Human Environment Relations (MS)

Graduate School

Program Website

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 human-centered design 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