MS in Human Factors at NU CoE

1. Why should you pursue MS in Human Factors from Northeastern University - College of Engineering, USA?

Today, we are brilliant at building things—software, machines, devices—but too often, the human side is an afterthought. Can the doctor use the device without confusion? Can the driver read the dashboard without distraction? Can the factory worker stay safe and efficient on the line? That gap between technology and people is where Human Factors specialists step in, and it is exactly the gap this degree prepares you to fill.

The curriculum maps directly onto jobs that industries everywhere are scrambling to fill. Courses in usability and HCI translate into careers as UX researchers in tech firms and startups. Training in ergonomics and biomechanics leads to roles as safety and workplace design engineers in automotive or manufacturing. Systems safety and human error analysis prepares you for aviation, defense, and healthcare, where mistakes are measured in lives. While the core 16 semester-hours build your foundations in Human Factors covering topics like Human Factors Engineering, Human Performance, Statistical Methods in Engineering, and Engineering/Organizational Psychology; you have the flexibility to expand your knowledge across the university.

This allows you to create a specialization that aligns with your interests, such as Human Factors + HCI + AI or Ergonomics + Computer Vision + UI/UX, leveraging courses beyond traditional boundaries.

This degree positions you for roles that industries everywhere are racing to fill: UX research, systems safety, ergonomics, human–robot interaction, and more. You’ll graduate not just as someone who designs for humans, but as someone who designs intelligent systems grounded in empathy.

2. Can international students work to pay for their educational expenses?

All students in the USA with a valid F-1 Visa are not eligible to work off-campus. Rather, such students are eligible to work on-campus as graduate assistants or research assistants or other on-campus ad-hoc jobs and receive compensation, beginning in their first semester. The list of available positions will be provided in advance of the Fall semester (please note the number of these positions are limited and not guaranteed).

4. Will I be supported for TOEFL/IELTS/PTE or other English language exams during this program?

Yes, upGrad will help you prepare for the English proficiency test to establish your current English proficiency to be eligible for the Master's program in the USA.

5. When will I go to Northeastern University - College of Engineering, USA?

Northeastern University - College of Engineering, USA offers 2 intakes for students coming through the accelerator route. The first intake of the year will be the January (spring) intake, and the second intake will be September (Fall). Though the application process for Northeastern University - College of Engineering, USA will start during the IIIT Bangalore online program, you will be able to go to Northeastern University - College of Engineering, USA in the nearest intake which is at least 3 months away from completion of your IIIT Bangalore program.

6. When will I get an Offer Letter from Northeastern University - College of Engineering, USA?

upGrad will apply for you to Northeastern University - College of Engineering, USA once all the documents are provided by you (as given in the offer letter issued to you by upGrad). Apart from the documents mentioned in the offer letter of Northeastern University - College of Engineering, USA you will have to give proof of English proficiency for application of admission in Northeastern University - College of Engineering, USA. upGrad will support you to get your English proficiency scores within 3 months of the start of the batch to accelerate this process.

1. How do I know if the program is right for me?

This program is right for:

• Interested in bridging the gap between technology and people by designing user-friendly, safe, and efficient systems across industries.
• Looking to pursue careers in UX research, ergonomics, systems safety, human–robot interaction, or related fields that are in high demand globally and in India.
• Seeking a flexible curriculum that allows specialization by combining Human Factors with areas like AI, HCI, computer vision, and UI/UX.
• Want to develop expertise valued by leading global companies and emerging industries, positioning yourself with a future-proof and rare skill set.

2. Is there any minimum educational qualification required to take this program?

To be eligible for the program, the following criteria need to be fulfilled:
For IIIT Bangalore:

• Students who have cleared B.Tech / B.Engg in CSE/ECE/EEE/IT/DS/AI/Mechanical with minimum 70% marks or 3.0 GPA.

• The awarding university should be only NAAC A+ and higher in the last four years.

• The maximum backlogs (ATKTs) accepted will be 3.

For Northeastern University - College of Engineering, USA:

• An aggregate score of 3.0 GPA and above in the Advanced Certificate Program in Data Science with a minimum of 3.0 GPA in each course.

• English Proficiency Requirements* are TOEFL of >=95 or IELTS Academic >= 7.0 overall with no sectional score less than 7.0 or Duolingo -125 overall with no sectional score less than 120.

3. Is work experience required for this course?

Work experience is not mandatory for admission; however, applicants with prior experience may share it.

4. Can I still proceed with the transfer if I fall short of the eligibility requirement for the Accel Program?

Yes, you can transfer to the university but you will not be eligible for the credit transfer process. Any decision(s) pertaining to the credit transfer in that case will be at the sole discretion of the university you are transferring to. Nevertheless, you will be eligible to enroll into the full course.

5. What is the selection process for this program?

There are 3 simple steps in the Admission Process which is detailed below:
STEP 1 - Application and Document Submission - Apply on upGrad.com and submit your documents.
STEP 2 - Shortlisting basis overall performance - Our admissions committee will review your profile. Upon qualifying, an offer letter will be sent to you.
STEP 3 - Enrollment for Access to Prep Content - Make a quick block payment of INR 25,000 to reserve your seat and receive immediate access to the prep content and begin your upGrad journey. Complete balance payment with assistance from our loan partners where required.

6. What are the list of documents required for the application ?

• Class 10th & 12th Marksheet and Certificate
• Graduation Degree & Semester Wise Mark Sheets
• Scanned copy of Graduation Transcripts
• Scanned copies of passport (Name & Address Page)
• Statement of Purpose
• Two letters of recommendation (Academic/Professional or both)
• Latest Resume
• Proof of English Proficiency (TOEFL iBT, IELTS, PTE, etc.)
• Digital Photo (if required)
• Base University Transcript to be required to be presented 30 days after starting the MS in Human Factors Program

1. What is the time commitment expected for the program?

At least 12-15 hours per week of time commitment is expected to be able to complete this program.

2. How will my doubts/questions be addressed in an online program?

Peer-to-peer discussion forum where you can post your queries and your peers/faculty/teaching assistants answer your queries within a day. Regular Q&A sessions with faculty to get clarification on conceptual doubts.

No cost CC EMI FAQ's

0% EMI with Third Party Credit Facilitators /Credit card option availability will vary program wise.

1. Which banks allow using 0% Credit card EMI or Credit card EMI?
No cost EMI is available on credit cards from all major banks (American Express, Bank of Baroda, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IndusInd Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, RBL Bank, Standard Chartered, Axis Bank, Yes Bank, State Bank of India, CITIBANK and HSBC)

2. Is there any minimum transaction limit ?
Yes. 50000 is the minimum.

3. Standard Chartered Bank offers 18 or 24 months No Cost EMI ?
No. ONLY 12 months is available irrespective of the Program enrolled.

4. Will I have to pay any extra amount for the EMI transaction?
If you are availing 0% credit card EMI, upGrad will not charge any processing fees or down payment for these transactions. Your bank may levy GST or other taxes on the interest component of the EMI.

5. Are there any fees or down payment?
Certain banks charge nominal processing fees between INR 99 - 500 on 0% Credit Card EMI transaction. If charged, will be billed in the first repayment installment.

6. Can I use my International credit card for 0% credit EMI or Credit Card EMI?
Only the Indian bank credit cards can be used. But you can pay the amount using the Credit card option in one shot / part payments, and later you can convert into EMI from your respective bank. The tenures and interest charged will depend on your bank. upGrad will not charge any processing fees or down payment for these transactions, this will be purely between you and your bank.

7. Are there any charges in case I opt for cancellation/refund from the course after paying balance with no cost EMI ?
Yes, there will be additional charges to the extent of interest paid by the upGrad to the bank, you will be refunded only Principal amount, i.e. the amount actually deducted/blocked from your card. This deduction will be in addition to the amount mentioned in the refund policy shared with your offer letter.

8. Can I Pay Using Multiple Credit Cards ?
Multiple cards can be used to complete the payments using Part payment option make sure to inform the student, minimum transaction is INR 50000 to opt for 0% CC EMI E.g. Amount to be paid: 150000. I can pay using 2 Credit cards. Yes, Example :
HDFC Card – Part payment – INR 100000
ICICI Card – Part payment – INR 50000

9. How can I opt for Credit card EMI if my bank is not listed in the 0% Credit card EMI or Credit card EMI?
You can pay the amount using the Credit card option in one shot / part payments, and later you can convert into EMI from your respective bank. The tenures and interest charged will depend on your bank. upGrad will not charge any processing fees or down payment for these transactions.

10. Why is the entire amount blocked on my credit card?
Initially your bank will block the entire amount from your available purchase limit and from your next billing cycle, you will be charged the EMI amount. As you start paying your EMI, your credit limit will be released accordingly. For example, if you have made a payment of ₹100000 on 6-months EMI and your credit limit is ₹200,000 then initially your bank will block your credit limit by ₹100000. After payment of your first month EMI of Rs.15000, the blocked amount will come down to ₹85000.

11. Why is interest getting charged on No Cost EMI?
Your bank will charge you interest. However, this interest charge has been provided to you as an upfront discount at the time of your payment, effectively giving you the benefit of a No cost EMI. The total amount paid during the entire EMI tenure to the bank will be equal to the amount to be paid to upGrad.

Eg. Amount payable to upGrad: INR 405000
Let's say Amount deducted at the time of transaction: INR 379850 (Principal amount) Bank charges interest of 12-15% per annum on INR 379850
[Note: Interest factor is reducing rate and not Flat rate]
EMI AMOUNT = INR 33750 x 12 = INR 405000
Effectively, you have taken loan on 379,850 instead of 405,000