Human Factors Engineering
Master's
Application Deadlines
Fall: Rolling admissions through Aug 1 (domestic & U.S-based international applicants)
Spring: Sep 15
Summer: n/a
School/Department
Mechanical Engineering
Contact
gradadmissions@tufts.edu
Location
Medford/Somerville
Format
On-campusCommitment Options
Full-timePart-time (Daytime)
Average Duration
12 - 24 months
Credits
30
What Will You Study?
Students build expertise in human-centered engineering design and learn to apply theory, methods, and data to the design of systems, products, interfaces, and environments. Students may also have opportunities to work closely with faculty on research and applied projects related to human interaction with engineered systems.
Coursework and research opportunities may address topics such as:
- Human factors engineering
- Engineering psychology
- Ergonomics
- Human-centered design
- Medical devices and systems design
- Product design
- Computer-interface design
- Workplace safety
- Human-machine systems
- Human-robot interaction
- Usability and user research
- Design thinking and innovation
- Perception, cognition, and applied psychology
About the Department of Mechanical Engineering
The M.S. in Human Factors Engineering is offered through Tufts’ Department of Mechanical Engineering. The department prepares students for work in fields such as robotics, medical devices, aerospace, automotive systems, product design, and advanced manufacturing.
Faculty expertise relevant to human factors includes human factors engineering, airspace systems, human-machine system design, robotics, machine learning, perception, psychology, navigation, safety-critical transportation systems, human-robot interaction, engineering education, applied cognition, and spatial cognition.
Human-Centered Engineering Design
Human factors engineering at Tufts focuses on how people interact with products, systems, interfaces, and environments. Students learn to apply engineering, design, psychology, and usability methods to create systems that better support human needs and performance.
Faculty Mentorship
Graduate students have opportunities to work closely with faculty across mechanical engineering, computer science, psychology, education, and related fields. This mentorship can support students interested in research, design practice, technical problem solving, or further graduate study.
Interdisciplinary Learning
Human Factors Engineering connects engineering with psychology, design, robotics, computer interfaces, safety, and applied research. Tufts’ interdisciplinary environment helps students examine human interaction with both physical and virtual systems.
Hands-On and Applied Focus
Students study human factors in applied contexts such as medical devices, product design, computer interfaces, workplace safety, human-machine systems, and robotics. This practical orientation helps students connect theory and methods to real-world design challenges.
What Can You Do With an M.S. in Human Factors Engineering?
Graduates may pursue design, research, engineering, safety, or product-focused roles in areas such as user experience, user interface design, usability research, product design, interaction design, human factors engineering, information architecture, workplace safety, medical device design, robotics, transportation systems, and industrial engineering. Career outcomes vary based on a student’s background, focus area, technical experience, research experience, internship or co-op experience, and professional goals.
Possible paths may include:
- Human factors engineer
- UX researcher
- UX designer
- UI designer
- Usability researcher
- Product designer
- Interaction designer
- Information architect
- Workplace safety specialist
- PhD student or research scientist in training
What is the Career Outlook?
Human factors engineering skills are relevant across safety, usability, systems design, ergonomics, human-centered technology, and user experience.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, health and safety engineers had a median annual wage of $109,660 in May 2024 and employment projected to grow by 4 percent from 2024 to 2034. Related occupation categories include web and digital interface designers, who had a median annual wage of $98,090, and industrial engineers, who had a median annual wage of $101,140 in May 2024.
Average Salary: $103K+
Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): 4%
*Sources: Average salary and projected job growth statistics are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Can Human Factors Engineering Students Complete a Co-op?
Eligible M.S. in Human Factors Engineering students may have the opportunity to participate in the School of Engineering Graduate Cooperative Education Program. The co-op can allow students to apply graduate coursework to real-world engineering and design projects, gain up to six months of full-time work experience, build a resume, and develop professional connections.
What Background Do Applicants Need?
Applicants are expected to have a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or science. Relevant coursework and research experience may be considered for applicants from non-engineering backgrounds.
Do We Host Information Sessions and Campus Tours?
Yes. Prospective students may attend admissions events, information sessions, or campus visit opportunities to learn more about Tufts graduate programs and the application process. Visit go.tufts.edu/gradevents for the event schedule and previously recorded videos.
Is the GRE Required?
No. GRE General Test scores are not required for the M.S. in Human Factors Engineering.
How Do I Apply?
Applicants can apply online through Tufts Graduate Admissions Portal. Required materials typically include transcripts, a resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. International applicants may also need to submit English proficiency documentation. Visit the admissions page for current deadlines and application requirements.
Tuition & Financial Aid
At Tufts University, we believe every qualified applicant deserves the opportunity to pursue graduate study. We are dedicated to helping you understand your financial options and to ensuring that graduate education at Tufts is both accessible and within reach.
Tuition costs for this graduate program are billed at a per credit rate:
| Estimated Tuition for MS Program | |
|---|---|
| Tuition* | $1,799 per credit |
| Total Credits Required | 30 |
| Enrollment Status | Full-Time: 3-4 courses per semester (9-12 credits) Part-Time: 1-2 courses per semester (3-6 credits) |
| Estimated Tuition per Semester | Full-Time: $16,191 - $21,588 per semester (9-12 credits) Part-Time: $5,397 - $10,794 per semester (3-6 credits) |
| Estimated Total Tuition* | $53,970 |
*Estimated based on 2025-2026 tuition rates. Rates are subject to change each academic year. For further information about the full cost of attendance, including additional fees and estimated indirect costs (housing, transportation, etc.), please visit Student Financial Services.
The Tufts University School of Engineering offers partial, merit-based tuition scholarships for the majority of our graduate and certificate programs. All applicants are automatically considered for these awards as part of our holistic admissions review process—no separate scholarship application or additional materials are required.
Additional funding opportunities may include Tufts Double Jumbo Scholarships for Tufts graduates, Bridge Program Scholarships for students and alumni from select partner institutions, and veteran and military education benefits for eligible service members and their dependents, including participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
To further support your investment in a Tufts graduate education, a range of financing options are available, including federal and private student loans. For more details, please visit our Graduate Financial Aid page.
