Psychology-Human Factors Specialization (M.A.)

Master of Arts, Plan A only (thesis): Total 30 credit hours*

*Note: The M.A. in Psychology, Plan A is not offered as a terminal degree. It is earned in the process of completing the Ph.D. degree requirements.

Master of Arts, Plan B only (non-thesis): Total 36 credit hours*

*Note: The M.A. in Psychology, Plan B is offered as a terminal degree.

Accelerated Master’s Program: B.A. or B.S./M.A.

Up to 12 credits applied toward the B.A or B.S. program may be used to satisfy graduate credit. 

The following restrictions apply:

1. Dual-listed courses taken at the 500-level can be applied to both the B.S. and M.A. degrees. Dual-listed courses must be taken at the 500-level.
2. The student must apply to, and be admitted to, the accelerated program prior to taking courses to be credited toward the accelerated program.
3. No courses taken prior to admission to the accelerated program may be counted toward an accelerated graduate degree. No exceptions to this policy will be approved.
4. Courses that are “double counted” must be approved by the program coordinator for inclusion in the program of study prior to registration for the course or the credits will not be applied toward the accelerated graduate degree. No exceptions to this policy will be approved.
5. Only courses taken at the student’s home institution are eligible for accelerated program credit. No transferred courses from other institutions will be allowed to count toward the accelerated master’s degree.
6. Students admitted to the accelerated M.A. Program may be allowed to register for all courses included on his/her program of study and these credit hours may apply to both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.

M.A. Oral Examination

The master’s thesis must be defended in a final oral examination administered by the student’s advisory committee.

Joint Master’s Program with Juris Doctor

Students who are already enrolled in the School of Law at the University of South Dakota and who have sufficient background in psychology may qualify for this Board of Regents authorized joint-degree program leading to the M.A. in Psychology.  Individuals with an interest in this program should consult with the department chairperson.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Content knowledge of core areas of human factors as determined by HFES program guidelines (attached). Student will have demonstrated mastery in 4 core content courses listed in the HFES program guidelines. 
2. Students will understand research methods and instrumentation at a level suitable to design, implement and complete an independent research project.
3. Students develop presentation and communications skills appropriate for a professional in the field of human factors.
4. Students will seek external funding or experiential opportunities.

State Authorization - It Matters Where You Live

If your learning placement course (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) or your online course will be taken outside South Dakota, please reference the State Authorization webpage.

State Authorization