MS in Human Factors/Ergonomics, User Experience Concentration
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Human Factors/Ergonomics with a Concentration in User Experience program at San José State University equips students with expertise in human-computer interaction and UX design. Through coursework and a culminating project, graduates gain proficiency in usability evaluation, human-computer interaction, and interaction design, preparing them for careers in UX design and related fields. The program is accredited by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, ensuring recognition and credibility in the industry.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Master of Science in Human Factors/Ergonomics (HF/E) degree program with a Concentration in User Experience (UX) is offered by the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) at San José State University. The program aims to provide students with competency in human-computer interaction (UX) through coursework and a culminating project. Upon completion, students will receive a recognizable employment credential on their MS diploma from the MS HF/E program accredited by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES).
Objectives:
- Develop students' understanding of human factors/ergonomics principles and their application in UX design.
- Enhance students' skills in usability evaluation and testing, human-computer interaction, and interaction design.
- Prepare students for careers in UX design and related fields.
Program Description:
The program consists of 30 units of coursework, including:
- Core Courses (8 units):
- ISE 210 - Human Factors/Ergonomics
- ISE 212 - Human Factors Experiments (GWAR)
- ISE 290 - Human Factors & Ergonomics Professional Seminar
- Concentration Courses (12 units):
- ISE 215 - Usability Evaluation and Testing
- ISE 217 - Human Computer Interaction
- ISE 218 - Interaction Design I
- ISE 220 - Interaction Design II
- Approved Electives (6 units):
- Elective courses must be planned in consultation with the graduate advisor.
- Culminating Experience (4 units):
- Plan A (Thesis) or Plan B (Project)
Outline:
Content:
The program covers a range of topics in human factors/ergonomics and UX design, including:
- Human factors principles and their application in UX design
- Usability evaluation and testing methods
- Human-computer interaction design principles
- Interaction design techniques
- User experience research methods
Structure:
The program is structured as follows:
- Semester 1: Core courses and concentration courses
- Semester 2: Concentration courses and elective courses
- Semester 3: Elective courses and culminating experience
Course Schedule:
The course schedule is subject to change, but typically includes the following courses:
- Fall Semester:
- ISE 210 - Human Factors/Ergonomics
- ISE 212 - Human Factors Experiments
- ISE 215 - Usability Evaluation and Testing
- Spring Semester:
- ISE 217 - Human Computer Interaction
- ISE 218 - Interaction Design I
- ISE 290 - Human Factors & Ergonomics Professional Seminar
- Summer Session:
- Elective courses
- Fall Semester (Year 2):
- ISE 220 - Interaction Design II
- Elective courses
- Spring Semester (Year 2):
- Culminating experience
Individual Modules with Descriptions:
- ISE 210 - Human Factors/Ergonomics: This course introduces the principles of human factors/ergonomics and their application in the design of systems, products, and environments. Topics include human capabilities and limitations, anthropometry, biomechanics, and cognitive psychology.
- ISE 212 - Human Factors Experiments: This course provides an overview of experimental design and analysis methods used in human factors research. Topics include hypothesis testing, experimental design, data collection, and data analysis.
- ISE 215 - Usability Evaluation and Testing: This course covers the principles and methods of usability evaluation and testing. Topics include user testing, heuristic evaluation, and cognitive walkthroughs.
- ISE 217 - Human Computer Interaction: This course introduces the principles of human-computer interaction design. Topics include user-centered design, interaction design principles, and user interface design.
- ISE 218 - Interaction Design I: This course provides hands-on experience in interaction design. Topics include prototyping, user testing, and iterative design.
- ISE 220 - Interaction Design II: This course builds on the skills learned in ISE 218 and focuses on advanced interaction design techniques. Topics include mobile interaction design, web design, and user experience research.
- ISE 290 - Human Factors & Ergonomics Professional Seminar: This course provides an overview of the professional practice of human factors/ergonomics. Topics include ethics, professional development, and current trends in the field.
Assessment:
Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Exams
- Quizzes
- Projects
- Presentations
- Culminating experience (thesis or project)
Teaching:
The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members with expertise in human factors/ergonomics and UX design. The teaching methods include:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Hands-on exercises
- Guest lectures
- Field trips
Careers:
Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in UX design and related fields, such as:
- UX designer
- Interaction designer
- Usability engineer
- Human factors engineer
- Ergonomist
Entry Requirements:
Applicants must meet all university admission requirements. Applicants who meet the following requirements beyond university requirements will be considered for admission into the ISE Department. Applicants for classified standing must have completed a BS or BA degree in Psychology, Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial Design, or other related field at an accredited institution. A grade point average of 3.0 (“B”) or better in the last two years of academic work is preferred. Applicants for classified standing will also be expected to have completed upper division courses in statistics, cognition, and perception. Applicants who do not meet the requirements for classified standing may be admitted with specific conditions as conditionally classified; any conditions stated in the admission notification must be fulfilled within the first year and before the student can be advanced to candidacy for the degree. If the conditions are not fulfilled, the program reserves the right to dismiss the student from the program by a process known as Administrative Academic Disqualification (see Section 41300.1, Title 5, California Code of Regulations).
