About the programme
The M.S. in Human Factors and Ergonomics at San José State University is run by the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering in the College of Engineering. It is an interdisciplinary degree that draws core courses from engineering, psychology and kinesiology, and it is built for people who work while they study.
Students choose between two tracks: the standard HF/E track and an HF/E track with a User Experience concentration. Everyone takes Human Factors/Ergonomics (ISE 210), Human Factors Experiments (ISE 212) and a professional seminar (ISE 290). The UX concentration adds Usability Evaluation and Testing, Human-Computer Interaction, and Interaction Design I and II. Electives can lean towards HCI, cognitive psychology, ergonomics or human performance.
The degree ends with a 4-unit individual project or thesis, done over the last two semesters; it can be tied to the student's job. Internships are encouraged but not required.
- Format
- In person in San José, with most classes meeting one evening a week from about 5:30 or 6:00 pm. Classes are not offered online.
- Length
- 30 units. Most students take 6 units a semester and finish in 2 to 2.5 years; full-time study is 9 units a semester (required for international students).
- Cost
- Fall 2026 registration fees are $5,631.50 a semester for more than 6 units or $3,837.50 for 6 units or fewer (California residents). Non-residents pay an extra $471 per unit. The programme itself offers no financial aid.
- Admissions
- Fall entry only. Apply via Cal State Apply between 1 October and 1 February, with documents in by 20 February. You need a letter of intent, a resume and three letters (at least one from a faculty member). A 3.0 GPA in the last 60 units is preferred, no GRE is required, and a portfolio is optional.
- Background
- Applicants usually have degrees in psychology, industrial engineering, industrial design, occupational therapy or a related field. Upper-division statistics, cognition or perception courses are expected.
- Capstone
- A 4-unit individual project or thesis completed over the final two semesters.
Who it suits
Suits working professionals in the Bay Area who want an evening, in-person degree with a human factors and research-methods base. People who want to study online or full-time on a design studio model should look elsewhere.
Checked against San José State University’s official programme pages in October 2026.
