Admissions
Application Deadline
Applications for Fall 2023 are no longer being accepted.
Applications for Fall 2024 will begin being accepted in October 2023.
The deadline to apply is 15 January, 2024, 11:59pm Pacific Standard Time.
Details on coming Admissions Info Sessions will be posted in late summer on the How To Learn More page.
Admission Requirements
The following are the minimum admission requirements for the Master of Human-Computer Interaction and Design (MHCI+D) program as set by the University of Washington Graduate School and the MHCI+D Program.
Hold the minimum equivalent of a four-year baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in the U.S. or its equivalent from a foreign institution. With very few exceptions, a 3-year bachelor’s degree alone does not satisfy this requirement. One of the only exceptions is a 3-year Bologna bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 180 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits. Otherwise, two methods to satisfy the requirement would be to combine a 3-year bachelor’s with either conferral of a master’s degree, or with conferral of a Post Graduate Diploma (PGD, 1-year minimum, full-time). The UW does not accept WES evaluations of 4-year equivilancy as sufficient to satisfy this requirement.
Have earned at least a 3.0 or B grade-point-average when converted, if necessary, into the 4.0 scale. Applicants may use [a] the most recent 2 years of study (or the equivalent of 2 full-time years, usually the last graded 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits); or [b] the overall GPA for the entire course of study; or [c] the GPA for all courses in the applicant's major to satisfy this 3.0 requirement. Tools for converting from a different grading system are linked in the FAQ page.
Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency which exceeds the minimum defined by the Graduate School Memorandum #8. Several means of demonstrating English language proficiency can be found in Memorandum #8.
The most common methods used include:
- A bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from an institution in the United States, Australia, the Bahamas, Canada, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand, Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, or the United Kingdom where English is the medium of instruction
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in another country with verification that the language of instruction was entirely in English
- TOEFL scores: If test scores are submitted, the following minimum scores must be met for an application to be reviewed: TOEFL iBT: 106, with a speaking subscore of at least 26. Only scores less than two years old at the application deadline will be accepted. Scores must be sent directly to the UW by the Educational Testing Service using institution code 4854; if a department code is required, select 99. We accept MyBest TOEFL composite scores as a means of meeting these requirements.
- IELTS scores: If IELTS test scores are submitted, the following minimum scores must be met for an application to be reviewed: IELTS: 7.5, with a speaking module score of at least 8.0. Only scores less than two years old at the application deadline will be accepted. Scores must be sent directly to the UW.
- COVID-19 Temporary options: For this current admissions cycle, a few additional options are allowed to satisfy the English language requirement: 1. TOEFL iBT at Home is acceptable for applicants. Minimum scores are the same as for TOEFL iBT, above. 2. TOEFL ITP plus for China is acceptable. Minimum score of 627. 3. Duolingo English Test is acceptable. Minimum score of 125. Admitted students using the TOEFL ITP plus for China or Duolingo may also need to pass the UW AEP test before beginning classes. Information about these tests and reporting scores in your application can be found on the Graduate School Admissions site here.
For complete explanation of these requirements, refer to Graduate School Memorandum #8.
Required Application Materials
In 500–800 words, please describe your interest in HCI and design, and explain what specific elements of the MHCI+D Program make it a good fit for you. How have your prior experiences (at school and in the workplace if applicable) prepared you for this program and this field? How will this program assist you in your longer-term goals? The personal statement is your opportunity to present your goals and experience as they relate to human-computer interaction and design. We’re interested in how you see the field and this program from your own personal perspective.
This document provides a summary of your educational and professional activities. It shows a history of your most recent and most relevant education and career activities, and related volunteer work and interests.
Three letters from professional or academic sources are required. These can be faculty members, mentors, supervisors and so on, but should not be from personal friends, counselors or ministers. Find references who can speak positively and in detail about your performance and about your capacity to undertake graduate studies. When asking for recommendation letters, we encourage you to ask potential recommenders if they are able to write you a strong letter and to emphasize what you hope their letter will highlight. Letters with specific examples are often the strongest. The letters should be submitted electronically and the MyGrad system provides instructions. When recommender info is entered on the application, it will trigger a system message to the recommender with the specific link they need to upload their letter. Check with them to be sure they receive this. Remember to remind your letter writers that late letters may adversely affect your admission chances. You will be able to see when the letters have been submitted online by logging into your application status page.
Unofficial transcripts are required from all colleges and universities from which you earned collegiate level credit and/or a degree. These are uploaded by you, not sent from your university. As long as they are readable, these can be scanned documents or screen shots of an online 'student view' transcript many universities provide. They should include details for every course taken, including the course name, grade earned, dates taken, and number of credits. If the transcript is not in English, please include a translation. Official transcripts are not required during the application process; you will only have to submit official documents to the UW Graduate School if you accept an admission offer.
Use this section to show us projects you have worked on that demonstrate your skills and interests. This can take the form of a design portfolio, your GitHub page, a link to research you were a part of in a research lab, or something else that demonstrates your role in an open-ended project. We are most interested in seeing your problem-solving process in the field you come from, more so than attempts to anticipate the product you might produce after completing this program. FORMAT: Please submit a one page pdf that includes your name, a link to where we can find these supplementary materials online, and a brief explanation, if necessary. Materials can be presented on a portfolio/website, in a shared folder such as google or in other online formats. Do not submit potfolios through the application itself.
Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency which exceeds the minimum defined by the Graduate School Memorandum #8. Several means of demonstrating English language proficiency can be found in Memorandum #8.
The most common methods used include:
- A bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from an institution in the United States, Australia, the Bahamas, Canada, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand, Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, or the United Kingdom where English is the medium of instruction
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in another country with verification that the language of instruction was entirely in English
- TOEFL scores: If test scores are submitted, the following minimum scores must be met for an application to be reviewed: TOEFL iBT: 106, with a speaking subscore of at least 26. Only scores less than two years old at the application deadline will be accepted. Scores must be sent directly to the UW by the Educational Testing Service using institution code 4854; if a department code is required, select 99. We accept MyBest TOEFL composite scores as a means of meeting these requirements.
- IELTS scores: If IELTS test scores are submitted, the following minimum scores must be met for an application to be reviewed: IELTS: 7.5, with a speaking module score of at least 8.0. Only scores less than two years old at the application deadline will be accepted. Scores must be sent directly to the UW.
- COVID-19 Temporary options: For this current admissions cycle, a few additional options are allowed to satisfy the English language requirement: 1. TOEFL iBT at Home is acceptable for applicants. Minimum scores are the same as for TOEFL iBT, above. 2. TOEFL ITP plus for China is acceptable. Minimum score of 627. 3. Duolingo English Test is acceptable. Minimum score of 125. Admitted students using the TOEFL ITP plus for China or Duolingo may also need to pass the UW AEP test before beginning classes. Information about these tests and reporting scores in your application can be found on the Graduate School Admissions site here.
For complete explanation of these requirements, refer to Graduate School Memorandum #8.
The application fee is charged by the UW Graduate School. If you cannot afford the application fee, you can request an application fee waiver once your application materials are ready to submit and at least 7 days before the application deadline. More information here.
Some brief tips on the application materials can be found on this short video.
Application Steps
Step One: Prepare to Apply
- Learn about the MHCI+D Program. Explore the information available on this website and elsewhere to learn about the program and how you might succeed here. We are looking applicants who know how their background and this program fit well together.
- Start preparing your personal statement and supplemental materials. These pieces will take the most work, and if you begin early you will have time to put together a stronger case for your admission.
- Get transcripts from each college or university attended. Download unofficial transcripts or scan printed copies; you will need them for the UW Graduate School application (Step Two).
- Identify people who are willing to write letters of recommendation for you. Three letters of recommendation are required to apply. Consider current or former employers or supervisors, as well as former teachers. Make sure the people you choose can judge your capacity to undertake graduate studies. You will need their email addresses for the Graduate School application.
- GPA preparation. Identify the method you will use to calculate your GPA, and the conversion you will be performing if necessary. You will be asked to report this GPA on the application form itself.
Step Two: Apply
- After the application is available, in October, start your online application to the UW Graduate School. Create an applicant profile. Your login and password will allow you to save your application and return to it later.
- For MHCI+D program, select Human-Computer Interaction and Design
- Upload all required documents
- Designate the people who have agreed to write letters of recommendation for you. Your recommenders will be immediately sent an email with instructions directing them to a secure website to submit their letters.
- Pay the nonrefundable fee
- Submit your application. After you’ve submitted your application, you cannot made further changes. You can check on its status at any time by logging into the application page.