University of Idaho Online Master of Science in Psychology, Human Factors

Why University of Idaho?

This medium-sized public research university located in Moscow Idaho recruits applicants for its online Master of Science in Psychology, Human Factors degree program. The program is based in the university’s College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences. Applicants should have completed undergraduate coursework in cognitive psychology and behavioral research methods, as well as an undergraduate course in statistics.Results from standardized tests are not necessary for your application. Students must have completed their undergraduate studies with a minimum 3.0 GPA to be considered.

Program Snapshot

University Name	University of Idaho
Location	Moscow
State	Idaho
Niche.com Grade	B+
Name of Degree	Master of Science in Psychology, Human Factors
School or Department Administering Program	College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences
Credits	30
Cost per credit	$554.00
Tuition for Entire Program	$16,620.00
Test Requirements	none
Minimum GPA	3.0
Prerequisite Courses and Skills	cognitive psychology; behavioral research methods; statistics
Campus Visit Required?	no
Typical Time to Complete	2 years
When Can Students Start the Program?	Fall
Program Concentrations	none
Synchronous classes	no
Required Courses	Sensation and Perception Engineering Psychology Research Methods Advanced Research Methods Human Factors in Engineering Design Ergonomics and Biomechanics Human-Computer Interaction Advanced Human Factors Master’s Research and Thesis
Does the Program Include a Capstone?	Yes
Does the program include a practicum or internship?	optional
Other Features that Make the Program Unique	specialization in human factors; connections with research-intensive department
Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program)	Students should develop a mastery of the fundamental skills of research design and statistical analysis Students should be able to move, intellectually and ethically, between theory/research and application of their sub-fields to organizations/business, technology, group relations, decision-making, human performance and safety, and more Students should be able to diagnose workplace problems and develop innovative workplace solutions.
Program Description	This 30 credit program focuses on topics at the intersection of psychology and engineering, particularly as they relate to the workplace. Topics covered include research methods, ethics, decision-making, and human performance. An optional internship is offered, and a research-based capstone project is required. Students complete the program in two years.

What will I Learn?

Human factors psychology, also known as engineering psychology, is the study of how people interact with machines and the workplace.

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to conduct research in the application of psychological theory and practice to specific sub-specializations such as ergonomics, biomechanics, or human-computer interaction. They will gain the skills and knowledge to solve problems in the workplace and suggest innovative solutions through collaboration with others and the application of theoretically informed research design and statistical analysis.

Students begin the program by studying foundational topics in courses such as Sensation and Perception, Engineering Psychology, and Human Factors in Engineering Design. Students gain fundamental skills while taking Research Methods and Advanced Research Methods. Students deepen their understanding through coursework in Ergonomics and Biomechanics; Human-Computer Interaction and Advanced Human Factors. As a capstone to the curriculum, students are required to complete a research thesis.

How much will the program cost?

Students finish their degree within 2 years and pay $554.00 per credit for a total of 30 credits, or $16,620.00 for the entire degree.

How does the program fit into my life?

All courses are taught asynchronously, meaning that students are not required to attend online class at a set time. Instead, students are required to complete certain online activities each week and receive regular opportunities to interact with their instructor and classmates. Online activities can include, but are not limited to, watching online lectures, completing interactive practice exercises, and participating in online group discussion. No on-campus trip is necessary. Every year, the program’s Fall semester is open to new students. The majority of students finish the program in 2 years.

The program’s curriculum is adaptable, giving participants more options than some peer programs provide regarding the courses they want to take and when they want to study them. No on-campus trip is necessary. Every year, the program’s Fall semester is open to new students. The majority of students finish the program in 2 years. The program’s curriculum is adaptable, giving participants more options than some peer programs provide regarding the courses they want to take and when they want to study them.

Summary

As the only currently available online program specialized entirely in the study of human factors, this program stands out from the rest. Add in the fact this university is highly-regarded, and offers students the opportunity to collaborate with mentors in a research-intensive department, and this program may be an excellent fit for an ambitious applicant. Students who are looking for a more generalist program with less of a research focus will not be satisfied with this option. The program is fairly low in cost.