Graduate Field
Design and Environmental Analysis
Program Description
The M.S. in Human Environment Relations at Cornell University is a two-year graduate program. The research tradition within the Human Environment Relations major is based in the social sciences, and particularly on environmental psychology and human factors/ergonomics. Evidence-based design is fundamental to the major. The research conducted in HCD contributes to the knowledge base that guides design solutions. The underlying premise is that systematic, empirical research based in the social sciences--when combined with imagination--can contribute to the planning, design, and management of environments that enhance the individual and organizational effectiveness. The M.S. program brings together faculty and students with expertise in the fields of interior design, industrial design, graphic design, architecture, art, building technology, environmental psychology, human factors/ergonomics, engineering, geography, and facility planning and management to work on problems related to the interior environment.
For more information, visit the M.S. in Human Environment Relations website.
Research Opportunities
Much of the research occurs in the field. The department also has a computer-aided design and facility management lab; human factors and ergonomics research labs; an art and environmental design gallery; and a wood workshop.
Concentrations
- Design + health
- Emerging technology for design
- Environmental psychology and human factors
- Facility planning and management
- Sustainable design studies
Program Information
- Instruction Mode: In Person
- Location: Ithaca, NY
- Minimum Credits for Degree: 45
Program Requirements
- 8 - 12 credits DEA 8990 Master's Thesis and Research
- Minimum Semesters for Degree: 4
Graduate School Milestones
- Responsible Conduct of Research Training: Required
- Open Researcher and Contributor ID (ORCID): Required
- Student Progress Reviews (SPR) begin: Second Year
- Masters Exam (M Exam): Spring of second year
- Thesis: Spring of second year
Course Requirements
Additional course requirements may be set by the student’s Special Committee. Program specific requirements that apply to all students are included below.
Required Core
- DEA 6100 Studies in Design Thinking
- DEA 6200 Studies in Human-Environment Relations
- DEA 7100 DEA Graduate Pro Seminar (2 semesters)
Foundation Course
- DEA 6500 Problem-Seeking through Programming
Research Methods and Statistics
- DEA 6560 Research Methods in Social Sciences
- One Statistics course 5000-level or higher
Breadth Course
List varies by concentration. Choose at least 1 of the following:
- DEA 5700 Designing Age Friendly Environments
- DEA 6025 Design for Change: Imagining Decolonial Futures
- DEA 6040
- DEA 6210 Architectural Robotics
- DEA 6500 Problem-Seeking through Programming
- DEA 6510 Human Factors and Inclusive Design
- DEA 6520 The Ambient Environment
- DEA 6610
- DEA 6650 Poverty, Children and the Environment
- DEA 6700 Applied Ergonomic Methods
- DEA 6800 Ethical Design: Engine of Positive Change
Minor Courses
- 6 - 12 credits at the discretion of Minor Committee Member
University Graduation Requirements
Requirements for All Students
In order to receive a Cornell degree, a student must satisfy academic and non-academic requirements.
Academic Requirements
A student’s college determines degree requirements such as residency, number of credits, distribution of credits, and grade averages. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the specific major, degree, distribution, college, and graduation requirements for completing their chosen program of study. See the individual requirements listed by each college or school or contact the college registrar’s office for more information.
Non-academic Requirements
Conduct Matters. Students must satisfy any outstanding sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed or agreed to under the Student Code of Conduct (Code) or Policy 6.4. Where a formal complaint under the Code or Policy 6.4 is pending, the University will withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until the adjudication process set forth in those procedures is complete, including the satisfaction of any sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed.
Financial Obligations. Outstanding financial obligations will not impact the awarding of a degree otherwise earned or a student’s ability to access their official transcript. However, the University may withhold issuing a diploma until any outstanding financial obligations owing to the University are satisfied.
