Curriculum

The University of Michigan Dearborn is on a semester system. The students pursuing the BSE degree in Human-Centered Engineering Design follow the curriculum that was approved by the faculty in 2020 and took into effect starting Fall 2020. 

The Bachelor of Science Engineering in Human Centered Engineering Design (BSE in HCED) requires a total of 128 credit hours and provides first, a strong basis in the foundations of engineering: natural and physical sciences, mathematics, the behavioral sciences and the basic engineering sciences which begin the emphasis on creative problem solving. Then, the program develops strong foundation on which human centered design engineering work is founded. This includes studies in design process and creative problem solving, design communication, art design, qualitative and quantitative research methods in need finding, usability engineering, human factors engineering, and prototyping. Innovative problem solving, product/process design and prototyping skills are progressively developed and applied through a 4-year (freshman, sophomore, junior and senior year) individual and team based immersive design project experiences. The program creates an environment that inspires brainstorming for innovative and aesthetic solutions while emphasizing the theoretical, technological and design knowledge. The 128 credit hours required to finish the degree include at least 21 credit hours of distribution requirements that include courses in English Composition, Economics, Humanities, Behavioral Sciences, and Social Sciences. It also includes 47 credit hours of basic preparation courses that include courses in Basic Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. The remaining credit hours are in professional Human Centered Engineering Design course, 32 of which are in required courses, 9 credit hours are art + design courses, 6 credit hours business courses, and the up to 19 credit hours are concentration technical and free elective courses. 

Visit the University Catalog to learn more about required coursework for the Human Centered Engineering Design major.

There are opportunities to develop skills and connect with others interested in Human Centered Engineering Design beyond the classroom. Check out the Human Centered Engineering Design Major Map to get a more detailed, year-by-year view of how you can learn, engage, network, and transform your community and prepare for life after graduation.

Get Involved

Join a professional organization, such as the Society of Manufacturing Engineering (SME), the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME),Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES), Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers (IISE), Association of Computing Machinery (ACM). Qualified students are invited to join the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society. Explore UM-Dearborn student organizations on VictorsLink

Get Real-World Experience

Human Centered Engineering Design is a problem-based design program, where every year, each cohort of students will be presented with real-life community or industry problems and will be challenged to create solutions. Furthermore, internship, research, and study abroad opportunities are available for manufacturing engineering students. Talk with your professors to learn more.

Plan for Life After Graduation

Human Centered Engineering Designer works for a variety of engineering industries, including automotive, aerospace, semiconductor, medical devices, defense, software, website and phone application development, and product development...

Career Services offers assistance with job searching, resumes, interviews, or graduate school applications.

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering - Major/Dual Degree
• Internship and Research Opportunities Available
• Scholarships Available
• Educational Objectives
• Student Outcomes