2019-2020 Academic Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2019-2020 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Industrial and Human Factors Engineering, MSIHE


Program Description:

The Department of Biomedical, Industrial, and Human Factors Engineering offers a program of graduate study leading to a Master of Science in Industrial and Human Factors Engineering (MSIHE) degree. The MSIHE program prepares students with skills for effective design and operation of a variety of systems in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, aerospace, distribution, and retail. Industrial engineers utilize tools in simulation, optimization, computing, and statistics to design and improve modern technology-laden systems, while human factors engineers design systems that effectively integrate human abilities and limitations with machines and tools. The MSIHE program is very flexible and can be obtained entirely or partially through distance learning courses. Students work with a faculty advisor to plan a custom course of study within one of four focused areas of study:  Data Analytics, Logistics and Supply Chain, Human Factors and Ergonomics, or Neuroengineering. Both thesis and non-thesis (coursework) options are available.

Admissions Requirements:

To be considered for admission to the MSIHE program, students must first satisfy basic requirements of the Graduate School. This includes having a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related area with an overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.7 (on a 4.0 scale). International students must have a TOEFL score of at least 550/213 or an IELTS score of at least 6. In addition, the program requires students from non-ABET accredited undergraduate programs to submit GRE general test scores. Program admission decisions are based on complete application information including overall academic performance and standardized test scores where applicable.

Program Learning Outcomes:

  • Obtain depth in one area of specialization and breadth in complimentary areas.
  • Acquire scientific knowledge and research skills to solve problems in their chosen area.
  • Prepare for an advanced professional career or further graduate studies.

Facilities:

Students have access to a variety of computing platforms: general purpose software for analysis of data, software development and modeling of systems; application-specific software for use within focused areas of instruction and research. Research laboratories include

Data Analytics and Optimization Laboratory

Ergonomics in Remote Environments Laboratory

Human Centered Innovation Laboratory

Human Performance and Cognition Laboratory

Interactions Design and Modeling Laboratory

Large Scale Optimization Laboratory

System Management and Control Laboratory

For additional information:

Program Requirements:


Students must plan a program of study in consultation with a faculty advisor. The approved program of study must be submitted by the time the student completes 9 credit hours of graduate study. Any changes to the program of study must be approved in advance by the faculty advisor.

  1. The following requirements must be met for the Master of Science in  Industrial & Human Factors Engineering degree. Courses can be used to fulfill requirements in more than one category. Requirement categories are not mutually exclusive. 
  2. Completion of 30 graduate credit hours in courses that have prior approval by a BIE graduate advisor.
  3. Completion of IHE 6010 (1 credit hour) Ethics in Engineering Research and Practice.
  4. At least 12 of the 30 graduate credit hours must be BIE department courses numbered 7000 or above.
  5. At least 18 of the 30 graduate credit hours must be IHE specific courses numbered 6000 or above.  
  6. At least 6 of the total 30 graduate credit hours must be approved courses in mathematics, statistics, or computer science.
  7. A maximum of 4 credit hours of independent study or non-thesis research may count toward the degree requirement of 30 graduate credit hours.  
  8. Students may choose either a thesis option or a 30 credit hours graduate advanced course work option. The thesis option consists of a research project satisfying all requirements of the Graduate School. The final report (thesis) must be completed and successfully defended in an oral examination before the major committee. Up to 8 credit hours of 7950, Thesis, may count toward the degree requirement of 30 graduate credit hours

Department Core and Electives


I. Mathematics: 6 Hours min.


  • Department courses with a mathematics or statistics content include BME 7110, BME 7521, EGR 7050, IHE 6150, IHE 7300, IHE 7510, IHE 7711, or others as approved. 

II. Department Courses: 12 Hours min.


  • IHE 7000-7999; BME 7000-7999; EGR 7020; EGR 7050

III. Program Courses: 18 Hours min.


IHE 6000-7999; EGR 7020; EGR 7050

IV. Thesis Option: 8 Hours max.


V. Ethics and Academic Integrity: 1 Hour


Total: 30 Hours