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    Human Centered Design and Engineering (PhD)

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    Basic Information

    Degree Information

    Degree Offered: PRE-DOCTOR
    Campus:     Seattle

    Admission Requirements and Contact Information


    All applications should be submitted and complete by December 2nd at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time). Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

    Contact Information
    HCDE Academic Services
    Program Website
    +1 206-543-4257
    askhcde@uw.edu

    Requirements and Prerequisites
    A minimum 3.0 grade-point-average on a 4-point scale (or equivalent measures of performance if a graduate of an institution with no grading system) for those credits earned at the institution awarding the bachelor’s degree OR at least a 3.0 grade-point-average (on a 4-point scale) for the last 90 graded quarter credits or 60 graded semester credits. Applicants may submit an application while their bachelor's degree is in progress. Official transcripts showing proof of degree completion are required prior to matriculation. For more information, please refer to Policy 3.1 Graduate Admissions.

    Additional Instructions
    All application materials can be uploaded to the online application. Please do not submit any materials in hard copy.

    Application Fee Waivers
    For more details about application fee waivers and to submit a request visit our website. Please complete the Application Fee Waiver Request Form to request payment before submitting your application. We cannot pay fees retroactively for applications that have already been paid for and submitted.

    Non-Native English Speaker Information
    Graduate School requirement: English language proficiency (ELP) is required for graduate study at the University of Washington. Therefore, every applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency as outlined in Graduate School Policy 3.2.

    Program requirement: There are several ways to meet the English Language requirement as outlined in UW Graduate School Policy 3.2. If an exam score is required, graduate students must meet the following scores to receive an offer of admission to the HCDE PhD program:
    • 92 on TOEFLiBT 
    • 7 on IELTS
    • 120 on Duolingo

    This exam requirement is waived if the applicant holds a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution where all instruction is in English. Refer to UW Graduate School Policy 3.2.1 for additional information. 

    English Language Appeal Interview
    As part of the application evaluation process, applicants will be required to complete an additional appeal interview, which they must pass to be admitted. Candidates who are seeking an appeal are not allowed to submit a request on their own behalf, instead the department will work with you to submit one. For that interview, applicants will need to have a good quality internet connection and microphone. 

    Applicants may test out of the appeal interview if they also submit the following scores or transcripts:

    • 26 speaking score on TOEFLiBT 
    • 7 speaking score on IELTS
    • Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States, or hold a bachelor’s degree from an institution in Australia, the Bahamas, Canada, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, or the United Kingdom, where English is the medium of instruction. While enrolled at the degree-granting school, the student must be in residence on campus. (Note: A master’s degree does not satisfy this requirement).
    • Hold a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Juris Doctor (JD) from a regionally accredited institution located in the United States where English is the medium of instruction

    Additional Conditions for Teaching Assistant (TA) Employment
    International students should familiarize themselves with the Graduate School’s English requirements and teaching policies. HCDE PhD graduate students who are not native speakers of English must meet the criteria in Policy 5.2: Conditions of Appointment for TAs who are not Native Speakers of English to receive an employment offer as a TA. Policy 5.2 includes additional requirements beyond English language proficiency for admission to the HCDE PhD degree. To utilize the department funding guarantee, UW graduate students must meet the conditions outlined in Policy 5.2.


    International Student Information
    Applicants who will need a visa should reference the International Applicant Information page. If admitted to the program, international students requesting an F1 or J1 visa will be required to provide financial ability documentation to the UW Graduate School.

    GRE score report code, (if applicable)


    4854

    Program Deadlines


    Autumn 2025 - Domestic:
    Open Date: 09/01/2024
    Deadline Date: 12/02/2024

    Autumn 2025 - International:
    Open Date: 09/01/2024
    Deadline Date: 12/02/2024

    Application Materials


    Essay
    3 Recommendation
    Resume
    Statement of Purpose