B.S. in Human-Centered Design and Development

Bachelor of Science

Human-Centered Design and Development

Snapshot

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Is this major right for you?

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The Human-Centered Design and Development (HCDD) bachelor’s degree program can help you understand how people use technology and how to identify, design, build, and evaluate web and mobile applications that enhance people’s lives. Emphasizing teamwork and communication, you’ll take courses around three core principles: enhancing user experiences through technology, developing practical web and mobile applications that address user requirements, and assessing and enhancing existing applications.

As you master these foundations, you’ll also choose or create an application focus area to apply your knowledge to a specific domain that interests you. In your classes, you’ll learn from accomplished faculty with industry experience and graduate with a comprehensive understanding of how to create the next generation of technologies that meet user needs in our rapidly evolving world.

Students in the Major (FA ’23)

$76,778

Average Starting Salary

$22/hr

Average Intern Salary

100%

Students Complete Internships

84%

Students Receive Job Offers From an Internship Provider

Industry-Aligned Courses

Application Focus Areas

You’ll develop your skills and the foundation of your career by taking required and elective courses like:

You’ll apply concepts to a specific domain by taking courses in one of the areas below or creating your own:

• Application Development Design Studio

• Data Sciences

• Design Practice in HCDD

• Digital Arts and Communication

• Distributed-Object Computing

• Geographic Information Systems

• Engineering of Complex Software Systems

• Health Care

• Human-Centered Design and Development Capstone

• Psychology

• Human-Centered Design for Mobile Computing

• Security and Risk

• Methods for Studying Users • Programming for the Web

Prospective IST Students: futurestudents@ist.psu.edu | Current Penn State Students: advising@ist.psu.edu | Toll-free: 866-225-8707

Who’s Hiring?

In-Demand Careers Web, mobile, and other software applications are only effective if they meet users’ needs. To prepare to take on this challenge, you’ll complete at least one internship before graduating. With support from career coaches, you can connect with hundreds of companies throughout the year—including at our IST Internship and Career Fairs—to prepare for careers like:

Check out where some of our alumni are currently working.

Web App Developer • User Interface Developer • Product Designer • UX/UI Designer • Instructional Designer • Usability Engineer • Information Architect • Systems Analyst

Diverse Destinations Our HCDD program responds to industry needs so you’re prepared with the technical expertise and business savvy employers want. And since every industry needs the skills an IST degree offers, your career opportunities are endless.

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Other (28%)

Pharmaceutical (11%)

Health Care (11%)

Consulting (17%) Banking/Finance (11%)

Energy (11%)

Government/Defense (11%)

Create Your Future At IST, you can enhance your student experience by living in the IST Living Learning Community or joining one of the college’s 19 student organizations. You can earn credits while studying abroad, take a deep dive into your field by completing a research project with faculty, and broaden your perspective by attending a variety of on-campus events.

Along the way, you’ll find the resources and inclusive community you need to succeed.

Regardless of your background, our academic advisers, career coaches, student support advocates, and engagement specialists are ready to help you reach your goals and make a positive impact on the world.

We are ready for what comes next. ARE YOU? Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. U.Ed. IST 24-08.

Katelyn Diehl Class of 2026

“HCDD is an incredibly versatile major. I love that I have a variety of focus areas to choose from where I can create a curated path that fits my interests beyond technology.”

@ISTatPennState