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 doctoral students who complete our program go on to be human factors professionals and academics.

Students pursuing this concentration must complete 72 graduate credits, a minimum of 3 years (though most complete the program in 4-6 years). Students also complete a substantial contribution to research during their tenure under a faculty advisor. This program is full-time and in-person only.

Admitted students are provided four years of guaranteed funding via teaching assistantships, though this can be supplemented by research assistantships, awards, and outside funding.

Some job titles include:

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