Human Factors/Applied Cognition Concentration

Become a Mason Graduate Student

All applicants for graduate study at George Mason University must meet the admission standards specified in the Admission chapter of the University Catalog.

You are responsible for submitting all required application materials by the posted deadline. Review your program's Admissions Requirements and Deadlines before you begin your application. You can also visit our Grad Admissions page for helpful hints on how best to prepare your transcripts and other Admissions materials.

Step 1: Complete and submit the online Graduate Admissions application. George Mason University requires all graduate applicants to upload all possible required supplementary materials, such as unofficial transcripts, goals statement and writing sample, at the same time you submit your application. Online applications require a non-refundable $75 application processing fee.

Step 2: Within a few days of submitting your online application, you will receive an email with your Mason G number (G#). This is a tracking number provided to all applicants that allows us to match your supporting documentation to your completed application.

Step 3: Check your application status and requirements checklist in your application portal. Initial processing takes 3 to 5 business days from the date of submission. You can use your application log-in and password to access your information throughout the application process. Graduate Admissions may send updates or notify you of issues with your application through your admissions portal, so it is best to log in periodically to monitor your application status.

Step 4: For newly admitted students, refer to the CHSS New Graduate Student webpage for tips on confirming enrollment, submitting official transcripts, registering for class and more.

The fall graduate degree seeking application opens September 15.

Program Specific Requirements

College Transcripts Goals Statement GRE Portfolio Recommendation Letters Resume Writing Sample
2

The GRE Exam is optional. For Fall 2024 third letter of recommendation is optional.

For the PhD with a concentration in human factors/applied cognition, at least 15 credits in psychology, including a statistics course and a laboratory course in psychology. A tests and measurements course is recommended.

The goals statement should be about 2-3 single-spaced pages articulating: A) your training/education history and preparation for graduate school, B) research and/or clinical experience to date relevant to the degree/concentration being pursued, C) your professional goals and how the degree (and the GMU program) fits into those goals, D) reasons/motivation for seeking the degree, and E) 1-2 core, full-time, faculty members in the concentration/program that you are interested in working with as a potential faculty advisor, and why such a person(s) are a good fit with your goals/interests. (uploaded via online application).

Application Deadlines and Decision Timelines

New students are admitted for fall semester only. All applicants are strongly advised to submit applications and all supporting documents by the programs' posted deadline dates. Deadlines vary by concentration.  Each graduate concentration expects to make initial admission decisions by the dates posted below. However, decisions will continue through April 30 as applicants are selected from the waitlist and the programs reach capacity.

  • Human Factors/Applied Cognition deadline*: January 15

Initial decisions typically made by February 15.

Additional Requirements for