Usability Concentration

Usability is the application of knowledge about human characteristics to the design of devices, systems (including software), and tasks.

The usability concentration covers basic theoretical and empirical issues and emphasizes research that applies cognitive science to real-world problems. The program builds bridges between human factors engineering and cognitive psychology. 

Students pursuing this concentration must complete 15 graduate credits, typically one year. This program is in-person only but may be pursued on a full- or part-time basis.

Admitted students are not guaranteed funding but can sometimes secure teaching or research assistantships to offset the program's cost.

Some job titles include:

• usability engineer
• UX researcher
• human factors consultant
• human-computer interaction specialist