Georgia Institute of Technology

What you'll study

The programme combines core systems-engineering principles with courses in human factors, intelligent systems and data-driven methods. Typical core subjects cover systems thinking and lifecycle processes, model-based systems engineering, systems architecture and requirements engineering, and decision and risk analysis.

• Human-centred and cognitive engineering: human factors, cognitive task analysis, ergonomics and usability engineering applied to complex systems.
• Intelligent systems and analytics: machine learning for systems, sensor fusion and perception, data analytics for decision support, and probabilistic modelling.
• Integration and interaction technologies: human–robot interaction, adaptive interfaces, socio-technical systems design and evaluation methods.
• Systems tools and methods: model-based systems engineering tools, simulation and modelling, optimisation techniques, and verification and validation approaches.
• Capstone or research component: a project-based practicum or a thesis option that applies methods to real-world problems (for example, intelligent assistive systems, autonomous vehicle operator interfaces, healthcare workflows or industrial control systems).

Students typically choose elective modules to deepen expertise in areas such as robotics, human-computer interaction, controls, cybersecurity for cyber‑physical systems, or operations research. Coursework emphasises hands‑on laboratory work, user-centred evaluation, and system-level integration.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold an accredited bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, systems science, human factors, psychology with quantitative training, or a closely related discipline. A strong academic record demonstrating competence in mathematics, programming and engineering fundamentals is required.

• Transcripts showing prior undergraduate preparation in relevant technical courses (calculus, linear algebra, statistics, programming and introductory systems topics).
• A statement of purpose outlining research or professional objectives and interest in human-centred intelligent systems.
• Letters of recommendation (typically two to three) from academic or professional referees who can speak to quantitative and design abilities.
• A current CV/resume detailing relevant project, research or industry experience.
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English, according to institutional requirements.

Applicants with substantial professional experience in relevant fields may be considered even if their degree background is not an exact match; faculty may recommend preparatory coursework in that case. The programme may offer both coursework-only and thesis routes; check the department for details on research expectations.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles that sit at the intersection of humans and technology. Common job titles include systems engineer, human factors engineer, user experience (UX) researcher for complex systems, intelligent systems engineer, human–robot interaction specialist, systems architect and product manager focused on socio-technical products.

• Industry opportunities: aerospace and defence, autonomous vehicles, robotics, medical devices and healthcare systems, industrial automation, telecommunications and consumer technology companies.
• Research and development: applied research labs, national laboratories and university research groups working on human-centred AI, cognitive systems and trusted autonomy.
• Consultancy and systems integration: firms specialising in large-scale systems design, usability and safety assessments, and human-in-the-loop systems engineering.

The curriculum equips graduates with skills in requirements analysis, human-subject studies, machine learning applied to system operation, and system verification—capabilities valued for designing reliable, safe and user-centred intelligent systems.

Why study at Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Tech is a research-intensive institution with long-standing strengths in systems engineering, human factors and intelligent systems. Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across departments and research centres that focus on robotics, human-centred computing and systems design.

• Access to specialised labs and centres where faculty and students work on human–robot interaction, wearable and assistive technologies, autonomous systems, and data-driven decision support.
• Opportunities to work with faculty who have applied experience in industry and government projects as well as active research programmes in cognitive engineering and systems integration.
• Strong industrial connections within the Atlanta technology ecosystem and beyond, facilitating internships, project partnerships and pathways into industry or applied research roles.

The programme’s combination of rigorous systems engineering foundations with human-centred and intelligent-systems electives positions graduates to lead the design and deployment of complex, people-aware technologies.