The HCI program is interdisciplinary and students choose a home unit from Computer Science, Psychology, and LCC (the School of Literature, Communication, and Culture, which is the home of the IDT program). HCI/LCC students take four courses in LCC (that is, within the IDT offerings). IDT students are strongly recommended to take at least one course in HCI.

IDT emphasizes the representational aspects of the digital medium, seeing it as part of the traditions of representation that include books, theater, film, graphic and fine arts. HCI emphasizes the computer engineering and empirical psychology aspects of design, such as usability, user testing, and system design. Applicants to HCI/LCC must submit the same Statement of Purpose and portfolio as applicants to IDT.

In general, IDT has a more artistic and literary approach, while HCI has a more scientific approach focused upon user experience. IDT Masters projects are much more self-directed and autonomous than HCI Masters projects. HCI/LCC students have the option of doing either an IDT project or an HCI project, in which they do research in support of a professor's project, for their degree.

It is permissible to apply to both programs, but it requires two separate complete applications since the applications are screened and processed differently.

The GVU Center (Graphics, Visualization, and Usability), of which LCC is a part, maintains a page on the Masters in HCI program at Georgia Tech (http://www.gvu.gatech.edu/education/degree.html), which in turn has its own FAQ page at http://www.gvu.gatech.edu/education/apply.html.

Yes, but you must be full-time if you are accepted as a Graduate Assistant.