Human systems engineering programs
Design technology around people
Some technologies feel effortless to use. Others leave you searching for the right button, menu or instruction. Human systems engineering explores why.
At Arizona State University’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, human systems engineering students help shape the future of everything from digital experiences and health care technologies to aviation systems and artificial intelligence.
Where engineering meets human behavior
Human systems engineers ask questions that lead to better designs:
- Why is one app intuitive while another feels frustrating?
- How can people work more effectively with AI?
- What makes technology safer in high-stakes environments?
- How can learning tools adapt to individual needs?
The answers drive innovation across industries including technology, aerospace, health care, education and transportation.
Learn by doing
Human systems engineering is built around hands-on learning and research. Students work with advanced tools such as eye-tracking systems, driving simulators and flight simulators while exploring topics like user experience, human-AI interaction and decision-making.
The goal is simple: create technology that works for people, not the other way around.
Links to related resources
Undergraduate degree options
Human systems engineering, BS
Learn how to design and apply technology with a focus on human needs. Through the study of human behavior, you’ll gain insights that support advancements in health care, workplace systems, and the development of more intuitive, effective technologies.
Available online
Human systems engineering (user experience), BS
You know how great it is when an app or program works perfectly. You can help create that seamless experience and reduce frustration for users. Learn to decode human behavior and design technology that people genuinely want to use.
Available online
Human systems engineering, minor
Explore the psychology behind effective design. Enhance your major by learning how to make technology work for people — not the other way around. You’ll gain practical, in-demand skills that employers value in an increasingly tech-driven world.
Available online
Graduate degree options
Human systems engineering, MS
Do you want to become skilled in making complex systems easier to understand and use? Address emerging challenges by developing technologies that adapt to people, not the other way around. Professionals who can apply evidence-based design thinking and cognitive science to improve user experience are highly valued across industries.
Human systems engineering (aviation human factors), MS
Transform your interest in human performance in high-stakes aviation environments into a career focused on improving safety and saving lives. You’ll gain the knowledge to analyze the complex relationship between people and aviation technology with precision and insight.
Human systems engineering (health systems), MS
Are you an analytical problem-solver with a passion for health care improvement? You can apply engineering principles to address complex challenges at the intersection of technology and patient care. Develop innovative, human-centered solutions that enhance the quality and efficiency of health services.
Human systems engineering (intelligent systems), MS
Serve as the connection between artificial intelligence and human experience. You’ll develop expertise in designing intelligent systems that respond to human needs, anticipate behaviors and enhance capabilities, helping to shape the next generation of human-centered technology.
Human systems engineering (user experience research), MS
Explore and decode the complex interplay between humans and technology as you build expertise in user experience research. You’ll learn advanced techniques to inform intuitive design and guide decisions that connect human needs with technological innovation.
Artificial intelligence engineering (human-centered artificial intelligence), MS
Learn the advanced skills needed to apply artificial intelligence and machine learning in human-centered systems, emphasizing the application of human factors in engineering. Take high-demand AI core courses and disciplinary electives, and select a culminating experience that fits your needs — all in a flexible program that you can complete in one to two years.
Data science, analytics and engineering (human-centered applications), MS
Have you encountered accidental biases in smart devices or generative artificial intelligence? Would you like to improve machine learning to best serve human needs? Gain in-demand data science skills while enhancing your expertise in applying this knowledge to human capabilities.
Technology (aviation management and human factors), MSTech
Explore the intersection of people and technology in the exciting, fast-paced environment of aviation. You’ll develop the skills and expertise to understand both the technical complexities and human factors, and help shape the future of flight.
Human systems engineering, PhD
Are you driven by questions that others often overlook? Explore how cognition shapes interaction and how design influences behavior. Apply your passion for rigorous investigation by designing experiments that reveal how humans perceive, process and engage with complex systems. Your scholarly contributions will help inform and shape engineering practices.
Human systems engineering, PhD
Are you driven by questions that others often overlook? Explore how cognition shapes interaction and how design influences behavior. Apply your passion for rigorous investigation by designing experiments that reveal how humans perceive, process and engage with complex systems. Your scholarly contributions will help inform and shape engineering practices.
Learning engineering (graduate certificate)
Remember taking boring classes and using unhelpful learning content? Did you ever consider how to improve them? You can learn how to work with interdisciplinary teams to build better learning environments and experiences that are more responsive to the learner. Become a learning engineer and improve learning ecosystems around you.
More HSE program information
Accelerated Master’s degree option
The accelerated master’s degree program offers our top undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue a graduate degree at an accelerated rate. Eligible and admitted students in an approved undergraduate degree program have the ability to share (double count) courses between their undergraduate and graduate degrees. After completion of the undergraduate degree, students would transition directly into the corresponding graduate degree program with up to 12 credit hours earned.
Learn more about the Accelerated Master’s degree programs
Faculty
Meet the core HSE faculty and program chair in the HSE faculty directory.
In addition, you may see a list of faculty approved to serve as chair, co-chair or committee members for the HSE PhD program.
Contact us
Graduate program links
HSE MS applied project and thesis information
Record of Evaluation of MS HSE Graduate Portfolio Form (only for active MS students)
Request for Qualifying Exam Results Form
Request for Comprehensive Exam Results Form
Graduate student resources and forms
Handbooks
2025–26 User Experience Graduate Handbook
Undergraduate programs
Undergraduate Advising
[email protected]
480-727-1874
Graduate programs
Graduate Advising
[email protected]
480-727-1874
Graduate Program Chair: Scotty Craig