100%
Online Option
$270
Tuition Cost per Credit
< 1 year
Average Completion*
Design for People. Improve Technology.
Create Better Experiences.
Technology is only effective when people can use it.
Human-computer interaction (HCI) focuses on the relationship between people and technology, exploring how digital products, systems, and interfaces can be designed to be intuitive, accessible, useful, and engaging.
The Undergraduate Certificate in Human-Computer Interaction at Athens State University provides focused study of the principles and practices used to understand users and create better interactions between people and technology. Whether you’re interested in technology, design, software, user experience, or digital products, this certificate can help you develop skills for creating technology with people at the center.
Program Overview
The Undergraduate Certificate in Human-Computer Interaction explores how people interact with computers, software, websites, applications, and other digital technologies. You’ll examine the factors that influence how people use technology and learn how thoughtful design can make digital experiences more effective and accessible.
The program brings together concepts from technology, design, psychology, communication, and problem-solving. You’ll develop an understanding of how user needs and behaviors can inform the design and improvement of digital products and systems.
The certificate can complement an existing degree in computer science, information technology, graphic design, communication, business, psychology, or another discipline. It provides a focused way to develop HCI and user-experience skills without pursuing another full bachelor’s degree.
What You’ll Learn
As an HCI student, you’ll explore the relationship between people and the technologies they use. You’ll develop an understanding of how users think, behave, and interact with digital systems and how those insights can inform better technology design.
You’ll learn to approach technology from the user’s perspective, considering factors such as usability, accessibility, functionality, and overall experience. Through your coursework, you’ll develop skills for identifying user needs, evaluating interactions, recognizing design challenges, and considering ways technology can be improved.
You’ll also develop a problem-solving approach that combines technical and human perspectives. Rather than focusing only on whether a system works, you’ll learn to consider whether it works well for the people who use it. This ability to connect technology with human behavior can be valuable in designing products and systems that are both effective and engaging.
Your Career Advantage Starts Here
Human-computer interaction skills can be valuable across technology, design, business, and other fields where people interact with digital products and systems. Depending on your background and additional experience, the certificate can complement career paths involving user experience, user interface design, product development, software, web development, digital media, information technology, and related areas.
HCI knowledge can also be valuable to professionals who aren’t directly responsible for designing technology. Understanding how users interact with systems can help professionals in business, healthcare, education, communications, and other fields contribute to better digital experiences and more effective technology solutions.
The certificate can also provide a foundation for further study in areas such as human-computer interaction, user experience design, information technology, computer science, interaction design, or related disciplines.
Explore your career pathways with the Human Computer Interaction certificate, including anticipated salaries, annual job growth, and even active job listings through the Career Concourse portal.
$72k
Computer Technician Estimated Entry Salary
$124k
Computer Technician Estimated Median Salary
Estimated salary and employment information based on labor market data provided by Career Concourse and is intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries and employment outcomes vary based on factors such as experience, location, industry, and employer and are not guaranteed upon degree completion.
Admissions & Aid
Ready to put people at the center of technology? Athens State University offers an admissions process designed to help you understand your options for pursuing an undergraduate certificate.
Whether you’re adding the certificate to an existing Athens State degree, transferring from another institution, or returning to college to develop specialized technology and design skills, our admissions and financial aid teams can help you navigate the process.
Financial assistance may be available to eligible students depending on enrollment status and other requirements.
Explore Admissions & Aid to learn more about application requirements, enrollment, transfer credit, and available financial assistance.
Why Choose This Program at Athens State?
Life doesn’t stop while you’re earning your degree. That’s why the Human Computer Interaction certificate is offered through a variety of flexible formats, allowing you to complete coursework when it fits your schedule without sacrificing academic quality.
Built for Today’s Professionals
You shouldn’t have to choose between advancing your education and advancing your career. Athens State’s degree programs are designed with working professionals in mind. Flexible learning options allow you to pursue your degree while continuing to meet your professional and personal commitments.
Invest in Your Future The Smart Way
Athens State University is committed to providing an affordable, high-quality education. As Alabama’s most affordable public, state university, we give you the opportunity to earn a college degree while making a smart investment in your future, without unnecessary debt. Plus, our learning partnerships make a degree from Athens Sate even more accessible.
Learn from Experienced Faculty
Our faculty combine academic excellence with real-world experience, bringing current industry practices into every course. At Athens State, you’re not facing the journey alone — our dedicated, knowledgeable faculty and staff walk alongside you each step of the way, providing personalized guidance and support.
Our Faculty
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*Average completion time varies by student and depends on prior credits
transferred to Athens State and the number of courses taken per semester.
Please consult with your Student Success Coach and faculty advisor for your personalized plan of study.