M.S. in Accessible Human-Centered Computing and Policy | Gallaudet University

M.S. in Accessible Human-Centered Computing and Policy | Gallaudet University
Directories
Personnel
Degrees
Areas of Study
Courses
Events
Overview
Areas of Study
Accessible Human-Centered Computing and Policy (AHCP)
Data Science
Biology
Chemistry
Information Technology
Mathematics
Public Health
Educational Neuroscience
Degrees
Programs
2023 Global Year of STEM Sign Language Lexicons
Capital CoLAB
S-STEM
Contact
Youth
Current Students
Staff & Faculty
Parents
Alumni
Athletics
Learn ASL
GOAL (Cont. Ed.)
Gallaudet University
Our Mission & Vision
Our Strategic Plan
Annual Report of Achievements (ARA)
Accreditation
Directory
Who We Are
Gallaudet at a Glance
University Leadership
Divisions
Academic Affairs
Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center
ASL and English Bilingualism
Belonging & Engagement
Student Affairs
Enrollment and Communications
Institutional Advancement
Operations
Finance
Legal
History & Traditions
PK-12 & Outreach
Our Work
Investing in Our Community
Our 10-Year Vision: The Gallaudet Promise
Bilingual Framework
Curriculum, Outreach, Resources, and Effectiveness
Louise B. Miller Memorial
The Signing Ecosystem
Campus Design & Planning
Overview
News & Stories
University Events
News & Stories
Dr. Caroline M. Kobek Pezzarossi appointed Dean of Curriculum, Outreach, Resources, and Effectiveness
Apr 20, 2026
Dr. Maribel Gárate-Estes appointed Dean of the Faculty
Apr 20, 2026
Global human rights leader Yohei Sasakawa and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Nyle DiMarco to deliver Gallaudet University Commencement addresses, receive honorary degrees
Apr 17, 2026
View All
Upcoming Events
Softball vs. Penn College
April 24, 2026
Softball vs. Penn College
April 24, 2026
Softball vs. Penn College
April 25, 2026
View All
University Wide Events
Welcome Home
Homecoming
State of the University (SOTU)
Bison Tank
Commencement
No Communication Compromises
Overview
Office of the Provost
Dean of the Faculty
Undergraduate Programs
Graduate Programs
Accredited Programs
Academic Calendars
Areas of Study
Areas of Study
Bachelors
Masters
Doctorate
Associate
Individual Courses and Training
Certificates
Online Degree Programs
Schools
Science, Technology, Accessibility, Mathematics, and Public Health
Civic Leadership, Business and Social Change
Language, Education, and Culture
Human Services and Sciences
Arts and Humanities
Consortium of Universities
Programs
Undergraduate General Education
Graduate School
Honors Program
American Sign Language and Deaf Studies
Learn ASL
ASL Connect
Interpretation and Translation
Deaf Studies
Gallaudet Opportunities for Advancement and Learning
Changing the world
Overview
Office of Research and Innovation
Institutional Review Board
Research
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Child Resilience Center
Center of Deaf Health Excellence
Schuchman Deaf Documentary Center
Technology Access Program (TAP)
Visual Language and Visual Learning (VL2)
Artificial Intelligence, Accessibility and Sign Language Center
Community & Innovation
Center for Democracy in Deaf America (CDDA)
Center for Black Deaf Studies (CBDS)
Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute (GIEI)
Gesture Literacy Knowledge Studio (GLKS)
National Beacon Center
Motion Light Lab (ML2)
Research Experiences & Services
Research & Teaching Scholar Program
Undergraduate Research
Library & Archives
National Deaf Life Museum
Our Global Presence
Overview
Office of International Affairs
Global at Home
Become a Gallaudet Student
International Admissions
International Special Student
English Language Institute
International Student and Scholar Services
Financial Resources
Multicultural Organizations
Global Learning For All
Education Abroad and International Fellowships
Study Abroad
Internships Abroad
Collaborative Online International Learning
International Degrees
B.A. in International Studies
M.A. in International Development
B.A. in Interdisciplinary Spanish
Special Studies
Deaf-Centered Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Planning
Peace Corps Certificate
Go Global Fair
Global Engagement
International Relations
International Strategic Visitors
Opportunities
Fulbright Program
Gallaudet in Nigeria-Africa (GAIN)
Your Journey Starts Here
Apply
Visit
Admissions
Undergraduate
Graduate
Professional Studies and Certificate Programs
International
English Language Institute
Orientation
Financial Aid
Tuition & Costs
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Explore Our Campus
Overview
Virtual Tour
Connect
Deaf Art & Culture
Clubs & Organizations
Athletics
Esports
Discover
Residence Life and Housing
Washington, D.C.
New & Emerging Signers
Student Support
Influence
Bilingual Advantage
Why Gallaudet
Become a GUAA Member
Clerc Center
KDES (PK-8)
MSSD (9-12)
Plan a Visit
Request Info
Apply
Academics
Areas of Study
Academic Certificate Programs
Accessible Human-Centered Computing and Policy (AHCP)
Accounting
American Sign Language
Art and Media Design
Biology
Business
Chemistry
Communication Studies
Counseling
Criminal Justice
Data Science
Deaf Studies
Early Intervention Studies
Education
Educational Neuroscience
Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences
History
Information Technology
International Development
Interpretation and Translation
Linguistics
Mathematics
Performing Arts
Philosophy and Religion
Physical Education & Recreation
Psychology
Public Affairs
Public Health
Risk Management and Insurance
Sexuality and Gender Studies
Social Work
Sociology
World Languages and Cultures
Bachelors
B.A. in American Sign Language
B.A. in Biology
B.A. in Communication Studies
B.A. in Communication Studies for Online Degree Completion Program
B.A. in Deaf Studies
B.A. in Deaf Studies for Online Degree Completion Program
B.A. in Education with a Specialization in Early Childhood Education
B.A. in Education with a Specialization in Elementary Education
B.A. in English
B.A. in English for Online Degree Completion Program
B.A. in Government
B.A. in Government with a Specialization in Law
B.A. in History
B.A. in Interdisciplinary Spanish
B.A. in International Studies
B.A. in Liberal Studies
B.A. in Mathematics
B.A. in Psychology
B.A. in Psychology for Online Degree Completion Program
B.A. in Social Work (BSW)
B.A. in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology
B.A. or B.S. in Education with a Specialization in Secondary Education: Science, English, Mathematics or Social Studies
B.S. in Accounting
B.S. in Accounting for Online Degree Completion Program
B.S. in Biology
B.S. in Business Administration
B.S. in Business Administration for Online Degree Completion Program
B.S. in Data Science
B.S. in Information Technology
B.S. in Mathematics
B.S. in Physical Education and Recreation
B.S. in Public Health
B.S. in Risk Management and Insurance
General Education
Honors Program
Mathematics and Industrial Engineering Dual Degree Program
Peace Corps Prep program
Self-Directed Major
Masters
M.A. in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
M.A. in Counseling: School Counseling
M.A. in Deaf Education
M.A. in Deaf Education Studies
M.A. in Deaf Studies: Cultural Studies
M.A. in Deaf Studies: Language and Human Rights
M.A. in Early Childhood Education and Deaf Education
M.A. in Early Intervention Studies
M.A. in Elementary Education and Deaf Education
M.A. in International Development
M.A. in Interpretation: Combined Interpreting Practice and Research
M.A. in Interpretation: Interpreting Research
M.A. in Linguistics
M.A. in Secondary Education and Deaf Education
M.A. in Sign Language Education
M.S. in Accessible Human-Centered Computing and Policy
M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology
Master of Public Administration
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Doctorate
Au.D. in Audiology
Ed.D. in Transformational Leadership and Administration in Deaf Education
Ph.D. in Accessible Human-Centered Computing and Policy
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Ph.D. in Critical Studies in the Education of Deaf Learners
Ph.D. in Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences
Ph.D. in Linguistics
Ph.D. in Translation and Interpreting Studies
Ph.D. Program in Educational Neuroscience (PEN)
Psy.D. in School Psychology
Associate
A.A. in Pre-Translation
Certificates
Certificate in Educating Deaf Students with Disabilities
Certificate in American Sign Language and English Bilingual Early Childhood Deaf Education: Birth to 5
Certificate in Early Intervention Studies
Certificate in Sexuality and Gender Studies
Online Degree Programs
B.A. in Communication Studies for Online Degree Completion Program
B.A. in Deaf Studies for Online Degree Completion Program
B.A. in English for Online Degree Completion Program
B.A. in Psychology for Online Degree Completion Program
B.S. in Accounting for Online Degree Completion Program
B.S. in Business Administration for Online Degree Completion Program
M.A. in Elementary Education and Deaf Education
M.A. in Secondary Education and Deaf Education
Master of Public Administration
Master of Social Work (MSW)
ODCP Minor in Communication Studies
ODCP Minor in Deaf Studies
ODCP Minor in Psychology
ODCP Minor in Writing
University Capstone Honors for Online Degree Completion Program
Jump to a Section
Overview
Requirements
Opportunities
Program Outcomes
Accreditation
Job Outlook
News
Faculty
FAQs
Contact
Accessible Human-Centered Computing and Policy (AHCP)
M.S. in Accessible Human-Centered Computing and Policy
Email Us
Overview
The Master of Science in Accessible Human-Centered Computing and Policy is designed for deaf, hard of hearing and hearing individuals seeking specialized academic training in designing, evaluating, and implementing effective, evidence-based accessible design and evaluation strategies and messages to address the accessibility needs of diverse audiences.
Students will also gain knowledge of accessible research design and methods. Graduates of the program will be prepared for a variety of positions, including those in accessibility or information technology in industry, federal agencies, and non-profit organizations.
The program is an international resource for research, innovation and outreach related to deaf and hard of hearing people and provides an environment in which research can grow, develop, and improve the lives and knowledge of all deaf and hard of hearing people worldwide.
Admissions Requirements
To be admitted to the program, applicants must:
Completion of a bachelor’s degree, including, but not limited to computer science, information technology, human-computer interaction, audiology, communication studies, government affairs, psychology, and social work. Relevant work experience in the field of accessible technology will be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree in the above fields (Note: this is not waiving a bachelor’s degree requirement. It is only considering other undergraduate majors who have relevant work experience in the field).
Complete and submit a program application by the application deadline date, that includes:
Two letters of recommendation
A letter of interest with a vision statement
Approval by the AHCP program, who will review the application to determine if the student shows high promise of success in the program.
Requirements for Degree Completion
Completion of 36 credits required by the program, including 33 units of course work and 3 units of the culminating Graduate Project.
All course work in the student’s graduate program must be completed with a B or better while maintaining an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Graduate students are required to be enrolled the semester in which their degree is to be awarded.
Courses & Requirements
Summary of Requirements
Year 1
This course examines the practical and theoretical issues of how diverse people interact with personal devices. Students are introduced to an overview of accessible and user-centered design principles and tools that help them develop effective and efficient user interfaces in subsequent courses and in their careers. Topics include HCI history, accessibility, cognitive psychology, and styles assessment, user analysis, task analysis, interaction design, prototyping, and human-centered evaluation.
Credits:
Distribution:
Graduate
The course explores the impact of hearing differences on communication, education, participation, and quality of life. A special emphasis is placed on the diversity of communication needs and choices among deaf and hard of hearing people. Then it will examine how communication accessibility is achieved through study of current and emerging technology, trends in industry, public policies, and the government agencies that enforce these policies. Access to telecommunications (including Internet and wireless communications, relay services, etc.), information, video media, emergency services, public accommodations, employment, education, and other contexts are included.
Credits:
Distribution:
Graduate
This course covers in depth WCAG (Global), Section 508 (US) and EN 301 549 (EU) from an applied and practical point of view. Students will be introduced to basic approaches on how to apply these standards to widely used information technologies such as web accessibility, PDF accessibility and epub3 to provide access to multimedia such as image or audio.
Credits:
Distribution:
Graduate, Masters
This course covers in depth widely used standards such as WCAG, Section 508 (US) and EN 301 549 (EU) from an applied and practical point of view. Students will learn how to apply these standards to emerging accessibility fields, such as Extended Reality (XR) accessibility, and to apply these to the software ecosystem and toolchains for documents in Word, PDF and multimedia.
Credits:
Requisites:
AHC 605
Distribution:
Graduate, Masters
This is a graduate-level introduction to statistics for human-computer interaction. Topics include principles of inferential statistics, hypothesis testing, and experimental design; data handling, description, and visualization; probability; confidence intervals and t-tests; chi-square test, analysis of variance, and multiple comparisons; and simple linear regression. Students will learn to apply these tools to real-world data using R, and how to interpret and communicate the results of their analyses. No prior statistics or programming knowledge is required.
Credits:
Distribution:
Graduate, In-person, Masters
Special topics courses address subject matter or content not already included in the existing curriculum. Offered on a temporary basis, special topics may evaluate the demand for a new course or area of study or may cover areas of specific interest.
Credits:
1-3
Requisites:
permission of the instructor
Distribution:
Graduate
Year 2
This course will provide an overview of accessible communication devices, ranging from auditory, visual, and vibrotactile receptive communication modalities designed to meet the needs of deaf and hard of hearing individuals as well as other populations, at home, in the workplace, in educational settings, and for recreational purposes. Communication technologies include systems to facilitate (1) face-to-face communication, (2) the reception of media, (3) telephone reception, and (4) the awareness of environmental sounds. Review and practice with actual volunteer clients of the needs assessment, selection, and verification process will be provided in two hands-on one-day workshops in the Gallaudet Assistive Devices Demonstration Center.
Credits:
Distribution:
Graduate
This course will provide an overview of accessible information devices, ranging from auditory and visual information modalities designed to meet the needs of deaf and hard of hearing individuals as well as other populations, at home, in the workplace, in educational settings, and for recreational purposes including broadcast multimedia or video blogging. Review and practice with actual volunteer clients of the needs assessment, selection, and verification process will be provided in two hands-on one-day workshops in the Gallaudet 21st Century Captioning Research Lab.
Credits:
Distribution:
Graduate, Masters
Designing meaningful relationships among people and the products they use to ensure that they are accessible is both an art and a science. This course will focus on the unique design practice of representing and organizing information in such a way as to facilitate perception and understanding of accessibility (information architecture) and specifying the appropriate mechanisms for accessing and manipulating task information (interaction design). This course will also explore the various design patterns (design solutions to problems) that are appropriate for the HCI professional. Students will need prior knowledge of an interface prototyping tool.
Credits:
Requisites:
AHC 601 or permission of the instructor
Distribution:
Graduate, Masters
Data visualization is the art and science of turning data into readable graphics. We’ll explore how to design and create accessible data visualizations based on data available and tasks to be achieved that are accessible to people with diverse sensory abilities. This process includes data modeling, data processing (such as aggregation and filtering), mapping data attributes to graphical attributes, and strategic visual encoding based on known properties of visual perception as well as the task(s) at hand. Students will also learn to evaluate the effectiveness of visualization designs, and think critically about each design decision, such as choice of color and choice of visual encoding. Students will create their own data visualizations, and learn to use Open Source data visualization tools. Students will also read papers from the current and past visualization literature and create video presentations of their findings.
Credits:
Requisites:
AHC 601
Distribution:
Graduate, Masters
The Master’s Project is a required, culminating project which demonstrates students’ exemplary achievement as a Master’s student. Under the supervision of Department faculty, students will develop projects that significantly advance knowledge in Accessible Technology. Students may elect to produce a Master’s thesis, a creative project, or an applied advocacy project.
Credits:
Requisites:
AHC 606 or permission of the instructor
Distribution:
Graduate, Masters
Students will undertake an internship in an accessible technology role that is suited to their professional pursuits. These may include serving as Research Assistants within the University, at other Universities, or at federal or private companies. This program provides students with a means to integrate academic theories and principles with practical job experience through internships. The goal of the internship is to gain experience as a competent and effective accessible technology professional.
Credits:
Requisites:
AHC 691
Distribution:
Graduate, Masters
The Master’s Project is a required, culminating project which demonstrates students’ exemplary achievement as a Master’s student. Under the supervision of Department faculty, students will develop projects that significantly advance knowledge in Accessible Technology. Students may elect to produce a Master’s thesis, a creative project, or an applied advocacy project.
Credits:
Requisites:
AHC 692
Distribution:
Graduate, Masters
Special topics courses address subject matter or content not already included in the existing curriculum. Offered on a temporary basis, special topics may evaluate the demand for a new course or area of study or may cover areas of specific interest.
Credits:
1-3
Requisites:
permission of the instructor
Distribution:
Graduate
Information
Accessible Human Centered Computing and Policy (AHCP) Requirements
Explore the M.S. in Accessible Human-Centered Computing at Gallaudet University. Discover program requirements and how to enhance accessibility in technology.
More
Accessible Human-Centered Computing and Policy (AHCP): Career Outcomes
Explore career outcomes for graduates of the M.S. in Accessible Human-Centered Computing and Policy at Gallaudet University. Unlock your potential today!
More
News
Conferences highlight the importance of Deaf education and access
READ
Christian Vogler and Greg Hlibok honored for achievements in accessibility
READ
Gallaudet experts weigh in on caption customization and other tech advances at international conference
READ
Professor wins mentoring award for encouraging students to study computing
READ
Admissions
Learn about Gallaudet University’s graduate admissions requirements, application steps, deadlines, and program-specific criteria on our Graduate Admissions page.
Graduate Programs
International Graduate Students
Non-Degree Seeking Graduate Students
Contact Your Graduate Admissions Counselor
Tuition and Financial Aid
Accessibility is central to everything we do at Gallaudet—from inclusive learning environments to equitable access to graduate education. Our tuition structure and financial aid options are designed to support graduate students from a wide range of professional and financial backgrounds.
Explore Graduate Tuition and Costs
Financial Aid
Vocational Rehabilitation
Faculty
Raja Kushalnagar
Professor
Christian Vogler
Professor
Abraham Glasser
Assistant Professor
Contact
M.S. in Accessible Human-Centered Computing and Policy
raja.kushalnagar@gallaudet.edu
christian.vogler@gallaudet.edu
Monday
9:00 am-5:00 pm
Tuesday
9:00 am-5:00 pm
Wednesday
9:00 am-5:00 pm
Thursday
9:00 am-5:00 pm
Friday
9:00 am-5:00 pm
Raja Kushalnagar
Professor
Christian Vogler
Professor
Overview
Requirements
Opportunities
Program Outcomes
Accreditation
Job Outlook
News
Faculty
FAQs
Contact
Back to Accessible Human-Centered Computing and Policy (AHCP)
APPLY NOW
GRADUATE ADMISSIONS
Testimonial
Let's Stay In Touch
Join our mailing list to learn more about Gallaudet
Visit
Apply
Give
Request Information
Footer Content
At a Glance
Quick Facts
University Leadership
History & Traditions
Accreditation
Consumer Information
Our 10-Year Vision: The Gallaudet Promise
Annual Report of Achievements (ARA)
The Signing Ecosystem
Not Your Average University
Our Community
Directory
MyGU
Library & Archives
Technology Support
Interpreting Requests
Health and Wellness Programs
Workday
Profile & Web Edits
Visit Gallaudet
Explore Our Campus
Virtual Tour
Maps & Directions
Shuttle Bus Schedule
Kellogg Conference Hotel
Welcome Center
National Deaf Life Museum
Apple Guide Maps
DeafSpace
Engage Today
Work at Gallaudet / Clerc Center
Social Media Channels
University Wide Events
Data Requests
Gallaudet Today Magazine
Giving at Gallaudet
Gallaudet University Press
Financial Aid
Human Resources
Registrar’s Office
Residence Life & Housing
Safety & Security
Undergraduate Admissions
Graduate Admissions
University Communications
Clerc Center
English Language Institute
Gallaudet University, chartered in 1864, is a private university for deaf and hard of hearing students.
Copyright © 2026 Gallaudet University. All rights reserved.
Anti-Discrimination Statement
Cookie Consent Notice
File a Report
800 Florida Avenue NE, Washington, D.C. 20002