Human Factors & Ergonomics MS, PhD

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The Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) graduate program is an interdisciplinary program with graduate faculty representing the College of Design, the College of Science and Engineering, the College of Education and Human Development, the College of Liberal Arts, and the School of Public Health.

Program Details

As an HFE student you will focus on the study of human interaction—interaction with things, environments, and processes—to effectively support people in their work and living activities. Our varied curriculum covers the foundations of human cognitive and physical factors as well as statistics, experimental design, and research ethics training. By virtue of this interdisciplinary coursework, you will gain a unique perspective from multiple disciplinary standpoints and will be prepared to approach, develop, and evaluate physical and digital systems that are safe, effective, and enjoyable to use.

Questions?

Learn more about the Human Factors & Ergonomics graduate degrees by contacting [email protected].

MS

Master of Science Degree Options

Students pursuing a Master of Science degree have two separate degree plans to choose from. Plan A is more thesis-focused and is considered preparatory for pursuing a PhD. Plan C is a strong, cour-based option designed for working professionals. 

Plan APlan C
  • 30 total credits
    • 20 major credits
    • 0 elective/minor credits
    • 10 thesis credits
  • 2 years (full-time)
  • Thesis + final oral examination
  • 30 total credits
    • 30 major credits
    • 0 related field/minor credits
  • 2 years (full-time)
  • There is no final examination

The credit amounts shown above are the foundation level required; additional coursework may be required.

Full Requirements and Course Descriptions
Questions?

Learn more about the Human Factors & Ergonomics graduate degrees by contacting [email protected].

PhD

Doctor of Philosophy Degree Option

Doctoral study in Human Factors & Ergnomics is intended for students interested in academic research and scholarship who seek to become professors.

PhD Overview
  • 60 total credits
    • 36 major credits
    • 24 dissertation credits
  • 4 years (full-time)
  • Preliminary written and oral examination
  • Dissertation and final oral defense
Full Requirements and Course Descriptions
Questions?

Learn more about the Human Factors & Ergonomics graduate degrees by contacting [email protected].

Research and Creative Scholarship

Our faculty and students’ research cover a vast range of topics. Theses have investigated how to design haptic technology to augment virtual reality and even the impact that weather and infrastructure design has on the mobility of people with impaired vision.

The HFE program and faculty also have connections to labs and centers beyond the College of Design: