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 (AI) can map human cognition and reasoning. The Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Science in Applied Cognitive Sciences and Human Factors (ACSHF) prepare successful scientists and problem solvers to improve performance, safety, and well-being in the space 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 practical 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.

By working through applied cognitive science problems, students foster the improvement of:

  • AI and crowdsourcing technology, through the incorporation of computational human reasoning models
  • Models used to study how aging affects motor movements
  • A deeper understanding of moral reasoning as it applies to technology
  • The use of video games to simulate STEM problem solving
  • Planning and decision-making strategies using structured analytic techniques

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

Human Potential Through Education, Technology, and Science

The Department of Psychology’s graduate program in Applied Cognitive Science and Human Factors (ACSHF) prepares students to influence the next generation of human-centered technology and innovation. At Michigan Tech, graduate students tackle complex applied cognitive science challenges by leveraging foundational research in real-world settings—bridging the gap between people and the technologies they use every day. Through specialized research groups and state-of-the-art laboratories, students contribute to advancements in artificial intelligence, aging and motor movement models, moral reasoning in technology, STEM problem-solving through video games, and structured analytic techniques that strengthen planning and decision-making. Graduates emerge as leaders equipped to shape smarter systems, safer designs, and more effective human-technology interaction. Graduate studies here prepare students for advanced careers in academia, research, clinical practice, and industry through hands-on experiences and mentorship from accomplished faculty.

  • Faculty expertise: Graduate students in the Psychology and Human Factors department have the opportunity to engage with faculty whose scholarship and mentorship span a broad array of areas including human-computer interaction, stress and performance, simulation, and cognitive-task analysis. Faculty labs focus on translating research into practical human outcomes: improving performance, health, decision-making, and safety where people interact with technology or systems. This creates an enriched mentorship and training environment for both MS and PhD students.
  • Funding opportunities: Graduate students at Michigan Tech can access a range of financial support mechanisms, including graduate assistantships that provide a stipend and potential tuition support, internal and external fellowships that may include stipends and tuition benefits, and reduced-tuition programs for eligible students. These resources are administered through the university’s Graduate School and Financial Aid offices.
  • Career outcomes and networking: Graduates of the ACSHF graduate programs have pursued careers in academia, healthcare, industry, and clinical settings, and doctoral alumni often continue into post-doctoral research appointments or faculty positions. The department’s seminar series and collaborations with professionals across human factors and technological fields help students build professional networks that support career advancement.
  • Research: Our Psychology and Human Factors students use focused research to explore relevant topics such as interactive design, experiment and survey design, ethnography, field studies, and formal computational modeling. Both the MS and PhD students conduct in-depth investigations and meaningfully contribute insights to the fields of human psychology and applied cognitive science.

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.