Next Steps

Human-Computer Interaction, B.A.

The human-computer interaction major allows you to combine your interests in computer science and art to create software that offers an attractive and intuitive user experience. Courses from the computer science and art departments comprise this interdisciplinary major, and you will have the freedom to emphasize one discipline or the other as you see fit.

You will learn to attend to user interface, analyze users and their behaviors, and develop software, all skills that will prepare you for a career in the rapidly growing field of user experience (UX).

Why major in human-computer interaction at Whitworth?

Start from the beginning. You don't need a background in computer science to take the first course.
Gain hands-on experience. You will gain experience outside the classroom through the required completion of an art or computer science internship. Many courses also conclude with software projects instead of exams, giving you an opportunity to apply your knowledge.
Become skilled in multiple disciplines. Software development involves much more than writing programs. The human-computer interaction major incorporates technology, art and design.
Have fun and build community. Our department hosts parties each year, including a faculty-hosted Christmas party and Pi Day party.
Join our active, student-led ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) Club, which holds events most months and performs well in programming competitions.
Draw inspiration from the vibrant Lied Arts Center. This beautiful, recently built center houses six studios, two gallery spaces and a state-of-the-art computer lab with Apple iMacs.
Connect your faith or worldview to your learning through classroom discussions of social and ethical issues.
Become who you're meant to be.

Our human-computer interaction grads make a difference (and get jobs)

Human-computer interaction graduates will be ready for careers in software development, particularly related to user experience (UX). User experience is a quickly growing, in-demand area of software development. Graduates may also choose to apply their skills to other fields that involve user interaction, including quality assurance, program management and data analytics.

Recent job placements include:

Lauren Pangborn, head of product design, Wahoo Fitness
Alec Moore, full-stack software engineer, Utah Jazz
Kelsey Glynn, associate product manager, Nike

Opportunities outside the classroom

You will have a number of opportunities to serve the community with your skills. Many nonprofit organizations need software, and you can choose to work with them as part of class projects. Also, many local high schools offer computer science, and you may serve in these classrooms as an expert and mentor.

Pack your bags!

Computer science faculty lead study abroad programs every other Jan Term. Destinations have included Ireland, Wales, India, China, Malaysia and Singapore. In January 2018, students traveled to England and Wales, where they each partnered with a student at Cardiff Metropolitan University to build a project.