Human Factors/Applied Cognition Concentration

Human factors involves the design of technologies and work environments to be compatible with human capabilities and limitations.

The human factors and applied cognition 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. Many applications of cognitive science are in the domain of human factors, and many masters students who complete our program go on to be human factors professionals.

Students pursuing this concentration must complete 32 graduate credits, a minimum of 1.5 years (though most complete the program in 2 years). This program is in-person only but can 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:

• human factors engineer
• human factors consultant
• ergonomist
• usability engineer
• cognitive systems engineer
• industrial designer
• transportation safety specialist
• human-computer interaction specialist