in person
MA in Psychology
User Experience (UX) is an empirical approach to design that prioritizes human needs, cognitive capabilities, and behavior. It starts with a deep understanding of psychology to create successful interactions between people and the devices, applications, and interfaces that they use.
This program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to apply cognitive psychology to human-centered design. As a graduate, you will be prepared to excel in user experience roles such as UX researcher, UX manager, product designer, product manager, and more.
92% of recent graduates received full-time job offers in UX within 6 months of graduation (2023-24 data).
UX researchers are highly employable and thrive in industries from tech to healthcare. Explore career insights via the Nielsen Norman Group report.
48 units
required units
MA in Psychology
degree awarded
In Person
modality
Spring, Summer, Fall
program start
2 years | full time*
estimated completion time
Todd Blickenstaff
MA in Psychology 1999
E-Commerce Manager at Lexus Marketing
"My subsequent success in various roles can be attributed to the strong foundation in both quantitative and qualitative skills that I developed through courses in statistics and research methods at CGU."
Professor of Psychology
Research Interests
Memory & Comprehension, Eyewitness Memory, Autobiographical Memory
Assistant Professor of Practice
Research Interests
User Experience, Product Strategy, Gaming, Technology for Health and Wellness, Educational Technology, Inclusive Design
Associate Professor of Information Systems & Technology
Research Interests
Data science, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Health Informatics, Mobile Health, Data Management, Data warehousing, Business intelligence, ICT4D
Research Assistant Professor of Information Systems & Technology
Research Interests
Internet of Things, Mobile Computing, Computer Communications & Networks, Healthcare Systems, Artificial Intelligence, and Cyber Security
Pomona College
Research Interests
Language and memory, speech production, tip-of-the-tongue (TOT) states, cognitive aging, bilingualism
Claremont McKenna College
Research Interests
Cognitive neuroscience, decision neuroscience, neuroeconomics
Pitzer College
Research Interests
Cognitive development, development of mental rotation, infant-directed speech, categorization in infancy
Claremont McKenna College
Research Interests
Cognitive neuroscience, electroencephalography, human behavior and human factors, multisensory perception
Pomona College
Research Interests
Rational and psychological levels of analysis; scientific approaches to the mind-body problem
Pomona College
Research Interests
Language development, self-development, achievement motivation
Claremont McKenna College
Research Interests
Cognition, education, experimental psychology, memory
Pomona College
Research Interests
Sentence processing, individual differences in reading behavior and comprehension, bilingual language processing, ERPs, eye tracking
Cognitive Psychology (8 units)
User Experience (12 – 16 units)
Statistics & Research Methods (12 units)
Electives in Cognitive Psychology, Methods, and Related Fields (12 – 16 units)
You are encouraged to take elective courses in advanced methods and statistics as well as in cognitive psychology. You are also able to benefit from related courses offered by the Center for Information Systems & Technology, including programming courses. Electives are selected based on your interests and with the approval of your academic advisor. Popular electives include:
| University Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $80 (fee is non-refundable) |
| Official Transcripts | Undergraduate/graduate Applicants must submit a sealed, official transcript from every undergraduate and graduate institution that has granted the applicant a degree. Electronic transcripts sent to admissions@cgu.edu are also accepted. For undergraduate coursework, applicants are required to submit proof of a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Unofficial copies of transcripts are accepted for review purposes, but official copies will be required upon admission. Applicants currently earning a degree that will be completed prior to attending CGU are required to submit a transcript showing work in progress for evaluation purposes. Once the degree has been granted, a final official transcript documenting the degree conferred must be submitted to CGU. International applicants are advised to review the International Transcript Guidelines for additional information on submitting international transcripts. |
| English Proficiency Exam | Required (international applicants only) A valid score on one of the following examinations TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson PTE, Duolingo English Test is required of all non-native English-speaking applicants. The examination is not required for the following applicants:
CGU’s school code for the TOEFL exam is 4053. International applicants are encouraged to visit our International Applicants page for more information, including score requirements. |
| Resume | Applicants must submit an up-to-date copy of their resume. |
| Program Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Statement of Purpose | Please submit a 2-3 page statement of purpose that details your academic and/or professional achievements, your specific areas of research interest within your desired field of study, why you are a strong candidate for graduate studies at CGU, and your career goals. |
| Letter of Recommendation | 2 letters required When filling out the online application, please enter references acquainted with your potential for success who will submit a written recommendation on your behalf. In most academic departments, references from faculty members who can speak to your academic ability are preferred; applicants with substantial work experience may request professional references. Please do not enter family members as references. You will be required to input information for your recommenders (whether they are submitting online or not) in the “Recommendations” section of the online application. Please follow the directions in this section carefully before clicking on “Recommendation Provider List” to input the names and contact information for each recommender. You will have an opportunity to indicate if the reference writer will be submitting online. These reference writers will receive an email from CGU with instructions on submitting an online recommendation. Recommenders who are indicated as offline will not receive an email from CGU with instructions to submit. These reference writers can submit via traditional mail and should use the supplemental New Student Recommendation Form. Recommenders can also email their letter of recommendation to the Office of Admissions at admissions@cgu.edu. |
CGU operates on a priority deadline cycle. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit complete applications by the priority dates in order to assure maximum consideration for both admission and fellowships.
Once the priority deadlines have passed, the University will continue to review applications for qualified candidates on a competitive, space-available basis. The final deadlines listed are the last date the University can accept an application in order to allow sufficient time to complete the admissions, financial aid, and other enrollment processes.
Spring 2025
Priority Deadline – November 1, 2024
Final Deadline (International) – November 15, 2024
Final Deadline (Domestic) – December 1, 2024
Classes begin – January 21, 2025
Summer 2025
Priority Deadline – February 1, 2025
Final Deadline (International) – March 1, 2025
Final Deadline (Domestic) – April 1, 2025
Classes begin – May 19, 2025
Fall 2025
Priority Deadline – February 1, 2025
Final Deadline (International) – July 5, 2025
Final Deadline (Domestic) – August 1, 2025
Classes begin – August 25, 2025
| Program | 48 units |
| Tuition per unit* | $2,070 |
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition rates.
| $245 Student Fee |
| $150 Technology Fee |
| International Student Services Fee**: $768 fall semester, $851 spring semester **Applies to all international students (F-1 visa only) who are registered in coursework, doctoral study, or continuous registration. The fee is assessed each fall and spring semester for annual ISO accident and sickness plans and administrative fees. Subject to changes. |
For estimates of room & board, books, etc., please download CGU’s Cost of Attendance 2025-2026.