Policy Statement - 04-04 Psychology, Master of Science in, Option in Human Factors

Master of Science in Psychology

Option in Human Factors (code PSY_MS04)

This new option was recommended by the Academic Senate on May 13, 2004 and approved by the President on June 14, 2004.

The Option in Human Factors under the MS in Psychology is designed to prepare students to apply knowledge of psychology to the design of jobs, information systems, consumer products, workplaces and equipment in order to improve user performance, safety and comfort. Students in the program acquire a background in experimental psychology and research methods. They are trained in the application of the material through courses in human factors, computer applications and interface design. Special topics seminars, in areas such as large-scale simulation and usability testing, complement the core program of study. Finally, students complete a thesis in their chosen area of human factors.

This option is designed as a terminal degree, but also provides excellent preparation for advanced graduate work.

Prerequisites

1. An undergraduate major in Psychology or in another field with 24 units of upper division psychology. A minimum grade point average of approximately 3.0 for the last 60 semester units (90 quarter units) and for all Psychology units.

2. The following psychology courses or their equivalents: PSY 310, 331, 332. Students lacking only 310 may be admitted to the program but must complete the course their first semester in attendance.

Recommended: CECS 174 or any course in computer programming; One of the following psychology courses or their equivalents: PSY 340, 341, 342.

Advancement to Candidacy

Satisfy the general requirements of the university for advancement to candidacy.

Requirements

1. A minimum of 36 units of upper division and graduate work including PSY 511, 518, 527, 533 or 634, 633; MAE 508; CECS 448; PSY 698 and 3 courses chosen from PSY 590, 512, 696, 544; ENGL 419.

2. A preliminary oral examination on the thesis proposal and a final oral examination in defense of the completed thesis.

EFFECTIVE: Fall 2004

Code: PSY_MS04 College: 28 Career: GR

IPEDS (Major) ERSS: 20011 IPEDS (Degree) ERSD: 20011