Human-Technology Interaction student working on a computer system

Human-Technology Interaction Master's

Master's of Arts Degree (M.A.)

Step into the future of human-technology interaction. Explore how technology shapes, and is shaped by human experience.

The Master of Arts in Human-Technology Interaction is ideal for those interested in technology and want a deeper understanding of its ethical, social and psychological impacts on society. The program is available online allowing you to continue your career while earning your master's.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
Online
Est. time to complete:
2 years
Credit hours:
33

Why earn an online Human-Technology master's at UND?

Graduate Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 1
Spring:
Dec. 1

This program is pending final Higher Learning Commission approval, and admission applications will open once approval is granted.

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Whether you’re transitioning from the humanities or social sciences, already working in tech or pursuing advanced studies, this degree will equip you with the knowledge to critically engage with emerging technologies and help shape their role in the world.

An online M.A. in Human-Technology Interaction at UND positions you to explore the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and it's coexistance with machine-learning. You’ll gain the tools to imagine a better future in an AI-disrupted world, differentiate hype from real possibilities and uncover the human side of AI.

Through completion of this master's degree, you will:

  • Uncover the human side of AI. Courses like Cognitive and Behavorial Foundations in AI and Philosophical and Ethical Issues in AI and Emerging Technologies will ground you in the ethical and humanistic dimensions of AI, while Basics of Machine Learning for Non-Specialists provides a foundation in technical concepts for students without a technical background.
  • Gain an understanding of the social, political, ethical and historical values implicit in the design, development and deployment of emerging and existing technologies.
  • Learn to identify and navigate ethical ambiguity in emerging technologies, equipping you to ensure responsible AI development and deployment.
  • Work with faculty to design a state-of-the-art scholarly project, using AI to test new theories or create innovative solutions informed by ethical and historical principles.
  • Go beyond the hype and understand what AI can — and cannot — do, developing the critical thinking necessary to imagine and implement new applications of this transformative technology.
  • Engage in cutting edge research in a burgeoning field and learn to articulate the importance of that research for your career goals.
  • Adopt an interdisciplinary approach to emerging technology, gaining a multifaceted understanding of this increasingly important sector of society.

UND's Online Human-Technology Interaction Master's Degree

  • Participate in the annual Digital Worlds Workshop in your second year of the program.

  • Complement a bachelor's degrees in a technical field like computer science or data science.

  • Collaborate with faculty members on research and present your results.

  • Gain real-world experience by completing an internship.

  • Enhance your professional skills at 60+ free workshops offered through the UND School of Graduate Studies. Our goal is to provide you with the workforce skills and job search strategies to succeed.

  • Learn 100% online giving you the flexibility to balance studies with professional commitments.

 

What can you do with a Human-Technology Interaction online master's?

105K+

Median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

 An M.A. in Human-Technology Interaction will provide a wide variety of opportunities across various sectors including technology, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, retail and education. With a growing demand for these types of careers focused on designing and improving technology for human use, you will be able to find a position as a:

  • Tech Policy Analyst – Focus on the development and implementation of policies related to technology use and its societal implications.
  • Ethics Consultant – Shape policies and practices ensuring responsible AI usage.
  • User Experience (UX) Researcher – Study how users interact with technology to improve design and functionality, enhancing overall user experience.
  • Public Advocate – Work with organizations to promote policies and practices that prioritize ethical considerations in technology.
  • AI and Society Analyst – Study AI’s impact on culture, and public policy.
  • Technology Project Manager – Manage projects that involve the integration of technology into various sectors, ensuring that ethical and human-centered approaches are taken.
  • Academic Researcher or Professor – Pursue further academic study or teach in fields related to technology, ethics or policy.
  • Government Roles – Involves positions within government agencies focusing on technology policy, public good and societal impacts.
  • Nonprofit Sector – Engage in roles that advocate for ethical technology use and the protection of societal interests.
  • Legal and Regulatory Positions – Engage in roles related to technology law, focusing on compliance with regulations and the ethical implications of technology.

Where can you work with this masters?

Notable companies hiring Human-Technology Interaction graduates include:

  • Amazon
  • Apple
  • AT&T
  • Google
  • IBM
  • Meta (Facebook/Instagram)
  • Microsoft
  • Salesforce
  • Tesla
  • The Walt Disney Company

Online Courses

PHIL 570. Philosophical and Ethical Implications of AI and Emerging Technologies. 3 Credits.

In this course students will study classical and contemporary ethical theories and develop a toolkit of philosophical approaches to identify and respond to new areas of ethical ambiguity created by AI and other emerging technologies. By considering and working through core texts and case studies students will develop advanced ethical reasoning skills in order to make more informed moral decisions in the development, implementation, and use of technological innovations. F, odd years.

ENGL 541. Narrative of Human-Technology Interactions. 3 Credits.

This course explores literary and cultural narratives that highlight the complex interactions between humans and technology. F, odd years.

MATH 530. Basics of Machine Learning for Non-Specialists. 3 Credits.

The intent of this course is to provide students in the Human-Technology Interaction program a survey of the mathematical techniques used in machine learning applications. The emphasis will be to develop a basic conceptual understanding of areas such as regression, classification, and unsupervised approaches. Basic work with datasets and programming will be incorporated into the course. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the MA in Human-Technology Interaction Degree Program. F, even years.

PSYC 532. Cognitive and Behavioral Foundations in AI. 3 Credits.

This course explores the cognitive and behavioral principles that underpin artificial intelligence (AI) systems, with a focus on understanding and replicating human-like intelligence and behavior in machines. Drawing upon insights from psychology, neuroscience, and computer science, students will learn how cognitive and behavioral theories inform the design, development, and application of AI technologies. The course will examine how cognitive processes such as perception, attention, memory, language processing and natural language understanding, problem-solving, and decision-making are modeled in AI systems including artificial neural networks and evolutionary algorithms. It will also discuss application of behavioral principles reinforcement, conditioning, and social learning in AI. Prerequisite: Graduate student standing. S, odd years.

HIST 530. History of Technology. 3 Credits.

This course examines scientific and technological developments in various cultural, social, and economic contexts. Explores intersections between technological innovations, economics, politics, and culture. S, even years.

SOC 460. Technology and Society. 3 Credits.

At the heart of this course is an exploration of the many ways in which society and technology mutually influence one another. This course explores how society and social groups shape the development of technology, while also addressing how technology shapes the very fabric of society, societal institutions, and social groups. This course considers the impact of technology on a variety of facets of society, including culture, social structure, societal institutions, and social groups. Incorporating a comparative perspective, this course also analyzes how technological norms and practices change across both time and space, with societies using different approaches and worldviews to encourage the development of technology, to control the development of technology, and to monitor its impacts. F.

 

100% Online Human-Technology Interaction Master's Degree

+160

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#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

Flexible Online Human-Technology Interaction Master's Courses

UND's Human-Technology Interaction master's is 100% online. You are never required to come to campus.

The Human-Technology Interaction master's courses are offered asynchronously giving you maximum flexibility to complete your degree.

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Top-Tier Online Master's in Human-Technology Interaction

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on-campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey, and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)
Explore More Options

Looking for similar graduate degrees or to connect with the department?

Department Contact
Mike Butler
Director/Assistant Professor | Philosophy & Ethics
P 701-777-3840

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