Human Factors--also known as Engineering Psychology--is a study of the design and analysis of products and systems based on the mental and physical capabilities and limitations of people. Engineering Psychologists apply both Psychology and Engineering principles to solve complex problems such as designing a computer user interface, evaluating the safety of a manufacturing facility, or investigating causes of airplane accidents. Organizations and companies which have employed graduates of Tufts Human Factors/Engineering Psychology programs include Microsoft, AT&T, Kodak, Lotus, Sikorsky, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the U.S. Army, American Institutes for Research, and consulting companies such as IDEO and Mitre.

The undergraduate Engineering Psychology major may be completed by students either through the College of Engineering or through the Psychology department in the College of Liberal Arts. It is an interdisciplinary major structured to provide comprehensive background in the field and leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Psychology. Students acquire skills in advanced consumer product design, consumer product safety analyses, computer interface design, workplace evaluation and design, and other similar problems. The program of study includes fifteen core courses which are drawn from both schools, the College of Engineering or College of Liberal Arts general requirements, and electives.

The Master of Science in Human Factors is a flexible program designed to provide the opportunity for more specialized research. Students choose their specific course of study in consultation with the program advisor; a typical program consists of eight courses in addition to thesis credit equivalent to two courses. In order to be considered for the M.S., the applicant will be expected to have completed mathematics through differential equations, engineering physics, and have preparation in basic engineering principles. One year's tuition is required for M.S. graduate study although the student may take five years to complete the program. Teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and tuition scholarships may be available to full-time candidates on a competitive basis. Applicants to the M.S. program should apply to the graduate school in the usual fashion, indicating Human Factors on the application.

For further information about undergraduate and graduate study in Human Factors/Engineering Psychology, please read the Program Guide. 

For further information about undergraduate and graduate study in Human Factors/Engineering Psychology, please read the Program Guide, and

visit the website for the Tufts Student Chapter of HFES, and Tufts Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.

For information on applying to either the College of Engineering or the College of Liberal Arts, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions office. For further information about graduate admissions, please contact the Graduate and Professional Studies. Students interested in a Ph.D. in Human Factors should contact the program advisor, Professor Caroline Cao via email at  Caroline.Cao@tufts.edu  or phone 617-627-2484. 
The Professional and Professional Studies office, in collaboration with faculty, also offers a certificate program in Human-Computer Interaction. For more information about this program, please contact the Graduate and Professional Studies office.

Bachelor of Science in Engineering Psychology