Tufts University - School of Engineering
Certificate in Assistive Design
- Medford, USA
- Boston, USA
Certificate
DURATION
2 semesters
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
31 May 2026
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2026
TUITION FEES
USD 1,799 / per credit
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
A blend of human factors engineering and mechanical engineering, students in this certificate program will learn the fundamentals of design in both fields and apply them to the design of assistive devices to address real-world problems.
This program serves as a technical credential to professionals interested in expanding their skill set to include designing for the needs of unique populations. These populations include professionals (e.g., veterinarians, dentists, and firefighters) as well as individuals with disabilities.
The courses in this program fulfill requirements in both the MS in Human Factors Engineering and the MS in Mechanical Engineering programs. Students may transfer credits towards a master's degree in one of these programs at Tufts.
Courses include:
- Designing Physical Solutions for Unique Populations
- Inventive Design
- Human-Machine System Design
- A 100-level course elective in Engineering Psychology
The certificate provides students with a unique opportunity to tailor their interests in product design to focus on optimizing for a user’s unique needs. Their skills will be of value in the fields of rehabilitation, medical technology, education, and specialty services where a dedicated understanding of a user’s needs in product design is required. Students with a passion for service to the community will find this program particularly worthwhile.