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Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis

Ph.D. Plan of Study

The Ph.D. in Informatics with a Human-Computer Interaction specialization is 90-credit-hour program that integrates computing, usability, interface design, the social sciences and other disciplines in the design and development of user-friendly technologies, software and information systems.

The program includes core courses, research rotations, your choice of minor, qualifying examinations and a dissertation.

Core A – Foundations in Human-Computer Interaction (18 cr.)

  • I541 Interaction Design Practice (3 cr.)
  • I561 Human-Computer Interaction II (3 cr.)
  • I563 Psychology of Human-Computer Interaction (3 cr.)
  • I543 Usability and Evaluative Methods (3 cr.)
  • I575 Informatics Research Design (3 cr.)
  • I624 Advanced Seminar I in Human-Computer Interaction (3 cr.)

Core B – Foundations of Informatics (15 cr.)

  • I501 Introduction to Informatics (3 cr.)
  • I600 Professionalism and Pedagogy in Informatics (3 cr.)
  • I564 Prototyping for Interactive Systems (3 cr.)
  • I790 Research Rotations (6 cr.)
  • I634 Advanced Seminar II in Human-Computer Interaction (3 cr.)

Independent Study/Rotation (6 cr.)

May be taken twice

  • INFO I790 Independent Study/Rotation (3 cr.)

Research Theory/Methods (6-12 cr.)

Additional courses in research methods are required to better prepare you in the necessary theory, knowledge and techniques of quantitative and qualitative methodologies. These courses may be taken from programs outside the School of Informatics, such as the social sciences (e.g., psychology, anthropology, sociology, or communication).

Electives (minimum 9 cr.)

You may take other electives (subject to approval) at the graduate level as needed for your specific research.

Minor (9-15 cr.)

You must complete a minor of graduate-level courses within a domain appropriate to your choice of specialization/research area.

Qualifying Examinations

  1. Written Exam – You must successfully complete a written qualifying examination by the end of the program’s second year. The exam is established by faculty and covers subject matter taken in the program’s core courses. The exam may be retaken once.
  2. Oral Exam – An oral examination takes place within weeks after successful completion of the written exam. You must pass both the written and oral exam before passing on to Ph.D. candidacy. The oral exam is based on the student’s response to the written exam and core course material. The exam may be retaken once.

Dissertation

A dissertation is a written elaboration of original research that makes creative contributions to your chosen area of specialization. Students will enroll multiple times in INFO 890 Thesis Readings and Research (1-12 cr.) as you work to complete your dissertation. All requirements must be completed within seven years of passing the qualifying exams. The dissertation process includes the following components:

  1. Proposal – This is an in-depth oral review undertaken by students who have made significant progress in their research. The proposal will be defended at a public colloquium. You must complete the proposal within one year of passing the qualifying exams.
  2. Defense – You must defend your dissertation in an open seminar scheduled when doctoral research is almost complete.

Please refer to the IUPUI Graduate School Bulletin for more details on the dissertation process.