Psychology and Human Factors

Graduate PHF Programs

Students and faculty in the Department of Psychology and Human Factors study the relationships between technology and humans, such as the way music and physical activities enhance the emotional response of children on the autism spectrum, and how Artificial Intelligence can map human cognition and reasoning. The Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Science degree in Applied Cognitive Sciences and Human Factors (ACSHF) prepare successful scientists and problem solvers who improve performance, safety, and well-being — where humans meet technology.

No other graduate program influences the next generation like ACSHF. At Michigan Tech, we address applied cognitive science problems by using basic research in applied settings to bridge the gap between people and technology. Program specializations span the interests of multiple faculty and research groups who work in state-of-the-art labs.

Applied cognitive science problems foster the improvement of:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and crowdsourcing technology by incorporating computational human reasoning models,
  • models of aging in motor movements,
  • understanding moral reasoning as it applied to technology,
  • STEM problem solving and decision making using video games, and,
  • structured analytic techniques to improve planning.

In ACSHF, we also study human factors in order to improve driving behavior through music, emotion, and gesturing, visual search in real world, and collaborative technologies.

Researcher sitting behind a hand-eye coordination device.

Applied Cognitive Science and Human Factors—MS, PhD

The ACSHF program is research-intensive and interdisciplinary, wedding psychology, engineering, human-computer interaction, and usability. Research bridges the gap between basic and applied science to address real-world problems.

Participant sitting with head in a device that tracks eye movement while looking at a monitor.

Accelerated Masters ACSHF

Majoring or minoring in Psychology? Want to increase your competitive advantage in the job market, but don’t have time for a two-year MS-thesis program? Consider an Accelerated MS in ACSHF. Enhance your bachelor’s degree with an applied cognitive science and human factors focus.

"If you are looking for a progressive and supportive academic environment ACSHF is a great program! The faculty are well-recognized in their field and students are working on research projects to help revolutionize the 21st century and beyond."Darnishia L. Slade, PhD Student, ACSHF

Study Psychology and Human Factors at a Technological University

You enjoy studying people—how they think, behave, and interact with other people, technology, or the world around them—to improve their personal and professional well-being. As a psychology or human factors student, you will gain foundational knowledge and develop valuable analytic, quantitative, and communication skills required to succeed in solving problems, whether in research, the job market, or graduate school. And you will do it on a technological campus, working side-by-side with other STEM students to create technology that works better for the humans who use it.

  • Get personalized attention: With a 6:1 student-faculty ratio, nearly every major class is taught by one of our core faculty. Your instructors will  take the time to get to know you and help you explore career possibilities through hands-on experiences. Faculty are doing interesting research in a variety of specialties; join their lab or develop your own research ideas with them.
  • Customize your education: Our programs are flexible by design, allowing you to create a personalized program of study to explore your interests and build a unique portfolio of skills and experiences that sets you apart on the job market. Take any one of Michigan Tech’s 80 minors to tailor your education to fit your individual pathway.
  • Engage in research: As an undergraduate, get involved in research with a faculty mentor in one of our labs. Get hands-on experience with state-of-the-art research methods and tools and graduate with a competitive advantage applying for graduate school and research-based jobs in industry.
  • Gain hands-on experience through internships or Enterprise: Through these signature programs, you can build your skill sets in real-world settings without needing to take a semester off. Past internship locations have included the Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being, the Copper Country Intermediate School District, U.P. Kids foster and adoption services, the Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter for Domestic Abuse, and many others. Enterprises are student-run business teams that work with industry clients to design solutions for real world problems. These experiences provide students with valuable experience in team building, project management, and end-to-end original product development.

College of Sciences and Arts

The College of Sciences and Arts is a community of faculty, staff, and students committed to excellence and driven by our passion for education, outreach, research, and creativity across the social and natural sciences, humanities, and the arts. Uniquely situated in the heart of Michigan's R1 flagship technological university, we specialize in human-centered potential and discovery-based learning designed to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Knowing that every student at Michigan Tech will pass through our doors, our college strives to be at the forefront of interdisciplinary collaborations that lead to breakthrough solutions.

Our students gain a profound understanding of social and cultural contexts through experiential learning and innovative research. We welcome you to be part of our caring, expansive college community, with 32 undergraduate and 24 graduate degrees to choose from.

The opportunities in Michigan Tech's College of Sciences and Arts are limitless. Transform into a civic leader ready to contribute to a sustainable future. Lead and participate in action-based experiences that are critical to the start of a fulfilling career. Job-shadow at a local hospital or veterinary clinic while preparing for a career in health. Design sound and lighting for a regional production. Conduct community forums on the implications of artificial intelligence. Work to purify vaccines. Study the impact of social media on society. Research the mysteries of space and galaxies beyond our universe. Explore transforming abandoned iron and copper mines into giant batteries. Understand freshwater ecosystem health. Document the nature of changes in cognitive function and motor behavior in aging and dementia.

At Michigan Tech, your academic growth is supported by a variety of learning centers, along with our Humanities Digital Media Zone and Writing Center. Model climate in the only cloud chamber of its kind. Take part in interdisciplinary health research in our state-of-the-art H-STEM Complex. Create amazing sights and sounds in our visual art, sound, and theatre performance spaces. 

Tomorrow Needs You

Combine your creativity and curiosity to meet pressing societal challenges with innovative solutions. Graduate with the technical skills, critical thinking and tenacity to inspire, design and implement a sustainable future across social and natural sciences, humanities, and arts.