students interested in studying the conception, design, implementation, use, evaluation, and effects of technologies. HCDE's interdisciplinary faculty hold graduate degrees from fields such as computer science, industrial engineering, information studies, design, education, English, linguistics, public policy, and technology and society studies. The faculty's research and teaching focus on six areas of study: influencing awareness, thinking, and behavior; design for emergent collaborations and organizations; low resource and underserved populations; material and embodied technologies, and ubiquitous computing; data visualization and big data; and learning in professional and technical environments. Early in the program, students may explore different topics and research areas through directed research groups and other independent projects. Goals: Prepare graduates for a career as researchers, teachers, and intellectual leaders in the discipline of HCDE Enable graduates to develop theoretical frameworks, apply investigative methods, and translate theory and research findings into technical or strategic innovations in the field of HCDE Foster development and dissemination of new knowledge in HCDE Foster development of an international, multi-cultural perspective and a diverse, inclusive student body and workforce in HCDE

This program of study leads to the following credential:
  • Doctor Of Philosophy (Human Centered Design And Engineering)
Admission Requirements

Graduate degree program admission requirements vary. Please see this program's Graduate Admissions Page for specific requirements.

 Doctor Of Philosophy (Human Centered Design And Engineering)


Completion Requirements

90 credits

  1. Foundations (6 credits): HCDE 541, HCDE 543
  2. Theory (12 credits): HCDE 542, HCDE 546, one additional theory elective from course list maintained by the program
  3. Methods (12 credits): HCDE 544, HCDE 545, one additional methods elective from course list maintained by the program
  4. Concentration (12 credits): Identified between student and advisor
  5. Research Group (10 credits): HCDE 596
  6. Dissertation (27 credits): HCDE 800
  7. Electives (11 credits): To meet required credit total

 Program of Study: Graduate Certificate in User Centered Design


Program Overview

The graduate certificate in User Centered Design (UCD) is an in-person, evening, graduate-level program in the department of Human Centered Design & Engineering for students who want to enhance their skills in user experience (UX) research and design. In this five-course, 15 credit graduate certificate program, students explore how usability studies and interaction design can influence web design and product development, and look at the latest innovations in the field. UCD Certificate students study the latest theories and practices to keep user needs at the forefront of each stage of the design process.

This program of study leads to the following credential:
  • Graduate Certificate in User Centered Design (fee-based)
Admission Requirements

Contact department for requirements.

 Graduate Certificate in User Centered Design (fee-based)


Completion Requirements

Total credits: 15


Required courses (11 credits): HCDE 517, 518, 521, 525

Choose one from (4 credits): HCDE 508, 511, 515, 536, 537

 Program of Study: Master Of Science In Human Centered Design And Engineering


Program Overview

The department offers a Master of Science in Human Centered Design and Engineering (MS HCDE) - an engineering degree. An evening program is offered through UW Educational Outreach, serving full time and part time students. Upon completion of the HCDE MS degree, students assume leadership roles in human-centered design and engineering in academia, industry, government, and non-profits. HCDE MS graduates are able to: Evaluate and understand human needs as a basis for designing and engineering new technologies. Master conceptual frameworks that motivate interdisciplinary research and design in HCDE. Select and critically evaluate user research methods for a variety of stakeholders and product contexts. Create visual, interactive, experience, and systems designs and prototypes. Translate organizational requirements into interface and product solutions, while accounting for all stakeholder perspectives and working ethically and collaboratively. Communicate effectively in oral, written, and visual forms, while scaling communications to audience needs and sociotechnical contexts.

This program of study leads to the following credentials:
  • Master Of Science In Human Centered Design And Engineering
  • Master Of Science In Human Centered Design And Engineering (fee-based)
Admission Requirements

Graduate degree program admission requirements vary. Please see this program's Graduate Admissions Page for specific requirements.

 Master Of Science In Human Centered Design And Engineering


Completion Requirements

50 credits

  1. Core courses (24 credits): HCDE 501, HCDE 516 OR HCDE 519, HCDE 517, HCDE 518, HCDE 592, HCDE 593
  2. Strategy (at least 4 credits): Course list maintained internally by the program.
  3. Design (at least 4 credits): Course list maintained internally by the program.
  4. Engineering (at least 4 credits): Course list maintained internally by the program.
  5. HCDE Electives (to meet required total credits): Course list maintained internally by the program.

 Master Of Science In Human Centered Design And Engineering (fee-based)


Completion Requirements

50 credits

  1. Core courses (24 credits): HCDE 501, HCDE 516 OR HCDE 519, HCDE 517, HCDE 518, HCDE 592, HCDE 593
  2. Strategy (at least 4 credits): Course list maintained internally by the program.
  3. Design (at least 4 credits): Course list maintained internally by the program.
  4. Engineering (at least 4 credits): Course list maintained internally by the program.
  5. HCDE Electives (to meet required total credits): Course list maintained internally by the program.