Courses

To earn a Master of Science (MS) degree in Human Systems Engineering, students must meet several core requirements pertaining to coursework, research, and professional development. The degree requires completion of 30 credits with an average grade of ìBî or better (for graded courses) or ìPassî (for Pass/Fail courses). All students should also carefully review the Polytechnic School Graduate Student Handbook, which offers guidelines, rules, and practices relevant to all graduate programs.

Required Courses

HSE 530: Intermediate Statistics for Human Systems Engineering

One-way and factorial designs, contrasts, post-hoc tests, probing of interactions, mixed designs, power, computer applications.

HSE 531 Data Analytics (3 credits)

Principles and methods of analyzing human subjects data. Improves analytical and communication skills for scientific research; acquires and develops skills in using the open-source statistical computing platform R; and builds confidence in wrangling, analyzing, and visualizing human subjects data.

HSE 542: Foundations of Human Systems Engineering (3 credits)

A wide variety of methodologies utilized by and applications of the broad field of human systems engineering, and one of the following methods courses (It is highly recommended that you take a research methods course as early as possible.):

HSE 520: Methods and Tools in Applied Cognitive Science (3 credits)

This course provides a hands-on approach to understanding and using advanced methodologies commonly implemented in the field of cognitive science, such as experimental designs, quasi- experimental designs, cognitive task analysis, eye-tracking, electroencephalography (EEG) recordings, and other behavioral and physiological recordings.

Electives

Electives: (9 to 12 credits) students can take graduate courses (500-level or above) in our program or other programs as electives. Students can take up to two undergraduate courses (400-level or above) as electives. Consult with your advisor regarding appropriate course options. Applied project students must take 12 credits, thesis students must take 9 credits of elective coursework.

PSY 560: Advances in Theoretical Psychology (can be taken two times under different subtopics)

This diverse course covers contemporary empirical and theoretical research in psychology with emphasis on applicability. The conceptual focus of this course changes each semester depending on the interests of the instructors. For example, prior sections have discussed teams and team cognition, virtual and augmented reality, structural knowledge, and memory. Alternative content courses may fill this requirement if approved by the faculty.

HSE 594: Conference and Workshop (1 credit; up to 3 credits over three semesters)

Students will attend and participate in professional development activities such a weekly research seminar series, academic and professional conferences, workshops, and so on.

Other electives options:

GIT 598: UI/UX Consulting

HSE 422 Human Factors in Sport**

HSE 423 Human Factors in Transportation**

HSE 424 Human Automation Interaction**

HSE 426 Training and Expertise**

HSE 427 Designing for Learning**

HSE 428 Judgment and Decision Making**

HSE 429 Product Design and Experiment**

HSE 525 Health & Human Systems Engineering

HSE 540 Foundations of Applied Cognitive Science

PSY 528 Sensation and Perception

TWC 544 User Experience

See class search for course descriptions.

**A maximum of 6 credits of 400-level coursework is permitted on the graduate plan of study

Research and Capstone Courses

HSE 592: Research (up to 6 credits)

Under the supervision of a faculty member, students can conduct research that is expected to lead to a specific project such as a thesis or dissertation, report, or publication. Research assignments and responsibilities are determined by the supervising faculty member and might include data collection, experimental work, data analysis, or preparation of a manuscript. Students may enroll in between 1 credit to 6 credits of HSE 592: Research in one semester. Students who work on a paid research project over the summer will enroll in HSE 592: Research.

HSE 593: Applied Project (6 credits)

Under the supervision of a faculty member and in collaboration with an industry or community client, students will identify a topic or problem of interest; conduct a thorough literature review; and develop a proposed plan of analysis, design, or product development. Once the proposed project is approved, the student will conduct the planned work. The Applied Project should result in an original, meaningful, and useful final product. Such products might include a new piece of software or technology, an analysis of an important phenomenon or problem, recommended solutions or actions, and so on.

Typically, students will enroll in 3 credits of HSE 593: Applied Project per semester during their second year, following the completion of introductory research and analysis training. Students must be enrolled in at least one credit of HSE 593: Applied Project during the semester they graduate. A Z grade is reported on all credits until all project requirements are fulfilled.

HSE 599: Thesis (6 credits)

Under the supervision of a faculty member, students will identify a topic and research question(s) of interest; conduct a thorough literature review; develop testable hypotheses; and develop a detailed proposed plan of empirical research and analysis to address those hypotheses. Once the thesis proposal is approved, the student will conduct the planned work. The Thesis should result in an original, meaningful, and rigorous product that contributes to the research literature on the chosen topic. Students should strive to conduct work that merits publication in respected journals within their field.

Typically, students will enroll in 3 credits HSE 599: Thesis per semester during their second year, following the completion of introductory research and analysis training. Students must be enrolled in at least one credit of HSE 599: Thesis during the semester they graduate. A ìZî grade is reported on all credits until all thesis requirements are fulfilled.