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College of Professional Studies

Human-Centered Informatics

Certificate

Northeastern University's Graduate Certificate in Human-Centered Informatics teaches students the theories of cognitive and social psychology and the universal principles of design adopted in human-computer interaction.

Program curriculum Explore College of Professional Studies
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Program Format
Online
Time Commitment
Part time, Full time
Duration
6 - 12 Months
Entry Term(s)
Fall, Spring, Winter
Meets F1 visa requirements
No
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Program overview

Make informatics more human

Human-centered informatics focuses on the design, development, and evaluation of IT systems with a particular emphasis on their relations and interactions with people. The emphasis of understanding users’ experience when they interact with technology in the information-rich environment and the design of interfaces between users and systems makes it different from the focus of a software engineering program or a visual and artistic design program.

Students will develop the technical skills to study user experience in various IT environments (home, business, social media, healthcare, etc.), focusing on user needs, information architecture, and design of user interfaces. Graduates will be able to propose innovative or improved design solutions to real-world problems.

Admissions

Apply to the program

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.

Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:

Domestic Application Guidelines

International Application Guidelines*

*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.


  • Online application

  • Professional resumé

  • Unofficial, personal copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended; official transcripts are required at the time of enrollment

    • The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents. Please review the FCE requirements by country.

  • English language proficiency proof

  • Please refer to the CPS Apply Now page to learn about additional materials that may be required

Program objectives

Prepare for success

Design IT systems and solutions that improve the user experience with this certificate.

Technical skills

Develop the technical skills to study user experience in various IT environments, focusing on user needs, information architecture, and design of user interfaces.

Critical-thinking skills

Understand current business challenges and propose innovative or improved design solutions to real-world problems.

Connect with us

Want more information?

We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team. 

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Degree building

Stack your certificate

Earning a graduate certificate is a fast and affordable way to acquire specialized skills while building toward your master’s degree. Upon completion of this certificate program, you may be able to apply your credits to an eligible master’s program, saving time and money on your degree.

Some of the eligible master’s programs for this certificate include:

Contact an enrollment counselor to learn more about eligibility requirements.

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Cost of attendance

Tuition and financial aid

  • $21,888
    Tuition in USD

Estimated Total Tuition

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.

For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.

There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.

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Online Programs

Your education, your way

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Northeastern's online classes give you the same top-tier education you'd get in person, on a schedule that works for your lifestyle and career needs. They offer a range of videos, interactives, breakout sessions, and experience-focused learning opportunities to immerse you in the material and build community. You'll graduate with the same degree as your in-person peers.

Learn more about online learning at Northeastern

#8

Northeastern's national ranking for Most Innovative Schools

(U.S. News & World Report, 2024)

53.5%

Percent of graduate students in the U.S. enrolled in online courses

(NCES, 2022)

97%

Percent of students in the U.S. who recommend online education

(BestColleges, 2024)