The Ph.D. program trains students to become researchers and practitioners in the cognitive sciences. Although the program covers basic theoretical and empirical issues, its emphasis is on research that applies cognitive science to real world problems. Many applications of cognitive science are in the domain of human factors, and many doctoral students who complete our program go on to be human factors professionals.

In fact, the Washington area boasts one of the largest concentrations of human factors professionals in the nation. The historically strong concentration of government laboratories (such as Naval Research Laboratories, Army Research Institute, the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Aviation Agency, the National Transportation Research Board and NASA) has been recently augmented by a growth in the software industries. This concentration benefits GMU's HFAC program in many ways. We draw upon these professionals as a source of adjunct faculty and in our Distinguished Practitioner Series to supplement the expertise of the full-time faculty. The strong professional associations in the area such as the ACM SIGCHI and the Potomac Chapter of the Human Factors & Ergonomics Society provide students with the opportunity to meet and interact with such professionals on an informal basis. Furthermore, the various laboratories, agencies, and industries provide numerous opportunities for practicum placements as well as job possibilities after the Ph.D. For a listing of our doctoral graduates and their current place of employment, click here.

PH.D. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Students must complete 72 hours of graduate credit to include the following requirements:

General
3 hours of cognitive core : PSYC 701 (or equivalent)
6 hours PSYC 702, 703, 704 or 705 (or equivalent)
8 hours of quantitative and research methods PSYC 611 and 612
9 hours of advanced statistics, methods eg. (PSYC 652, 754, or 756)
Applied Cognition Core
6 hours PSYC 530, 645
9 hours PSYC 734, 737, 766, 768 (these may be repeated)
Dissertation
12 hours PSYC 998 and 999 (proposal and hours)
Practicum
6 hours, with permission of advisor.
Electives
To reach the 72 credits required for the Ph.D., students may repeat 645, 734, 737, 766, and/or 768
Students are strongly encouraged to take credits in PSYC 897 Directed Reading and Research each semester.
Students are strongly encouraged to develop competence in programming and computer science by coursework or independent study. Students are also encouraged to identify and take relevant courses within or outside the department (with advisor's approval).

PH.D. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants are expected to have 15 hours of course work in psychology, including a statistics course and an experimental laboratory course in psychology ( equivalent to PSYC 304, 305, or 309). Additional coursework on quantitative and computational methods is helpful.

The following are also required:

-GPA of 3.33 on a 4.00 scale for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work
-A minimum GPA of 3.50 in undergraduate psychology courses
-Scores from the Graduate Record Examination taken within the last five years with a 1200 combined score Verbal + Quantitative
-Three letters of reference from professors or supervisors
-Completion of both GMU and Departmental Applications for the Ph.D. program
-Biographical statement describing the applicant's background, experience, and goals for the HF-AC program.
-An interview may be requested, but may be conducted by phone if necessary
-Work experience, publications, or special recommendations may compensate for relative weaknesses in other qualifications. Applicants may submit a writing sample from academic papers, publications, and professional reports. Because space is limited, fulfillment of the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the graduate program.

PH.D. ADMISSION PROCEDURE

Applications may be obtained from the Office of Admissions and should be completed and returned along with the application fee to:

(703) 993-2400
Applications should include the Applied Cognition supplemental forms: word format
Applicants may also apply online from the Office of Admissions webpage at http://admissions.gmu.edu/grad/. Because space is limited, fulfillment of the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the graduate program.

PH.D. DEADLINE

We have a rolling admissions process that will begin considering applications as early as January 1st. If you are considering a late application (after January 15), we suggest you contact Dr. Raja Parasuraman or another member of the HFAC admissions committee. All new students must begin in the Fall semester. All materials, including GRE scores and letters of recommendations must be received before the application can be evaluated. Applicants should plan to take the GRE at least two months prior to this deadline.

PH.D. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Historically, almost all of our Ph.D. students have had tuition coverage and a stipend for every academic year of the program. The primary means of support has been faculty research grants. Other sources of financial assistance are listed below.

(1) Teaching Assistantships (TA positions). Students assist faculty in teaching undergraduate courses by, for example, grading exams and running lab sections.

(2) Fellowship Awards. Fellowship awards of $1,000 to $5,000 are available to a limited number of incoming students. These awards come with no work requirement.

(3) Presidential Scholar Award. ("Super" GRAs) These positions are available to some students with exceptionally high grades and GRE scores. These awards come with a stipend of $18,000 and tuition remission for 18 credit hours for the academic year. They require a 20 hour work commitment by the student. Historically, the Psychology Department has received one or more per year. They are renewable for up to two additional years.

(4) Government and industry internships.