Human-Centered Design, M.S.

The master’s program in human-centered design provides advanced education and research opportunities to qualified students with a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. The program prepares students to conduct independent scholarly work, teach in academia, or work in commerce or the private sector.

Admission Requirements

An applicant should have an undergraduate degree in engineering, mathematics, or physical or computer sciences. Applicants with a strong interest in human and social science or the arts are particularly suited to the program. Applicants with experience in industry or academia, or in human factors and ergonomics are also urged to apply.

Master’s applicants must submit all undergraduate transcripts with a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. International students must submit internet-based TOEFL scores of 100 or higher. All applicants must submit GRE results with a minimum score of 1100, three letters of recommendation and a statement of objectives.

General admission requirements and the process for applying are presented in the Academic Overview  section.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science in Human-Centered Design is offered with both thesis and nonthesis options. Each option requires a minimum of 33 credit hours of coursework. Prior to the completion of nine credit hours, the student must submit for approval a master’s degree program plan to indicate the path chosen and the specific courses to be taken.

The nonthesis option requires 30 credit hours of coursework beyond the bachelor’s degree and three credit hours of professionally oriented project work. The project enables students to demonstrate the ability to solve human-centered design problems; model, design, prototype and evaluate solutions; and express themselves both orally and in writing. On successful completion of the 33 credit hours of coursework and project, the student must pass a final program examination.

The thesis option requires 27 credit hours of coursework beyond the bachelor’s degree and a minimum of six credit hours of thesis. The thesis may be analytical, experimental, theoretical or applied. It should provide the student the ability to explore literature; model, design, prototype and evaluate solutions; and competently express themselves. The thesis applicant must write and present a thesis proposal to a committee formed according to graduate policy, conduct the necessary research, and design and prepare a written thesis satisfying the elements agreed to by the student’s committee. The student must defend the thesis before the committee. Students in this option are urged to continue to the Ph.D. program and a career in academia.