Program spotlight: Human-Centered Design & Engineering at University of Washington

🎓 What: Bachelor of Science in Human-Centered Design & Engineering (HCDE)
📍 Where: Seattle, Washington

Tech isn’t just about code anymore, it’s about people.

That’s exactly where the University of Washington’s B.S. in Human-Centered Design & Engineering (HCDE) comes in. This interdisciplinary program blends engineering, design, and behavioral science to teach students how to build technology that’s intuitive, inclusive, and actually usable.

You’ll graduate with an engineering degree plus real-world skills in UX design, user research, web development, and information visualization.

Translation: you’re trained to sit at the intersection of tech and humanity, a powerful place to be.

🧠 What You’ll Actually Learn

HCDE students dive into:

• User experience (UX) & interface design
• Human-computer interaction
• Web technologies
• Information visualization
• User research & usability testing
• Engineering fundamentals + experiential learning

Electives let you specialize based on your goals — whether that’s product design, front-end development, or research-heavy UX.

Bonus: peer advisors (actual HCDE students) help you prep applications, review personal statements, and give the inside scoop on surviving the program.

🌍 Why International Students Love This Program

Let’s talk outcomes.

UX-related roles are booming. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 16% growth for web developers and digital designers through 2032, much faster than average. Entry-level UX designers in the U.S. earn roughly US$75,000–$90,000, with mid-career salaries pushing well past six figures.

Graduates land roles like:

• UX Designer / Researcher
• Product Designer
• Front-End Developer
• Information Architect
• Human Factors Engineer

Seattle doesn’t hurt either. You’re studying in the backyard of Amazon, Microsoft, and dozens of tech startups.

💸 Tuition (International Students)

Estimated undergraduate tuition at UW: ~US$41,000–$43,000 per year (excluding housing and living costs). HCDE students can apply for departmental and College of Engineering scholarships once enrolled.

📅 Key Dates to Know (Typical Cycle)

• Autumn intake: Applications usually due January–February
• Decisions: Spring
• Classes begin: Late September

HCDE has multiple admission pathways depending on how you enter UW, first-year, transfer, or current student, so timelines can vary.

💡 Final Takeaway

This isn’t just a design degree. It’s engineering, creativity, and human psychology rolled into one.

If you’re an international student who wants to build tech that actually works for real people, and graduate with skills the global job market desperately needs, HCDE at the University of Washington is a serious power move.

Because the future doesn’t need more apps.

It needs better ones.