Prerequisite Knowledge

Students entering the MHCI program are expected to have a basic background in each of the areas of Programming, Statistics and Design. Typically this background is obtained through under-graduate level courses, and we have listed the equivalent courses offered at CMU. However, self-education or work experience can be offered for consideration to fulfill these pre-requisites. All prerequisites must be reviewed and approved by the Program Director before the student will be credited with having fulfilled that prerequisite.

Knowledge of Programming

Proficiency in a programming language such as C, programming methodology and style, problem analysis, program structure, algorithm analysis, data abstraction, and dynamic data. Normally met through an introductory course in programming in C, C++, Pascal or JAVA, that requires the student to write programs of about 300-lines of code from scratch. Equivalent course at CMU is 15-100 Introductory/Intermediate Programming.

Knowledge of Statistics

Basic concepts, logic, and issues involved in statistical reasoning, such as probability theory, methods for statistical inference, introductory research methods, exploratory data analysis, and the use of some statistical tests in the regression analysis and the contingency table families. Equivalent courses at CMU are 36-220 Engineering Statistics and Quality Control and 36-202 Statistical Methods.

Knowledge of Design

Familiarity with the visual and verbal vocabulary of graphic designers, with the design process, and with the communicative value of word and image. Often met through an introductory typography class. Equivalent course at CMU is Communication Design Fundamentals.

Students may be admitted to the program before satisfying one or more prerequisites. Prerequisites may be completed at Carnegie Mellon after matriculation, but doing so may extend the length of the program.

Students who take the Design prerequisite course, Communication Design Fundamentals, at Carnegie Mellon, may count this course as one of their 6 electives.