Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology - Human Factors/Applied Cognition

This concentration emphasizes the study of a combination of elements within human factors, applied cognition and neuroergonomics in its academic focus. Human Factors involves the design of technologies and work environments to be compatible with human capabilities and limitations. Applied cognition is the study of the characteristics of basic human perception and cognitive processes relevant to the human performance at work.

Neuroergonomics is the study of the human brain in relation to performance at work, transportation, and other everyday settings. Across all areas, a strong emphasis is placed on students developing a good understanding of cognitive theory, acquiring advanced methodological and statistical skills, and learning how to apply these tools to real-world human factors problems. This Ph.D. program provides instruction and research training for students wishing to pursue careers in the academic, public, and private sectors.

The GRE Exam is optional. For Fall 2024 third letter of recommendation is optional.

For the PhD with a concentration in human factors/applied cognition, at least 15 credits in psychology, including a statistics course and a laboratory course in psychology. A tests and measurements course is recommended.

The goals statement should be about 2-3 single-spaced pages articulating: A) your training/education history and preparation for graduate school, B) research and/or clinical experience to date relevant to the degree/concentration being pursued, C) your professional goals and how the degree (and the GMU program) fits into those goals, D) reasons/motivation for seeking the degree, and E) 1-2 core, full-time, faculty members in the concentration/program that you are interested in working with as a potential faculty advisor, and why such a person(s) are a good fit with your goals/interests. (uploaded via online application).

All transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be translated into English, if applicable, and submitted for evaluation to the Mason Office of Admissions. Mason will provide evaluation service free of charge for all international transcripts, however, some programs may request an outside evaluation be completed. Because of volume, more time may be needed to process applications requiring a Mason evaluation. You should submit your application 6 weeks prior to the deadline if you plan to utilize Mason's free evaluation service. For expedited service, students may submit their documents to any NACES member organization at their own expense. If you decide to use an external evaluation service or if your program requires an outside evaluation, GPA and Degree equivalences must be included with your course-by-course evaluation. Mason evaluations are used for internal purposes and are not released to applicants.

IELTS - 7.0 and 6.5 each subsection
TOEFL IBT - 88 and 20 each subsection