M.S. in Accessible Human-Centered Computing
The Master of Science in Accessible Human-Centered Computing is designed for deaf, hard of hearing and hearing individuals seeking specialized academic training in designing, evaluating, and implementing effective, evidence-based accessible design and evaluation strategies and messages to address the accessibility needs of diverse audiences.
Students will also gain knowledge of accessible research design and methods. Graduates of the program will be prepared for a variety of positions, including those in accessibility or information technology in industry, federal agencies, and non-profit organizations.
The program is an international resource for research, innovation and outreach related to deaf and hard of hearing people and provides an environment in which research can grow, develop, and improve the lives and knowledge of all deaf and hard of hearing people worldwide.
Admissions Requirements
To be admitted to the program, applicants must:
Completion of a bachelor’s degree, including, but not limited to computer science, information technology, human-computer interaction, audiology, communication studies, government affairs, psychology, and social work. Relevant work experience in the field of accessible technology will be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree in the above fields (Note: this is not waiving a bachelor’s degree requirement. It is only considering other undergraduate majors who have relevant work experience in the field).
Complete and submit a program application by the application deadline date, that includes:
- Two letters of recommendation
- A letter of interest with a vision statement
- Approval by the AHCC program, who will review the application to determine if the student shows high promise of success in the program.
Requirements for Degree Completion
- Completion of 36 credits required by the program, including 30 units of course work and 3 units of the culminating Graduate Project.
- All course work in the student’s graduate program must be completed with a C or better while maintaining an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Graduate students are required to be enrolled the semester in which their degree is to be awarded.
Plan of Study
Year 1
| AHC 601 | Accessible Human-Computer Interaction | 3 |
| AHC 602 | Communication Accessibility | 3 |
| AHC 605 | Accessibility Standards I | 3 |
| AHC 606 | Accessibility Standards II | 3 |
| AHC 695 | Special Topics | 3 |
| DST 700 | Deaf Studies Research Methods I | 3 |
Year 2
| AHC 603 | Applied Communication Accessibility | 3 |
| AHC 604 | Applied Information Accessibility | 3 |
| AHC 621 | Interactive Design for Accessibility | 3 |
| AHC 622 | Accessible Data Visualization | 3 |
| AHC 691 | Thesis Accessibility Project Planning | 1 |
| AHC 692 | Accessibility Internship | 1 |
| AHC 693 | Thesis Accessibility Project Report | 1 |
| AHC 695 | Special Topics | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 36
Program Outcomes
Upon graduation, AHCC graduates will possess the knowledge and expertise to:
Communicate effectively with a range of audiences using both written English and American Sign Language.
Analyze an accessibility problem, identify, and define the accessibility requirements, usability specifications, and/or policy requirements appropriate to its solution.
Design, implement, and evaluate accessibility in an accessible system, process, component, or program.
Collaborate effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal.
Demonstrate understanding of the deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind target audiences and ways to engage with them in accessible design.
Recognize the importance of professional, ethical, legal, security, inclusion, and social issues, and adhere to the best practices of the accessibility profession.