Ergonomics and human factors is an exciting field focused on the relationship between people and technology. Human factors professionals strive to optimize human performance by designing appropriate:
- objects
- facilities
- different environments
Human factors graduate programs may be found in engineering or psychology departments. They may be primary degrees or areas of concentration. Primary job responsibilities may include:
- observing work activities and conducting tests
- evaluating work systems
- recommending modifications or adjustments to improve employee safety and reduce human error
- assessing computer and human interactions
- designing human work systems to optimize quality and safety
Featured Schools
Methodology
We created this ranking using information gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator tool. We searched for colleges offering a master’s in Industrial Organizational Psychology. We narrowed our focus to programs accredited by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES). The top human factors psychology graduate schools with accredited human factors masters programs were then ranked based on student to teacher ratio and average graduate tuition.
Ranking the Top 15 Master’s in Human Factors
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1 or less= 5 Points
- 16:1 to 20:1= 3 Points
- Greater than 20:1= 1 Point
Average Graduate Tuition
- Less than $10,000 per year= 5 Points
- $10,000 to $15,000 per year= 4 Points
- $15,001 to $20,000 per year= 3 Points
- $20,001 to $25,000 per year= 2 Points
- Greater than $25,001 per year= 1 Point
15. San Jose State University – San Jose, California
Human Factors/Ergonomics MS Program
School Profile
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 25:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,176/year in-state and $16,680/year out-of-state
Points: 6
San Jose State University features a top masters in human factors and ergonomics that incorporates:
- theory
- practical application
- research methods
The program is fully accredited by the HFES. While many schools house their masters in ergonomics program in their psychology department, San Jose’s program is housed in their engineering department. The interdisciplinary nature of the program brings in staff from areas like:
- psychology
- kinesiology
- engineering
New students are admitted to the masters of ergonomics program in the fall semester. Most students can earn their degree in under two-and-a-half years.
14. California State University – Long Beach, California
MS in Psychology, Option in Human Factors
School Profile
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,176/year in-state and $16,680/year out-of-state
Points: 6
California State University Long Beach offers a high value master’s in psychology with a concentration in human factors. Students will gain the skills needed to design jobs, consumer products, and equipment that improves performance and safety for the user. Core courses include:
- Human Factors’ Methods
- Systems Engineering and Integration
- Computer Applications in Psychology
The human factors degree program is housed in the Psychology Building. Students can gain practical experience in the usability testing laboratory or in the Center for Human Factors in Advanced Aeronautics Technologies. All students complete a thesis to complete their degree.
13. Texas Tech University – Lubbock, Texas
Master’s in Human Factors Psychology
School Profile
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $6,788/year in-state and $14,968/year out-of-state
Points: 6
The human factors psychology master’s degree program from Texas Tech University is offered as a terminal master’s degree or in an accelerated 4+1 bachelors/master’s degree program. The program follows an apprenticeship model that encourages students to be involved in research throughout their time at Texas Tech. Core courses include:
- Human Factors Psychology
- Cognition and Cognitive Neuroscience
- Group Processes and Intergroup Relations
Graduate students can choose to complete a thesis or non-thesis option depending on their professional goals.
12. Georgia Institute of Technology – Atlanta, Georgia
Master’s in Engineering Psychology
School Profile
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $14,064/year in-state and $29,140/year out-of-state
Points: 7
The Georgia Tech School of Psychology offers a top master’s in engineering psychology fully accredited by the HFES. Students will study content areas like human factors in cognitive aging and educational technology. Human factors engineering degree courses are taught from an applied psychology perspective. Engineering psychology courses include:
- Sensation and Perception
- Cognitive Psychology
- Engineering Psychology
All graduate students are required to complete a thesis, gaining valuable research experience.
11. George Mason University – Fairfax, Virginia
Human Factors and Applied Cognition Master’s Program
School Profile
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $12,594/year in-state and $33,906/year out-of-state
Points: 7
The HFES accredited human factors and applied cognition master’s degree from George Mason University is a comprehensive program for students planning to work in the academic, public, or private sectors. Course offerings for human factors degree students include:
- Cognitive Engineering: Cognitive Science Applied to Human Factors
- Human-System Interaction
- Eye Tracking: Theory and Practice
Students have access to the Human Factors and Applied Cognition Department. This 6,000 square foot laboratory space is home to advanced simulators, neuroergonomic recording systems, and cutting edge software used for data collection and analysis.
10. The Ohio State University – Columbus, Ohio
Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering-Human Systems Integration
School Profile
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,560/year in-state and $36,276/year out-of-state
Points: 7
The Department of Integrated Systems Engineering at The Ohio State University College of Engineering features a high value human factors engineering masters program. Students work closely with faculty while engaging in research across a variety of areas including:
- biomechanical, physical ergonomics and safety
- cognitive systems engineering and resilience
- spine research
State of the art research facilities like the Center for Occupational Health in Automotive Manufacturing and the Engineering Laboratory for Human Factors, Ergonomics, and Safety provide students with high quality research opportunities. Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in a related area like engineering or computer science. New students are admitted during the autumn, spring, and summer.
9. Clemson University – Clemson, South Carolina
Master’s in Applied Psychology-Human Factors
School Profile
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,600/year in-state and $22,050/year out-of-state
Points: 7
The affordable human factors psychology master’s degree program at Clemson University prepares students for success in the workforce or further continuation of their academic career. Coursework covers areas like:
- ergonomics for applied psychology
- human perception and performance
- research methods
- usability evaluation
Students can also choose from unique electives in areas like virtual reality systems and eye tracking methodology and applications. Capstone options include a thesis project, formal internship, or research hours. Students can complete their degree in about two years of full-time study.
8. Old Dominion University – Norfolk, Virginia
Psychology M.S. with a Concentration in Human Factors
School Profile
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,207/year in-state and $29,851/year out-of-state
Points: 7
Old Dominion University features a budget friendly master’s in human factors that follows a mentor-model. Students are admitted to the program and matched to a faculty member who serves as their mentor throughout the program. Human factors courses cover:
- Human Factors Psychology
- Ergonomics
- Human Computer Interaction
All students complete research and thesis courses. Applicants should have a strong undergraduate foundation in psychology and competitive GRE scores to be considered for admission.
7. Auburn University – Auburn, Alabama
MEM Master of Engineering Management
School Profile
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,080/year in-state and $30,240/year out-of-state
Points: 7
The Samuel Ginn College of Engineering at Auburn University offers a coursework only master’s in engineering management with a focus on occupational safety and ergonomics. The program is great option for students with a bachelor’s in an engineering related discipline or relevant work experience. Student take courses in areas like:
- Human Factors Engineering
- Occupational Safety Engineering
- Ergonomics
This 30 credit hour program has no thesis requirement. Students can earn their degree, expanding their career potential, in just two years.
6. University of Houston-Clear Lake – Houston, Texas
Psychology M.S. with a Concentration in Applied Cognitive Psychology-Human Factors
School Profile
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,920/year in-state and $17,568/year out-of-state
Points: 8
The low-priced human factors psychology master’s degree program at the University of Houston Clear Lake is an interdisciplinary program combining areas the areas of:
- psychology
- engineering
- computing
Students will learn to apply these principles of areas like product development and industrial safety. Hands-on learning opportunities are available through coursework, laboratory research, and industry collaborations. Courses include:
- User-Centered Design
- Human Factors Engineering
- Human Factors, Methods, and Analysis
Human factors program students can choose to complete either a graduate internship or thesis research. Students from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to this exciting graduate program.
5. University of Idaho – Moscow, Idaho
Master’s in Experimental Psychology-Human Factors
School Profile
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,754/year in-state and $26,990/year out-of-state
Points: 8
The University of Idaho offers a low-cost master’s in human factors emphasizing research. Students complete coursework and research to understand and improve how people interact with technology and products. Courses are offered on-campus and online and include:
- Human Factors in Engineering Design
- Ergonomics and Biomechanics
- Human-Computer Interaction
Human factors degree students are able to conduct research at state-of-the-art on-campus laboratory facilities. Graduates are successful in areas like:
- product development
- public safety
- web usability
4. Wright State University – Dayton, Ohio
Master of Science in Human Factors and Industrial/Organizational Psychology
School Profile
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $14,298/year in-state and $24,286/year out-of-state
Points: 9
The College of Science and Mathematics at Wright State University features a budget friendly master’s in human factors and industrial/organizational psychology. Students can choose a thesis-based or non thesis-based program option, depending on their educational and professional goals. Course offerings include:
- Cognitive Systems Engineering
- Engineering Psychology
- Reasoning and Problem Solving
Human factors program students in the non-thesis program option can choose to complete a concentration in human performance and effectiveness. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in psychology or significant coursework in that area. Admission to the human factors degree program is competitive.
3. Virginia Tech – Blacksburg, Virginia
Master’s in Human Factors Engineering and Ergonomics (HFEE)
School Profile
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $13,701/year in-state and $27,614/year out-of-state
Points: 9
Virginia Tech offers one of the best human factors engineering graduate programs. Their Master of Science in Human Factors Engineering and Ergonomics is accredited by the Board Certification in Professional Ergonomics and the HFES. Students can choose from a variety of specialization areas including:
- Cognitive Ergonomics
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Macroergonomics
Ergonomics degree coursework is supplemented with research opportunities in a variety of human factors and ergonomic application areas. The program requires a thesis, allowing students to gain valuable research experience.
2. University at Buffalo – Buffalo, New York
Master of Science in Human Factors and Ergonomics Engineering
School Profile
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,310/year in-state and $23,100/year out-of-state
Points: 9
The Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University at Buffalo offers a graduate program in human factors and ergonomics engineering. Students can engage in research opportunities in human-automation interaction and cognitive engineering. Content courses include:
- Human Information Processing
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Human Factors in Safety
Students can choose to complete a formal thesis or complete research activities during research assistantship work and take a comprehensive exam. The University of Buffalo also offers a unique two-year interdisciplinary training curriculum in occupational safety and health for human factors engineering/ergonomics students. This opportunity is funded by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.
1. North Carolina State University – Raleigh, North Carolina
Human Factors and Applied Cognition Master’s Program
School Profile
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,095/year in-state and $26,421/year out-of-state
Points: 10
Our top master’s in human factors is at North Carolina State University. They offer an affordable human factors and applied cognition master’s program that has adopted a scientist-practitioner model. Coursework focuses on a variety of areas including:
- human performance and perception
- safety and engineering principles
- research methods
- information processing
Students develop apprentice relationships with staff which enhances research training. State-of-the-art research facilities like the Applied Cognitive Psychology Laboratory and the Cognitive Ergonomics Laboratory allow students to use custom built equipment to research areas like risk perception and communication.
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