Master's in Human-Centered AI
Shape the future of artificial intelligence by putting people first.
Artificial intelligence is transforming every industry. But who's making sure it works for people, not just algorithms? The Master of Science in Human-Centered AI at Stevens Institute of Technology prepares you to become that leader.
In this program, you'll master the technical foundations of AI and machine learning while developing the interdisciplinary expertise to make these systems truly useful, accessible, and responsible. You'll learn to bridge the gap between what AI can do and what people actually need, combining interdisciplinary skills in human-centered design, psychology, and emerging AI technologies to create systems that are not only powerful, but ethical, usable, and valuable in the real world.
Whether you're developing products, shaping policy or implementing AI in healthcare or education, you'll graduate ready to lead AI's role in society — ensuring it serves people first.
COURSE CATALOG COMING SOON
Who should consider this program?
The Master of Science in Human-Centered AI program is designed for interdisciplinary students who want to shape the future of AI and lead AI initiatives across multiple sectors including medicine, technology, policy, education, nonprofits, and beyond:
Computer science
Human-computer interaction
Information science
Data science
Design
Engineering
Psychology
Related fields focused on technology and human behavior
Program Objectives
Master the technical and human sides of AI
Build expertise across AI and machine learning fundamentals, programming, natural language processing, and computer vision, then learn to evaluate and design these systems through usability testing, user research, and participatory design. You'll also develop skills in managing interdisciplinary teams, analyzing markets, and deriving insights from big data.
Lead with ethics and responsibility
Learn to identify and mitigate algorithmic bias, create interfaces that explain AI decisions clearly, integrate participatory design into your process, and evaluate real-world impact through rigorous mixed-methods research.
Expand career opportunities
Position yourself for high-impact roles in tech companies (responsible AI, UX research, product ethics), healthcare and education (AI safety and integration), policy organizations and think tanks (AI governance and advisory), and beyond.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates from this program will be able to:
Design and conduct research that shapes AI-driven products and experiences, from initial concept through evaluation
Evaluate AI systems using human-centered frameworks that prioritize safety, usability, and real-world effectiveness
Prototype and iterate on AI interfaces and emerging interaction paradigms alongside interdisciplinary teams
Design and analyze studies using surveys, experiments, and mixed methods grounded in solid statistical principles
Translate technical insights into clear, actionable recommendations that drive better AI products and policies
Measure what matters by selecting and developing metrics that reveal how people actually engage with AI systems
Practice responsible AI design by applying frameworks for fairness, explainability, inclusion, transparency, and safety in every project
Graduate Programs That Advance Your Career
The Human-Centered AI master's program develops in-demand knowledge and skills to put you on track for success in a variety of roles like:
Responsible AI Program Manager
Human-Centered AI Designer / Researcher
UX Researcher (AI Products)
UX Designer, AI Research
AI Policy Analyst
Machine Learning Product Manager
Data and Society Researcher
These emerging roles are being hired by: Amazon, Apple, Google, OpenAI
The Stevens Advantage: Widen Your Career Options
To compete in today’s career climate, graduates must adapt to rapidly-evolving technologies impacting all corners of the job market, like generative AI. At Stevens, you’ll learn the in-demand skills you need to fill the talent gap. Our core curriculum – infused with AI electives and hands-on education opportunities – develops the deep expertise, critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and entrepreneurial savvy required to thrive in a technologically disrupted marketplace.
Our campus is located in the heart of the New York City metropolitan area where over 7,500 tech companies are engaged in creating the future. Industry leaders like Google, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft and Bloomberg, along with a vibrant startup scene are hiring tens of thousands of tech-professionals. Stevens’ location and long-history of career placement success in the tech industry provides you with networking opportunities you won’t find anywhere else in the U.S.
Learn more about what makes graduate education from Stevens a unique experience:
Core AI Curriculum: To help build the next iteration of an AI-competent workforce, our standard graduate curricula is infused with core and elective artificial intelligence courses.
Graduate Cooperative Education Program: Available with two tracks, your co-op experience can serve as a starting point for a research project or augment your on-campus research with complimentary experience.
International Student Experience: Tap into our expanding worldwide network of research, academic and alumni partners and mentor with our expert faculty in a number of federally-designated STEM degree programs. Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is available to gain work experience in your major/field of study.
State-of-the-Art Research Labs and Facilities: Build, tinker and test your designs in Stevens' MakerCenter, Prototype and Object Fabrication Lab, or numerous other research facilities.
Research Opportunities: Renowned faculty, labs and research centers – as well as industry partnerships and funding from leading national agencies – support strategic and interdisciplinary research in engineering and science.
More opportunities for Stevens graduate students include:
Optional research or clinical thesis
Credit for on-the-job projects with your current employer
Extensive hands-on laboratory experience
Research with clinical collaborators
Find out more about life as a graduate student in the Department of Computer Science at Stevens by visiting the links below.
Program Admission Requirements
Requirements
Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional only)
Statement of Purpose
$60 non-refundable Application Fee
Proof of English language proficiency
GRE/GMAT test score(s) -- (Optional for Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and Fall 2025); applicants who believe their GRE/GMAT scores demonstrate potential for success in graduate program may elect to submit those scores.
For more complete details, visit our General Admissions Requirements page.
Fellowships & Assistantships
Information about assistantships and fellowships can be found here.
STEM Designated Degree Programs
The four fields comprising STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – offer a wide variety of professions that are classified as some of the highest-growing and highest-paying jobs right now and in the future.
And for international students, the demand for STEM-related professionals in the United States can open the door for an extended stay.
An ever-growing list of eligible programs across all levels is available here.
Human-Centered AI: A Field On The Rise
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