Tufts University - School of Engineering

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN

Human Factors Engineering

Engineer with Humans in Mind

When you earn your MS in Human Factors engineering at Tufts, the core of your studies will be the interaction of humans with technology. Sometimes referred to as engineering psychology or ergonomics, the study of human factors engineering applies theory, methods, and data to design. Tufts offers specialized courses, training, and research opportunities in the human-centered aspects of engineering design, such as medical devices and systems design, product design, computer-interface design, and workplace safety.

ENTRY TERMS:

  • Fall
  • Spring

APPLICATION DEADLINES:

  • Fall: January 15
  • Spring: December 1 (domestic applicants only)

Ready to take the next step?

For more information about the MS in Human Factors engineering program, including application requirements, please complete the form below.

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ENTRY TERMS:

  • Fall
  • Spring

APPLICATION DEADLINES:

  • Fall: January 15
  • Spring: December 1 (domestic applicants only)

Join a Rapidly Growing Industry

Human factors engineering is a rapidly growing field with a broad range of applications in engineering and beyond. In recent years, the rate of preventable deaths due to medical error has been huge. Recognizing the medical error “epidemic,” a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) manufacturing requirement has increased the demand for professionals in the field of human factors (usability) engineering who have specialized knowledge about the design and evaluation of medical technology. When you graduate from the Human Factors Engineering program at Tufts, you’ll be well prepared to enter this exciting field.

$110,847

The average salary for a human factors engineer in the United States*

*Source: bls.gov

98%

of Tufts School of Engineering graduates had secured employment or received a job offer at the time of graduation

125,000+

Join a network with 125,000+ Tufts University alumni

2

Convenient schedules, full-time or part-time

Program Highlights

  • Small class sizes
  • Personalized path of study
  • Real-world projects and internship opportunities
  • Mentorship from professors at the top of their fields
  • Collaborative research that crosses disciplines
  • Five miles from the high-tech hub of Boston
  • One-on-one career advising and workshops
  • Extensive professional development training and resources

GRE Waived

GRE scores are not required for applicants who have an undergraduate or graduate degree from a U.S. or Canadian institution. GRE scores are required for applicants who don’t have a degree from a U.S. or Canadian institution.

Go at Your Own Pace

Short on time for a full MS? At Tufts, you can earn a four-course certificate in either Human Factors in Data Science or Human Factors in Medical Devices and Systems. The Human Factors in Data Science certificate provides students with the knowledge and skills to engage in the design of artificial intelligence systems, while the Human Factors in Medical Devices and Systems certificate prepares students to help make medical technology safe, effective, usable, and satisfying for clinicians and patients.

If you choose to pursue one of our certificate programs, you’ll participate in:

  • Two required courses in human factors engineering fundamentals
  • Two additional courses, offered by departments including mechanical engineering, psychology, computer science, occupational therapy, and more
  • Mentorship relationships with professors at the top of their fields

Earn Two Degrees in Just 2 Years

At Tufts, hone your innovation, leadership, and management skills alongside your technical skills and graduate ready to lead. On-campus students can apply to our dual degree program and earn an MS in Innovation and Management, Engineering Management, or Technology Management & Leadership and an MS offered by one of the six academic departments in the School of Engineering. Earn both degrees in an accelerated timeframe and at a reduced cost.

Where Can You Go From Here? Anywhere You’d Like.

Offered through the department of mechanical engineering at Tufts, students studying human factors engineering examine humans’ interactions with both physical and virtual interfaces, from personal electronic devices to heavy industrial machinery and medical equipment.

Our program updates your skills and prepares you for success, whether you’re going into the industry or pursuing further graduate education.

Careers for graduates include:
  • User interface (UI) designer
  • User experience (UX) designer
  • Usability researcher
  • Information architect
  • Interaction designer
  • User researcher
  • Product designer
  • Industrial engineer
human-factors-student lab

Graduate Cooperative Education (Co-Op) Program

The School of Engineering’s Graduate Cooperative Education (Co-Op) Program offers on-campus MS students numerous advantages specific to the engineering discipline. Engineering co-op programs provide students with the opportunity to apply the theoretical principles they have learned in their coursework to real-world engineering projects. This practical experience enhances their understanding of engineering concepts and prepares them for the challenges they may face in their future careers.

Discover Academic Excellence

The Tufts human factors engineering program is distinguished by its opportunities to work closely with faculty every step of the way. Graduate students have the chance to collaborate with and learn from some of the most renowned experts in the country, all while seamlessly transitioning from graduate studies to a full-time career.
Tufts University

About Tufts University

What do you get at Tufts? A rigorous engineering education in a unique environment that blends the intellectual and technological resources of a world-class research university with the strengths of a top-ranked liberal arts college.

At Tufts, you’ll work with world-renowned engineering faculty at the top of their disciplines. Combine classroom teaching and hands-on learning to earn a degree that will prepare you for success. Take advantage of Tufts’ dedicated career and networking resources, explore the Tufts campus just a few miles from the high-tech hubs of Boston and Cambridge, and get ready for the next step in your professional life.