The User Experience Research Minor focuses on the psychological aspects of the field of human’s interactions with computer technologies. User experience research is a subarea of Human Computer Interaction, which is “an interdisciplinary program that focuses on the study of the interaction between people and technology and how that technology impacts society, and combines disciplines within the fields of computing and information science (information systems, software engineering, artificial intelligence and design) and the behavior sciences (cognitive science, cognitive psychology, sociology, organizational psychology, and social psychology). Includes instruction in information technology, cognitive and behavioral sciences, and systems design.” [Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System]. Specifically, User Experience (UX) research focuses not on computing and information science, but cognitive science, cognitive psychology, sociology, organizational psychology, and social psychology, and experimental and statistical methods for testing psychological theories and hypotheses related to user experience. 

Students in this program gain foundational skills in communication, teamwork, and project management, as well as specialized skills in user testing, user research design, and quantitative data analysis.

Student Learning Outcomes
  1. Major Concepts and Applications
    1. Describe key concepts, principles and practices associated with the human-computer interaction and user experience with an emphasis on psychological science.
    2. Articulate how human factors, cognitive models and implementation constraints influence design and usability.
  2. Communication and Professional Development
    1. Use effective writing skills for different purposes.
    2. Demonstrate effective presentation skills for different purposes.
    3. Function effectively as part of a team.
    4. Apply HCI content and user experience research skills to meaningful career goals.
    5. Demonstrate project management skills.
  3. Research Design and Methods
    1. Apply appropriate research methods to identify meaningful insights about people’s needs, behaviors and experiences.
    2. Develop and apply specialized skills relevant to user experience, including iterative design and testing, prototyping, and creating wireframes and mockups.

Coursework

Core Credits
PSY 201 General Psychology 4
PSY 340 Cognitive Psychology 4
PSY 446 Psychology of Human Computer Interaction 4
PSY 302 User Experience Research Methods 3
PSY 312 Careers in Human Computer Interaction 2
Any Computer Science (CS) Course 3 - 4
Total Core Credits  20 - 21
Electives (select a minimum of 3 courses)   
PSY 442 Perception 4
PSY 444 Learning and Memory 4
PSY 463 Judgment and Decision Making 4
PSY 494 Engineering Psychology 4
NMC 241 Applied Media Aesthetics 4
NMC 392 Web Design and Programming 3
NMC 393 Server Side Programming 3
NMC 394 Interactive Design and User Experience 3

*ANTH 330 Evolution of People, Technology,  and Society 

or *CS 391 Social & Ethical Issues in Computer Science

or *PHL 330 Technology and Ethics

or *WGSS 320 Gender and Technology 

 3 
Total Elective Credits  9 - 12
Total Credits (Core + Electives) 29 - 33