School of Interactive Computing

Interactive and intelligent computing is an emerging discipline on the frontier of ways computation impacts the external world. The School of Interactive Computing advances computing-mediated interactions by encompassing fields ranging from artificial intelligence and machine learning to graphics and computer vision to interface design and empirical methods. We don't just evaluate technology, we create technology that makes interactions better. Much of the research within the School of Interactive Computing produces new artifacts that embody new capabilities or methods. Examples include:

  1. Individuals working with traditional computers
  2. Groups of people using ubiquitous computing capabilities throughout various environments
  3. Researchers visualizing scientific data
  4. Students developing and altering middle school physics simulations
  5. Automated intelligent surveillance systems monitoring airport tarmacs
  6. Robots delivering pharmaceuticals to patients in hospitals

Whether an advance is in robotics, augmented reality, or ubiquitous computing, it is developed in the context of a prototype. School of Interactive Computing students become proficient in many areas such as mechanical or electrical engineering, and industrial design. The School of Interactive Computing develops practitioners, future innovators and researchers by offering numerous degree programs.

At the undergraduate level, the School of Interactive Computing is an integral part of the College's BS in Computer Science, and oversees aspects of Computational Media's Bachelor's degree-offered jointly with the School of Literature, Communication and Culture (LCC). The School of Interactive Computing also administers the interdisciplinary Master's in Human Computer Interaction (HCI) program in which students from the School of Interactive Computing, LCC, and Psychology participate. At the graduate level the School of Interactive Computing students can pursue Master's and Ph.D. degrees in Computer Science, or a Ph.D. in Human-Centric Computing-the first of its kind in the nation. The School of Interactive Computing is also developing a Robotics Ph.D. to be offered in conjunction with schools from the College of Engineering.