Bachelor of Science in Human Factors Psychology

The Bachelor of Science in Human Factors Psychology at Embry-Riddle, one of the only bachelor’s programs in this field in the country, is designed for students who want to analyze the way something functions and its level of efficiency and work toward improving it. The B.S. in Human Factors Psychology at ERAU integrates an understanding of how humans function intellectually, emotionally, and physiologically with interdisciplinary knowledge and theory, to improve efficiency and functionality in products and systems with which we interface. Because the field of human factors field is vital to successful product and system design, there is great diversity among the industries in which human factors professionals establish their careers. Because Embry-Riddle is closely associated with the aviation/aerospace industry, many of our graduates launch their careers with its companies.

The technological aspect of nearly all the programs at Embry-Riddle puts students in an environment where they can develop and test the skills they learn. Many advances that have entered mainstream society have come from aviation and aerospace, where Human Factors hold a key role.

Students are educated in the content and techniques of human factors research, including statistical and quantitative procedures, experimental design, survey methods, computer techniques, and other research methodologies.

Within this program, students have the option to accelerate their studies and earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in as little as five years.

Among the many co-curricular activities in which students can become involved are the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology, Aerospace Medical Association, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Institute of Industrial Engineers, International Council on Systems Engineering, Society of Automotive Engineers, and Women in Aviation International.

About Human Factors Psychology at the Daytona Beach, FL Campus

Students fascinated with the challenges involved in optimizing the performance of both humans and their technology would fit into the Bachelor of Science in Human Factors Psychology degree program. In this program, students learn how to integrate an understanding of human psychology with systems design to help create technologies that are more intuitive to use and make people more effective. Thus graduates enter the workplace as human factors specialists prepared to help make this increasingly technology-driven world more human-friendly.

The Bachelor of Science in Human Factors Psychology degree is housed in the Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology in the College of Arts and Sciences.

A typical first year will include general education courses, plus core requirements from Human Factors and Psychology and related foundation courses such as Mass Communication Law and Ethics, Aviation, and Aerospace Communication or Computer Science.

With a host of state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, ERAU’s Daytona Beach campus is well suited for human factors research endeavors. The department has a strong record of collaboration with EagleWorks, ERAU’s Aerospace Engineering Research Center, which helps take our research to other levels.

Among the facilities used by students in Human Factors, Psychology is the Technically Advanced Aircraft Performance Lab (TAAP) focused on evaluating equipment, such as the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) navigation system and others that are designed to relieve much of the cognitive workload for pilots.

Embry-Riddle offers two combined programs that allow well-qualified students the chance to begin graduate work toward their Master of Science in Human Factors (MSHFP) or the Master of Business Administration (MBA) while finishing their B.S. in Human Factors Psychology.

About Human Factors Psychology at the Prescott, AZ Campus

The Bachelor of Science degree in Human Factors Psychology, housed in the Department of Behavioral & Social Sciences in the College of Arts & Sciences, emphasizes human behavior, ergonomics, and human capabilities. The program seeks to develop a student with the capacity to design, conduct, and apply human factors research to the design of simple and complex systems. The goal of the program is to educate and graduate professionals who are equipped for employment as human factors specialists or to continue their education in graduate school.

Human Factors Psychology is an applied discipline that develops knowledge concerning the abilities and limitations of humans to sense, store, and process information, as well as to act. This knowledge is applied to the design, use, and maintenance of human/machine systems. Depending on its goals, the system is then optimized with respect to human performance. The environmental factors affecting system performance are recognized as important and are considered systematically. When relevant data are not available, they must be uncovered through research efforts. This requires considerable skill in experimental design and quantitative methodology. Students will receive training in the content and techniques of human factors, including statistical and quantitative procedures, experimental design, and survey methods.

Students are encouraged to choose a minor field of study. Minors that complement Human Factors are Air Traffic Control, Aviation Safety, Computer Science, Flight, and Mathematics. Most minors can be accommodated within the 18 hours of open electives required in the program.

Students will be encouraged to have an applied practicum experience. This requirement may be fulfilled in several ways, including co-ops, internships, or working on an on-campus research team. Practicums provide opportunities to gain practical experience in real-world settings. A practicum experience is highly regarded by employers and increases the student’s employment potential after graduation. Typically, students will engage in practical experience activities toward the end of the degree program so they can take maximum advantage of their undergraduate experience.

Discover Our History

The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University we know today is the product of a long and prestigious history.

In 1925, barnstormer John Paul Riddle met entrepreneur T. Higbee Embry, and together, they formed the Embry-Riddle Company to teach the adventurous to fly. This partnership was the beginning of a vision that has produced more than 137,000 alumni who drive innovation and keep the aerospace and related industries running safely and productively.

Get to Know Our Campuses

Embry-Riddle offers a first-rate education to recent high school graduates, working adults, active service members, veterans, classroom students, and online learners.

Our campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida , and Prescott, Arizona , feature a traditional residential experience, complete with classrooms and labs, dorms and clubs, sporting events, and performances.

Embry-Riddle Online and our Worldwide Campus feature state-of-the-art online technology that offers you the flexibility of learning whenever and wherever you want.

Learning from Leaders

At Embry-Riddle, our expert professors are leaders in the industry. They share the knowledge they’ve gained from decades of industry and higher-learning experience with our students to ensure graduates have a competitive edge in the workforce.

Diversity is Important to Us

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is committed to being a global leader in diversity and inclusion in higher education.

We continually strive to recognize, respect, and celebrate the differences and cultural identities among individuals as we recruit, support, and embrace our diverse community. We work to provide a safe environment where self-expression is welcome. We aim to create a campus free of discrimination, so that networks, partnerships, and cultural competency are fostered through leadership, integrity, care, and respect. We are Embry-Riddle.

It is All in Who You Know

Whichever campus or program you choose, you will meet lifelong friends in classes, dorms, and student organizations. Our graduates work for some of the world’s biggest companies, so the relationships you make on campus can continue throughout your career.

When you earn your degree from Embry-Riddle, you become part of a network of more than 137,000 alumni who will support you throughout your working life.

Once an Eagle, Forever an Eagle.