Steps in the Application Process
Here you will find some important information on how to apply to our human factors program. The actual degree program you are applying to is a Masters degree in Experimental Psychology with a human factors emphasis.
The program consists of a broad array of graduate courses, including:
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Engineering Psychology
- Research Methods
- Neuroergonomics
- Ergonomics and Biomechanics
- Advanced Human Factors
The M.S. in Psychology with a human factors emphasis is offered by the University of Idaho on campus and via our distance education degree program.
The intent of the program is primarily to provide preparation for work in industry, as a consultant at a firm, or work for government/military research labs as a human factors or UX (user experience) specialist. Some students also earn the M.S. as a way to expand their current job skills or enhance job mobility. A few of our students have also gone on to seek a Ph.D. at other institutions after finishing their M.S. at the University of Idaho.
Required Background
An applicant should possess an undergraduate degree in psychology or another field related to human factors psychology, such as design, engineering, or computer science. However, a large array of undergraduate degrees can serve as the basis to a successful career in human factors. The main thing we are looking for is that the student has a documented interest in human factors related topics and a solid foundation in courses that are relevant to our program.
To be a successful candidate, you need to have evidence of mastery of the following coursework. If you have not successfully completed one or more of these courses as part of your undergraduate or post-graduate education, you can still be admitted to the program, but you will need to take these courses or equivalents thereof as part of your masters studies:
- introductory statistics
- experimental psychology or research methods
- cognitive psychology
- sensation and perception
Students are able to take undergraduate courses at any time through our distance education program or Engineering Outreach at the University of Idaho; being accepted into the M.S. program is not required.
The University of Idaho Graduate College and the Psychology Department require a minimum GPA of 3.0 for admission. A successful applicant usually has a combined Verbal + Quantitative GRE score of at least 1,000 (old scoring, new baseline to be established once new scoring is available). Submission of GRE scores is required. Admission is competitive and meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Application Materials
To apply for acceptance into the M.S. program, contact graduate admissions at the University of Idaho (
www.uidaho.edu/graduateadmissions) and select the Psychology degree program.
In addition, it is always a good idea to contact the UI Psychology Department through the email address
hfactors@uidaho.edu and talk to the graduate program coordinator with any questions you might have. You are also free, of course, to contact any of the faculty in the program whom you are most interested in working with directly.
What University of Idaho Graduate Admissions Needs:
- Graduate admissions needs the completed Application to the Graduate College with the application fee. Your materials will not be forwarded to the departmental graduate admissions committee from the Graduate College until your application is complete. To be on the safe side, make sure to follow up with your references for letters of recommendation and check that all of your materials have been received.
- Two copies of official undergraduate and graduate record transcripts of all work at accredited institutions of higher learning, mailed directly from the degree-granting institution need to be submitted.
- Results of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), General Test only. No exceptions are made for this requirement.
- A personal statement which should include your background, the emphasis in which you are interested, your intentions of taking the thesis or non-thesis option, and professional objectives after completing the graduate program
- Three letters of recommendation
- For on-campus admission and teaching or research assistantships the application and all other required application materials must be received by February 15 for the following fall semester. Students seeking admission for the distance degree program are encouraged to submit their applications by the same deadline, but applications are also reviewed throughout the year.
Application to the Graduate College and application fee should be received by the university prior to receipt of reference letters and other materials, so the applicant's file can be established.
Students are usually notified regarding acceptance into the program in early March.
Tuition/ Financial Aid
Please visit Student Financial Aid Services for up-to-date tuition, fee, and other financial information.
University of Idaho Engineering Outreach students may be eligible for Federal Financial Aid. For further information contact Engineering Outreach and we will transfer your call to the University of Idaho Financial Aid Office.
