
Master of Science in Psychology with an Emphasis in Human Factors Psychology
What Is a Master of Science in Human Factors Psychology?
Human factors psychology is the blending of the disciplines of engineering and psychology. The Master of Science in Psychology with an Emphasis in Human Factors Psychology degree program at Grand Canyon University examines the interactions of humans and technological systems. The end goal is to maximize human well-being and system performance. Human factors psychology graduate programs prepare professionals to improve everyday human experiences and capabilities.
The human factors master’s degree is offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Students examine current knowledge in psychology, sociology and communications to develop a keen understanding of information processing and retention. The rapidly growing subfield of human factors psychology enables professionals to consult on the design and improvement of products, equipment and environments in a way that optimizes human safety and capabilities.
Improve Human Experiences Through Technology with a Human Factors MS in Psychology
Prepare for a meaningful career in the areas of human-computer interaction, usability, ergonomics, user experience design and product design. Become a skilled communicator through intellectually stimulating discussions with your peers and instructors during your online or on-campus evening classes. Develop a firm understanding of the correct application of research, theory, principles, data and other methods to enhance system performance and human wellbeing.
As a private, Christian university, GCU emphasizes the discussion of ethical considerations in this human factors master’s degree. Students will learn to critically think about ethical matters pertaining to psychological research and writing. The program includes discussions of contemporary ethical issues in the field.
Study Human Interactions That Influence Technology
Through rigorous coursework, students pursuing the Master of Science in Psychology with an Emphasis in Human Factors Psychology degree acquire advanced knowledge that can be immediately applied to the workplace. Some of the core program courses for this degree include the following:
- Contemporary and Ethical Issues in Psychology
- Foundations of Human Factors
- Sensation and Perception
- Social and Cultural Psychology
- Software
- Cognition
Learners benefit from exposure to fully qualified instructors who are experts in their fields. By the time they graduate, students will be able to wireframe a software product that maximizes human interaction efficiency. Students also learn to conduct user-based research for a product or system, identify the optimal user experience for a product or system and design a product or system using human factors principles. Other core competencies for this degree program include:
- Differentiating among current perspectives and theories in psychology
- Interpreting psychological phenomena using scientific reasoning
- Demonstrating the practical application of human factors theories and principles
- Understanding the way in which humans receive and process information through visual and auditory senses
Develop User-Friendly Technology for Organizations in the Human Factors Psychology Master’s Degree
The human factors psychology graduate program prepares students to succeed across a diverse range of fields and industries. Graduates may pursue work in government agencies, the armed forces, universities, research facilities or private corporations.
Human factors psychology specialists often work in a consulting position. Some of the work they may perform can include designing or improving upon navigation systems, consumer products, tools, motor vehicles, military equipment and office technology. The objective is to make everyday life safer and more productive for people by enhancing the interaction between humans and technology.
Program DomainsProgram Core Courses
Course Description
This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the liberal arts. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.
Course Description
This course serves as the foundation for advanced graduate study in the field of psychology. Professional skill development, such as critical thinking, scholarly writing, and literature reviewing are covered, as well as contemporary ethical issues in the field of psychology, including issues in research, writing, psychotherapy, forensic psychology, and animal research.
Course Description
This course is a study of social, group, and multicultural factors affecting individual behavior. Attention is given to the development of attitudes, leadership roles, group thinking, sources of conflict, altruism, attraction, effects of competition and cooperation, analysis and evaluation of propaganda techniques, and the influence of mass communication on social awareness and control.
Course Description
This course is an examination of the practical application of Human Factors theories and principles.
Course Description
This course is an examination of the human ability to receive and process information through visual and auditory senses.
Course Description
This course provides a study of theories of probability, descriptive and inferential analyses of data, and testing of statistical hypotheses. Practical experience is provided in the application of statistical methods.
Course Description
This course emphasizes both the theoretical and applied aspects of experimental design and research methodology at the graduate level, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed designs.
Course Description
This course is a practitioner's guide to a human centered design approach to software development and evaluation.
Course Description
This course is a fundamental examination of cognitive psychology as it applies to human factors.
Course Description
This course prepares students to enter their prospective career and/or continue their education in psychology. Students will explore occupations and leaders in the various psychological fields, formulate and compile their experiences and achievements, and construct a roadmap for success. Original research ideas will be solidified and presented.
Online
Evening
* Please note that this list may contain programs that are not presently offered as program availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability of the program.
* The Department of Education defines how an institution must calculate a program's On-Time Completion rate for federal disclosure purposes. The On-Time Completion rate is based on a program's published required number of months to complete all degree requirements as provided in the institution's catalog. Completion statistics are updated every January and are based on the cohort of students who started the program in the same year and then graduated within the published program length.
Online and Evening program disclosures (20 months)* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.