Human Factors/Applied Cognition Concentration

MA in Psychology

Human Factors and Applied Cognition homepage

Catalog Year: 2023-2024

Banner Code: LA-MA-PSYC-HF

The MA in psychology is distinguished by its emphasis on basic research and the application of research to solve practical problems in families, industry, government, and health care settings. Because of the program’s proximity to Washington D.C., students have access to many employment and continuing education opportunities in research, academia, and consulting within government, public, and private settings. 

The psychology MA offers the following concentrations:

  •     applied developmental psychology 
  •     clinical psychology
  •     cognitive and behavioral neuroscience 
  •     human factors/applied cognition 
  •     industrial/organizational psychology 

While the department does not offer a master's degree in clinical or counseling psychology, a master's degree in psychology with a concentration in clinical psychology is available for students who have been admitted to the doctoral program concentration in clinical psychology.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on program requirements and courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes. Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years. See the University Catalog archives.

Degree Requirements

Total credits: 30

Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.

Choose one concentration and complete the requirements therein.

For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.

Concentration in Human Factors/Applied Cognition (HF)

The human factors/applied cognition concentration trains students in the application of cognitive science to real-world problems. Students gain expertise in such areas as human/computer interaction, cognitive system engineering, cognitive ergonomics, and transportation. Faculty members help place students who do not have real-world experience in a part- or full-time practicum before completing the degree.

Core Course

PSYC 701 Cognitive Bases of Behavior 3
or PSYC 768 Advanced Topics in Cognitive Science
Total Credits 3

Quantitative Methods 

PSYC 642 General Linear Modeling I 4
PSYC 643 General Linear Modeling II 4
Total Credits 8

Specialized Content

PSYC 530 Cognitive Engineering: Cognitive Science Applied to Human Factors 3
PSYC 645 Research Methods in Human Factors and Applied Cognition 3
Total Credits 6

Additional Courses

Select two courses from the following: 1 6
PSYC 734
 Seminar in Human Factors and Applied Cognition  
PSYC 768
 Advanced Topics in Cognitive Science  
Total Credits 6
1

These courses may be repeated.

Electives

Students complete the 30 credits required for this degree through additional coursework, including courses not listed above, within or outside the department, with prior approval of the graduate advisor. 0-7
Total Credits 0-7

Optional Practicum

Students need an advisor's approval to register for practicum.

Six credits of 6
PSYC 730
 Practicum in Applied Psychology  
Total Credits 6

Optional Thesis 

Students need the chair's approval to register for thesis. Students should be aware of the policies governing theses. They must follow the thesis enrollment policy of the university and once enrolled in PSYC 799 Master's Thesis, maintain continuous enrollment. See Academic Policies.

Select 6 credits from the following: 6
PSYC 798
 Thesis Proposal  
PSYC 799
 Master's Thesis  
Total Credits 6