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 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.
Please note: Beginning fall 2026, this program will shift from a quarter-based academic calendar to a semester format. View the program conversion guide for curriculum details or visit our FAQ page for more information.
If you enter this program before fall 2026, your academic advisor will work with you to ensure a smooth transition. This change will not impact your academic progress, path to graduation, or tuition costs.
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.
Please note: Beginning fall 2026, this program will shift from a quarter-based academic calendar to a semester format. View the program conversion guide for curriculum details or visit our FAQ page for more information.
If you enter this program before fall 2026, your academic advisor will work with you to ensure a smooth transition. This change will not impact your academic progress, path to graduation, or tuition costs.
F-1 students must be full-time students during their first term and can take a reduced course load in their final academic term, as long as there are no other degree requirements. Students are not eligible for OPT, as they have not completed one academic year.
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.
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.
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.
Develop the technical skills to study user experience in various IT environments, focusing on user needs, information architecture, and design of user interfaces.
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.
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
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$16,542Tuition 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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