Master’s Without Thesis

Should you consider the thesis or non-thesis path?   Good question!   Read some thoughts about the differences here.

Candidates are required to complete the equivalent of ten (10) credits to graduate from this program. Full-time MS candidates generally complete their degree requirements in two semesters plus a summer semester.

Tufts Masters Grads 2018

A. HFE Core Courses  (three credits – 1 class)

Human Factors is an applied field of diverse engineering science fundamentals shaped by areas of application. The purpose of this requirement is to expose the student to the connections between the various sub-disciplines of human factors. 
  • ENP 0162 Human Machine Systems Design

B. Design Core Courses (three credits – 1 class)

Experience in applied design is an essential component of the HFE training program.
  • ME 0102 – Inventive Design
  • ENP 0161 – Human Factors in Product Design

C. Probability and Statistics (three credits – 1 class)

The ability to apply statistical analysis to the solution of human factors problems is central to this curriculum.
  • ENP 164 – Behavioral Statistics for Engineers 

D. Development of Analytical Capabilities (three credits – 1 class)

The ability to apply analytical techniques to the design and solution of human factors problems is central to this curriculum.
  • ENP 0163 – Analytical Methods in HF Engineering

E. HCI (three credits – 1 class)

The ability to apply analytical techniques to the design and solution of human factors problems is central to this curriculum.
  • ENP 0166 – Computer Interface Design
  • COMP 0171 – Human Computer Interaction
  • COMP 0175 – Computer Graphics
  • COMP 0177 – Visualization

F. General Electives (minimum of 12 credits)

Twelve additional technical credits should be selected by students in consultation with their advisor(s). These elective courses must be at the graduate level (100 or above).

    G. Professional Development (1 course, 3 credits)

  • ENP 0220 Graduate Capstone

    H. Seminar (no credit):

  • ME 291 ME Graduate Seminar (fall semester)
  • ME 292 ME Graduate Seminar (spring semester)

Regular attendance at Mechanical Engineering weekly Seminar Series is an integral part of full-time graduate studies. The seminars, held on Thursday afternoons, feature speakers from both inside and outside of Tufts. The seminars provide students and faculty with an opportunity to learn about the latest developments in mechanical engineering research and practice. All full-time human factors graduate students are required to register for the ME Seminar every semester. As part of this requirement, a student must pass the seminar course by attending at least 80% of the seminars in the semester. Students who pass the seminar will receive an “S” on their transcript; students who fail the seminar will receive a “U” on their transcript.

Degree Completion

To complete the degree, the student should fill out the Master’s Degree Sheet and submit the Graduate Exit Survey.

  • The student fills out the degree sheet, obtains approval from his/her academic advisor, and submits it to the Department Chair for approval.
  • The Department then sends the approved form to Student Services for processing and retains a copy as part of the student’s record.
  • Upon receiving of this form, Student Services places the student on the “Graduate Degree Listing” for the next degree awarding cycle (February, May, or August).
  • Specific due dates for these forms are provided in the Graduate School handbook for the graduation year.