The Ph.D. in Human-Robot Interaction at Tufts University is an interdisciplinary doctoral program focused on understanding and improving interactions between humans and robots. Students build advanced research expertise in areas such as robotics, artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, cognitive science, perception, ethics, and socially assistive technologies.

The program is offered as a joint Ph.D. with a Tufts home department in Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering. It is available on campus in Medford/Somerville, with full-time and part-time study options, and the average duration is 3–5 years.

Who is this Program For?

This program is designed for students who want to conduct advanced research at the intersection of robotics, computing, engineering, and human behavior.

The Ph.D. may be a strong fit for applicants with backgrounds in computer science, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, robotics, human-computer interaction, cognitive science, psychology, human factors, design, or a closely related field. Applicants should be prepared for a research-intensive doctoral experience that combines technical depth with human-centered inquiry.

Because this is a joint Ph.D., students should also meet the expectations of their home department – the Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering.

Application Requirements

Application Fee
Resume/CV
Personal Statement
Transcripts
Three letters of Recommendation
Official GRE scores (if applicable)
- For applicants to the Computer Science department, GRE scores are required, unless the applicant will have received a degree from an institution located in the U.S. or Canada by time of enrollment.
- For applicants to the Mechanical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering departments, GRE General Test scores are not required.
Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo test scores (if applicable)
- Each department considers a TOEFL score of 100, IELTS score of 7.5, or Duolingo score of 120 to be competitive for admittance.
Portfolio (optional)

Apply Request Info

What Will You Study?

Doctoral study in human-robot interaction combines core HRI coursework, approved electives, research methods preparation, home-department requirements, and independent dissertation research. Courses may count toward both the HRI Ph.D. and the student’s home department when approved.

Students complete a minimum of ten courses:

Five core courses in human-robot interaction
Five electives approved by the HRI Steering Committee
Evidence of competence in four research methods
Additional requirements of the student’s home department, as applicable

Students may study topics such as:

Human-robot interaction
Robotics, AI, and machine learning
Human-computer interaction
Perception, cognition, and control systems
Human factors

Accessible and assistive technologies
Socially interactive robots
Ethical and responsible robotics
Experimental design and research methods

About the Human-Robot Interaction Program

The Human-Robot Interaction program at Tufts brings together faculty and students from multiple engineering and computing disciplines to study how people and robots interact across tasks, environments, and communities.

The program connects research in robotics, artificial intelligence, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, human factors, cognitive science, perception, control, accessibility, and human-centered design.

Apply Request Info

Theresa Law (left), 1G and PhD candidate, Matthias Scheutz,Professor of Computer Science, and Tyler Frasca, 3G and PhD candidate, pose for a photo in the human robot interaction laboratory

Why Study Human-Robot Interaction at Tufts?

Interdisciplinary Doctoral Training

Human-robot interaction sits at the intersection of technical systems and human experience. Tufts’ joint Ph.D. model allows students to pursue advanced study through a home department while connecting robotics, computer science, engineering, psychology, human factors, design, and ethics.

Faculty Mentorship

Doctoral students are guided by faculty conducting research in areas such as robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, human-computer interaction, perception, cognition, control, signal processing, accessibility, and human-centered technologies.

Research Methods Across Disciplines

HRI research often requires both technical and human-centered methods. Students develop competence in research methods that may include experimental design, data analysis, system design, user studies, robotics testing, qualitative research, or computational modeling.

Boston-Area Innovation Ecosystem

Tufts’ Medford/Somerville campus is located near the technology, robotics, healthcare, research, and startup communities of Greater Boston and Cambridge. This setting can support professional connections and exposure to a broader robotics and AI ecosystem.

What Can You Do With a Ph.D. in Human-Robot Interaction?

A Ph.D. in Human-Robot Interaction can support advanced research, teaching, technical leadership, and innovation-focused career paths. Graduates may pursue opportunities across academia, robotics, AI, human-computer interaction, research labs, technology, healthcare, assistive technology, defense, aerospace, manufacturing, and social robotics.

Potential paths may include:

University faculty member or postdoctoral researcher
HRI, robotics, AI/ML, or HCI researcher
Human factors or UX researcher for intelligent systems
Research scientist in robotics or autonomous systems
Assistive technology or social robotics researcher
Robotics product or systems researcher

What is the Career Outlook?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide a single occupation category for human-robot interaction researchers. Related career paths may align with computer and information research, mechanical engineering, robotics engineering, human factors, software development, or research scientist roles.

BLS reports that employment for computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 20% from 2024 to 2034. The median annual wage for computer and information research scientists was $140,910 in May 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which home departments participate in the HRI Ph.D.?

Participating home departments include Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.

Are scholarships or financial aid available?

Full-time PhD students within the School of Engineering often receive a tuition scholarship. Applicants should review current tuition and aid information and contact gradadmissions@tufts.edu with questions.

Is the GRE required?

No. GRE General Test scores are not required.

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.