THFES | Program Guide | Master of Science

Requirements for the Master of Science in Human Factors or Experimental Psychology

Requirements for Applicants to the Program

The general requirements for a Master's Degree adhere to the requirements of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. This consists of 10 courses of which the thesis will comprise two courses.

It is additionally expected that the applicant will have completed a BS degree in either a psychology field, such as cognition or experimental psychology or an engineering field such as human factors, mechanical, electrical, civil or other traditional engineering discipline or in a strong science discipline with substantial engineering content. It is not necessary but is helpful if the applicant has completed basic course work particular to the field of Human Factors such as statistics/probabilities and in basic human factors engineering and design principles.

MS in Human Factors

In order to be considered for the MS program in Human Factors, the applicant will be expected to have completed mathematics through advanced calculus, physics, and have preparation in basic engineering principles. This will be judged based on transcripts and, if necessary, on the results of the G.R.E. exams. Students are not required to complete the G.R.E. examinations but may be requested to do so as a requirement for entry into the program. Facility in the use of computers is also strongly recommended.

Applicants who are judged to lack suitable preparation may be able to remedy this through courses taken concurrently with or prior to entering their specified program courses.

There is no prespecific set of courses for the program. This will be determined based on the candidate's background preparation and specific field of interest. However, the M.S. program in Human factors will generally consist of eight (8) courses and a two course credit thesis constituting a program of studies for general education in Human Factors. The program of studies will be determined by the applicant in consultation with the applicant's thesis advisor.

One year's tuition is required for M.S. graduate study although the student may take five (5) years to complete the program or longer under special circumstances.

MS in Experimental Psychology

The Tufts University Department of Psychology has decided to cease granting "terminal" Masters Degrees. However, a M.S. can be earned in concert with a Ph.D. However, the requirements remain the same.

A master of science degree may be earned by satisfactory completion of seven (7) courses and writing a two credit thesis. Every candidate must take Psychology 107 and 108 (statistics), as well as two of the designated core courses (Psychology 231 - 234). Additional courses at either the 100 or 200 level from within the department and approved courses in other departments may be taken to complete the course work. No more than two graduate-level courses, which have not been used to count torward another graduate degree, may be transferred from another institution toward the Tufts program. The master's thesis must be an empirical research in psychology, which will be presented in written form and on which the candidate must take a comprehensive oral examination. A student who is able to devote full time to the graduate program may register for four courses a term and earn the master's degree in one year. Students holding Tufts' teaching and research assistantships are advised to register for five courses per year and should plan to spend more then one year in completing the degree. Only under exceptional circumstances should it require more than two years for completion. The department does not encourage part-time participation in the program.