Mar 17, 2026  
2026-2027 Graduate Catalog 
    
2026-2027 Graduate Catalog

Psychology, Human Factors Concentration, M.S.


Human Factors Psychology is the application of principles and techniques of psychology to real-world problems. In Human Factors Psychology (HFP), principles and methods associated with Cognitive Psychology are applied to the human-machine interface to improve the usability and effectiveness of the interface. The Human Factors Psychology Concentration is designed to focus on human factors and ergonomics to provide students with a well-rounded foundation in psychology, the user-centered design process, and the methods used to evaluate human-machine interfaces. Students will obtain basic competency in perception, cognition, and information processing systems as well as the skills to apply this knowledge to the design of the human-machine interface. The Human Factors Psychology program is accredited by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.

Practicum and research experiences will be provided in laboratory and industrial settings. All students will complete a major research project prior to graduation. The concentration includes a course sequence that prepares the student to take the exam to become a Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) or Certified Human Factors Professional (CHFP).

GRE completion is not required for applicants to this program. For more information about applying for this concentration, please contact Dr. Steven Sutherland at sutherland@uhcl.edu. All applications will be individually reviewed by the program faculty for an admission decision.

Degree Requirements


Psychology Core Courses (6 hours)


Required Human Factors Psychology Courses (15 hours)


Human Factors Psychology Elective (3-6 hours)


Six additional credit hours are selected from Psychology or other relevant disciplines with the approval of the academic adviser. These hours are designed to provide a specific disciplinary focus within Human Factors Psychology. This may include PSYC 6739 - Graduate Internship for up to 6 credit hours. Students electing PSYC 6939 - Master’s Thesis Research as a Master’s Option will only complete 3 credit hours of an elective course.

Master’s Option (3-6 Hours)


Choose ONE of the following options.