Academic Resources

Explore our Human-Centered Computing academic resources, designed to support your academic aspirations.
Curriculum Guide

Department of Information Sciences and Technologies

COC Advising Center

What Can I Do With This Major? (External Resource)

Career Resources

Unlock career potential in Human-Centered Computing! Discover resources to maximize your professional trajectory.

Career Assessment - PathwayU

Jobs via Handshake

Human-Centered Computing Career Information

Career Communities

Sample Human-Centered Computing Internship Sites

Internships provide a way for you to get hands-on, supervised experience in the world of work. You are able to apply the concepts you are learning in the classroom to a work environment.

• Vervint
• The Explorer Club
• MillerKnoll
• Ally Financial Inc
• Meijer
• Stang Decision Systems
• Steelcase

Human-Centered Computing Internships

 General Information on Internships

Join A Student Organization

Get involved with a student organization related to your major. Student orgs are a great way to get connected and explore career options!

• CIS Computing Club
• Women in Computing
• FIRST Alumni Network
• Women in STEM Fields

Student Organizations

Relevant Courses and Certificates for Building Skills

Developing the relevant skills that employers seek is an essential component of a student's education. GVSU students should consider strategic elective courses and certificates to pair with their major in order to gain additional skills.

• Java
• HTML
• Critical Thinking
• Project Management
• Design Software Tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD)
• Communication
• Human Behavior
• Psychology

Electives to Consider

Community Service Opportunities

Seek volunteer opportunities related to the field you're exploring as a way of testing out future careers.

The Civic Engagement Center keeps a list of current volunteer opportunities updated on their website. There are ongoing opportunities on a continuous basis, as well as on-campus and off-campus opportunities posted as they become available.
 

Civic Engagement Center

Human-Centered Computing Study Abroad Options

Through study abroad you’ll also set yourself apart from other job-seekers and graduate-school applicants in an increasingly competitive market.

There are many study abroad opportunities all over the world, so why not intern, take some classes, and explore the world while receiving credit?

Study Abroad

Explore Internships Abroad

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Pursuing academic, creative, and research experiences and projects outside the classroom is an excellent way to learn new skills and build a body of work in your field.

Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship

Getting Started

Fellowship Opportunities

Fellowships are high-impact, potentially life-changing opportunities for students and alumni, opening doors to careers in public service, advanced academic study, foreign service, international teaching, and other career and service pathways into meaningful and fulfilling lives.

Frederik Meijer Office of Fellowships

Finding a Fellowship

Where Alumni Have Landed

Potential Job Titles:

• Web Developers
• Computer User Support Specialists
• Software Quality Assurance Analyst and Tester
• Software Developers
• Web & Digital Interface Designers
• User Experience/Design

Alumni in Roles from Similar Majors:

• Web Developer at ManoByte
• Web Developer at Lake Michigan Credit Union
• Usability Specialist at Amway
• UX Design at Fidelity Investments
• Software Quality Assurance Engineer at United Wholesale Mortgage

Human-Centered Computing undergraduates are well positioned for a wide range of graduate programs that blend technology, design, and human behavior. These master’s pathways prepare students to create intuitive, accessible, and impactful digital systems across industries.

Master of Science in Human-Centered Computing (HCC)
An interdisciplinary program focused on user-centered design, human-computer interaction, usability, and technology’s impact on people. Ideal for students seeking to design and evaluate systems that prioritize human needs and experiences.

Master’s in User Experience (UX) or Interaction Design
Focuses on design thinking, interface design, user research methods, and iterative prototyping. Best for students pursuing careers in UX design, product design, or digital experience strategy.

Master of Science in Information Science
Explores how people create, seek, and use information, with emphasis on user research, information architecture, and digital systems. Offers flexibility for students interested in research, design, or information management roles.

Master of Science in Computer Science (HCI or UX Focus)
A traditional computer science degree with specialized coursework in human-computer interaction, usability, and interactive systems. Suitable for students seeking strong technical foundations paired with human-centered design expertise.

Master’s in Data Science (Human-Centered Focus)
Emphasizes data analysis, visualization, and human-data interaction, with attention to ethical and user-focused data practices. Ideal for students interested in bridging data insights and user experience.

Master’s in Cognitive Science or Applied Psychology
Focuses on human cognition, perception, and behavior as they relate to technology use. Best suited for students pursuing UX research, human-behavior analysis, or doctoral study preparation.