Psychology

The M.S. in psychology is a 30-credit program  focused on human factors psychology, research methods and the application of psychological principles to real-world settings. Develop advanced skills in research design, statistical analysis and human behavior while exploring how people interact with technology, systems and their environments.

View the online psychology graduate handbook

Explore program details in the University Catalog  

Curriculum highlights include:

• Research methods and statistical analysis: Develop skills in designing research studies, analyzing data and interpreting findings to better understand human behavior.
• Human factors and ergonomics: Explore how human abilities and limitations influence the design of products, equipment and environments.
• Human-computer interaction: Examine how people use digital technologies and how research can inform more intuitive, accessible interfaces.
• Human performance and safety: Investigate factors that influence attention, decision-making, workload and performance in complex environments.
• Applied psychological research: Use psychological theories and research findings to evaluate systems, understand user needs and inform design improvements.

Thesis and non-thesis options

The M.S. in psychology offers two pathways to complete your degree:

• Thesis option: Conduct an original research project under the guidance of a faculty advisor, culminating in a written thesis and oral defense. Students interested in this pathway work with human factors faculty to identify research opportunities and determine an appropriate fit.
• Non-thesis option: Demonstrate your knowledge of human factors psychology through a comprehensive exam and portfolio of applied work, which may include research projects, design activities, internships or other relevant experiences.

On campus hands-on learning and research

Students are encouraged to apply the knowledge gained through coursework through active participation in research in a variety of specialty areas. These include human-computer interaction, simulation and virtual environments, driving and surface transportation, physiological indicators of stress and workload, sound perception, and cyclist and pedestrian safety.

Clubs

Students may also connect with peers and explore professional interests through involvement opportunities and clubs.

• Human Factors Club
• Psi Chi
• Psychology Club 

University of Idaho is committed to making graduate education accessible and helping students navigate the cost of earning an advanced degree. In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, many graduate students receive funding through assistantships, research opportunities and other forms of academic support.

Here are a few key resources to help you understand graduate tuition, funding opportunities and available financial support:

• Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in accessing federal financial aid and certain institutional funding opportunities.  
• Estimate your cost of attendance: Visit U of I’s cost of attendance page to explore estimated tuition, fees and living expenses associated with your graduate program.  
• View a breakdown of tuition and fees: Visit the Student Accounts page to explore current tuition rates, fees and detailed cost information based on your program, residency status and enrollment level.
• Explore scholarships and graduate funding opportunities: Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities based on academic achievement, area of study and professional experience.  
• Learn about assistantships: Many graduate programs offer Research Assistantships (RAs), Teaching Assistantships (TAs) or Graduate Assistantships (GAs), which may provide tuition support, stipends and valuable professional experience. Assistantship availability and funding levels vary by program and department.  
• Connect with your program: Some graduate funding opportunities are coordinated directly through academic departments or faculty research projects. Prospective students are encouraged to review department funding information and speak with program representatives about available opportunities.  

If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships or graduate funding, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors and graduate program staff can help you explore options and make informed financial decisions throughout the admissions process.  

View financial aid resources 

Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities.

Psychology and Communication contact:
Todd Thorsteinson
tthorste@uidaho.edu

For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:

Graduate Admissions contact:
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001

Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page.

Find psychology program faculty advisors

Applicants for the M.S. in psychology must meet the following admission requirements:

Program availability

• Concentration: Thesis and non-thesis (the thesis concentration is only available with the academic program’s approval after students have been enrolled in the program for at least one semester)
• Semester intake: Fall
  • Eligible for out-of-state tuition waiver through the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) for qualifying applicants
  • Open to international applicants, including those requiring F-1 visa status
• Deadlines: General application deadlines
• Start dates: View the academic calendar to see start and end dates

University requirements

• Education level: Bachelor's degree in a similar or related field from an accredited or recognized institution (earned or expected before the start of the graduate program)
  • Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. Official transcripts sent by the issuing institution(s) will be required if admitted. View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.  
• GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
• GRE: Not required
• Letters of recommendation: Three
• Resume  
• Statement of Purpose  
• Valid picture ID (required to verify students’ identity and will be kept confidential)
• English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).  
  • Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.  
• Application fee: $50

Application and admission process

Applications are submitted online and are specific to the program and term selected. Applicants seeking admission to multiple programs must submit a separate application for each program.

Before submitting an application, applicants must provide personal and academic information from all post-secondary institutions attended, recommender information, required program-specific materials, and their intended program and start term.

Applications are reviewed for admission by the academic program. Only complete applications, including required letters of recommendation and payment of the application fee, will be forwarded for evaluation and admission decision. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their applications early to allow sufficient time for a thorough review.

International students seeking F-1 or J-1 visas must provide financial documentation demonstrating their ability to cover the cost of attendance. This documentation is required only after admission.

Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.