Bachelor of Science in
Human Factors Psychology
Designed for students who want to create processes that maximize human performance and safety, this degree prepares graduates for a wide range of career pursuits.
The Bachelor of Science in Human Factors Psychology (also called engineering psychology, user experience design, ergonomics or cognitive engineering) at Embry-Riddle is designed for students who want to create and improve products, equipment, machines and environments (including virtual) to complement human capabilities and maximize performance and safety.
Because the field of human factors is necessary for successful product and system design, graduates may join a wide range of industries. Embry-Riddle works closely with the aviation/aerospace industry. Thus, many of our graduates launch their careers within these areas, but the career opportunities don’t stop there and include positions in tech companies (e.g., META, Apple; Microsoft), healthcare, government organizations, the financial industry (banks, insurance, etc.) and more!
At Embry-Riddle, students benefit from an environment where they can develop and test their skills as they learn. Many advances in technology that have entered mainstream society have come from aviation and aerospace, where human factors play a key role.
The Department of Homeland Security has designated human factors psychology a STEM degree program.
DETAILS
This offering is available at the following campuses. Select a campus to learn more.
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.
General Education Requirements
For a full description of Embry-Riddle General Education guidelines, please see the General Education section of this catalog. These minimum requirements are applicable to all degree programs.
| Communication Theory and Skills | 9 | |
| Humanities - Lower level | 3 | |
| Social Sciences - Lower level (PSY 101) | 3 | |
| Humanities or Social Sciences - Lower or Upper level | 3 | |
| Humanities or Social Sciences - Upper level | 3 | |
| Computer Science | 3 | |
| Mathematics | 6 | |
| Physical and Life Sciences (one course must include a laboratory) | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Embry-Riddle courses in general education may be chosen from those listed below, assuming prerequisites are met. Courses from other institutions are acceptable if they fall into these broad categories.
Core Requirements
| College Success | ||
| UNIV 101 | College Success | 1 |
| Advanced Communication | ||
| For the Advanced Communication requirement, Human Factors majors are required to take one Advanced Communication class for a total of three credits. This exists in addition to the nine credits (three classes) taken for the Communication General Education Requirement. | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
COM 320 | Mass Communication Law and Ethics | |
COM 322 | Aviation and Aerospace Communication | |
COM 350 | Environmental Communication | |
COM 360 | Public Relations | |
COM 362 | Communication and Organizational Culture | |
COM 364 | Visual Design | |
COM 412 | Advanced Technical Writing | |
COM 415 | Nonverbal Communication | |
COM 460 | Crisis Communication | |
HU 330 | Values and Ethics | |
HU 332 | Cross-Cultural Communication | |
HU 335 | Technology and Modern Civilization | |
HU 338 | Interdisciplinary Explorations | |
HU 363 | Communication and Society | |
HU 375 | The Nature of Language | |
HU 415 | Nonverbal Communication | |
| Computer Science | ||
| Six credit hours from any CS course or from the additional courses listed below. These courses are in addition to those taken as General Education. | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
BA 125 | Foundations in Business Data Analytics | |
BA 232 | Techniques in Business Analytics | |
CEC 220 | Digital Circuit Design | |
CEC 222 | Digital Circuit Design Laboratory | |
CYB 235 | Computer and Network Technologies | |
EGR 115 | Introduction to Computing for Engineers | |
EGR 120 | Graphical Communications | |
SE 300 | Software Engineering Practices | |
| Psychology and Human Factors | ||
| HF 300 | Human Factors I: Principles and Fundamentals | 3 |
| HF 302 | Human Factors II: Analytic Methods and Techniques | 4 |
| HF 307 | Human Factors III: Performance Processes | 3 |
| HF 307L | Human Factors III: Performance Processes Lab | 1 |
| HF 310 | Human-Computer Interaction | 3 |
| HF 312 | Ergonomics and Bioengineering | 3 |
| HF 400 | Human Factors IV: System Design | 4 |
| PSY 310 | Sensation and Perception | 3 |
| PSY 312 | Research Analysis in Psychology | 4 |
| PSY 315 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 323 | Research Design | 3 |
| PSY 323L | Research Methods Laboratory | 1 |
| PSY 335 | Physiological Psychology | 3 |
| Practicum | ||
| HF 490 | Practicum in Human Factors Psychology | 3 |
| Total Credits | 51 | |
Specified Electives
Take three courses from each of the following two groups of courses (18 credit hours total).
| Group I: Applied Systems in Human Factors | 9 | |
HF 315 | Automation and Systems Issues in Aviation | |
HF 321 | Psychopharmacology | |
HF 325 | Human Factors and System Safety | |
HF 326 | Human Performance in Extreme Environments | |
HF 330 | Human Factors in Space | |
HF 352 | Human Factors in Entertainment Systems | |
HF 410 | Human Factors Engineering: Crew Station Design | |
HF 412 | Simulating Humans in Complex Systems | |
HF 415 | Human Factors in Simulation Systems | |
HF 422 | Applied Ergonomic Design, Analysis, and Evaluation | |
HF 440 | Aerospace Physiology | |
| Group II: Psychological Foundations of Human Factors | 9 | |
PSY 320 | Aviation Psychology | |
PSY 330 | Learning and Motivation | |
PSY 340 | Industrial-Organizational Psychology | |
PSY 345 | Training and Development | |
PSY 350 | Social Psychology | |
PSY 352 | Personality: A Systems Approach | |
PSY 354 | Developmental Psychology | |
PSY 365 | Abnormal Psychology | |
Other courses with approval of advisor. | ||
| Total Specified Elective Credits | 18 | |
| Open Elective Credits | 18 | |
| Total Elective Credits | 36 | |
| Total Degree Credits | 123 | |
Suggested Plan of Study
Students should be aware that several courses in each academic year may have prerequisites and/or co-requisites. Please check the course descriptions at the back of this catalog before registering for classes to ensure requisite sequencing.
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Credits | ||
| UNIV 101 | College Success | 1 |
| COM 122 | English Composition | 3 |
| COM 219 | Speech | 3 |
| CS 120 | Introduction to Computing in Aviation | 3 |
| HU 14x Lower Level Humanities | 3 | |
| MA 111 | Pre-Calculus for Aviation | 3 |
| MA 112 | Applied Calculus for Aviation | 3 |
| BIO 120 Foundations of Biology I OR CHM 101 Basic Chemistry OR PS 113 Introductory Physics I | 3 | |
| BIO 120L Foundations of Biology I Lab OR CHM 101L Basic Chemistry Lab or PS 113L Introductory Physics I Lab | 0-1 | |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| HF 300 | Human Factors I: Principles and Fundamentals | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 28.0-29.0 | |
| Year Two | ||
| COM 221 | Technical Report Writing | 3 |
| HF 302 | Human Factors II: Analytic Methods and Techniques | 4 |
| PSY 312 | Research Analysis in Psychology | 4 |
| PSY 312L | Research Analysis in Psychology Laboratory | 0 |
| PSY 335 | Physiological Psychology | 3 |
| HU/SS Upper or Lower Level Elective | 3 | |
| Physical Science Elective | 3 | |
| Computer Science Elective for HF | 3 | |
| HF/PSY Specified Elective | 3 | |
| Open Electives | 6 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 32.0 | |
| Year Three | ||
| HF 307 | Human Factors III: Performance Processes | 3 |
| HF 307L | Human Factors III: Performance Processes Lab | 1 |
| HF 310 | Human-Computer Interaction | 3 |
| HF 312 | Ergonomics and Bioengineering | 3 |
| HF 490 | Practicum in Human Factors Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 323 | Research Design | 3 |
| PSY 323L | Research Methods Laboratory | 1 |
| HF/PSY Specified Elective | 3 | |
| Computer Science Elective for HF | 3 | |
| HU/SS Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Open Electives | 6 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 32.0 | |
| Year Four | ||
| HF 400 | Human Factors IV: System Design | 4 |
| PSY 315 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 310 | Sensation and Perception | 3 |
| HF/PSY Specified Electives | 12 | |
| Advanced COM/HU Elective for HF | 3 | |
| Open Electives | 6 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 31.0 | |
| Credits Total: | 123.0-124.0 | |
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Summary
123 Credits
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Spotlight
About Human Factors Psychology at the Prescott, AZ Campus
The Bachelor of Science in Human Factors Psychology, housed in the Department of Behavioral & Social Sciences in the College of Arts & Sciences, focuses on human behavior, ergonomics, human-machine interactions and human capabilities. Students will gain the ability to design, conduct and apply human factors research to the design of simple and complex systems.
Human factors psychology is a unique area of psychology aimed toward the abilities and limitations of humans to sense, store and process information, and act. This knowledge is used to guide decisions for the design, use, maintenance and improvement of systems that rely on human interactions.
Areas that benefit from human factors psychology include:
- Artificial intelligence
- Ergonomics
- Simulation and robotics
- User experience
- Aviation
- Safety
- Gaming
- Human-systems integration
Students in the Human Factors Psychology program are required to have an applied practicum or research experience. This requirement can be met 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, are highly regarded by employers and increase employment potential after graduation.
Upon completion of the program, students are ready to begin immediate employment in the human factors field or continue their education in graduate school.
The Prescott Campus offers three majors focusing on different aspects of psychology. Learn more about the degrees to determine which psychology major is right for you.
Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Human Factors Psychology can be earned in eight semesters assuming appropriate background and fulltime enrollment. Successful completion of 122-123 credit hours is required, with a CGPA of 2.0 or higher.
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
Program Requirements
General Education
Embry-Riddle degree programs require students to complete a minimum of 36 hours of General Education coursework. For a full description of Embry-Riddle General Education guidelines, please see the General Education section of this catalog.
Students may choose other classes outside of their requirements, but doing so can result in the student having to complete more than the degree's 122-123 credit hours. This will result in additional time and cost to the student.
| Communication Theory and Skills | 9 | |
| Computer Science/Information Technology | 3 | |
| Mathematics | 6 | |
| Physical and Life Sciences (Natural Sciences) | 6 | |
| Humanities and Social Sciences | 12 | |
3 hours of Lower-Level Humanities | ||
3 hours of Lower-Level Social Science | ||
3 hours of Lower-Level or Uppler-Level Humanities or Social Science | ||
3 hours of Upper-Level Humanities or Social Science | ||
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Human Factors Core (88 Credits)
The following course of study outlines the quickest and most cost-efficient route for students to earn their B.S. in Human Factors Psychology. Students are encouraged to follow the course of study to ensure they complete all program required courses and their prerequisites within four years.
Courses in the core with a # will satisfy your general education requirements.
| COM 122 | English Composition # | 3 |
| Communication Lower-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Computer Science Upper-Level Elective | 6 | |
| General Education - Communications Elective # | 6 | |
| General Education - Computer Science or Information Technology Elective # | 3 | |
| General Education - Humanities Lower-Level Elective # | 3 | |
| General Education - Humanities or Social Science Upper-Level Elective # | 6 | |
| General Education - Mathematics Electives # | 6 | |
| General Education - Natural Science Elective # | 3 | |
| General Education - Natural Science with Lab Elective # | 3 | |
| HF 300 | Human Factors I: Principles and Fundamentals * | 3 |
| HF 302 | Human Factors II: Analytic Methods and Techniques ** | 4 |
| HF 306 | Human Factors III: Performance Processes * | 4 |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology # | 3 |
| PSY 226 | Statistics for Organizational Analysis and Research ** | 3 |
| PSY 311 | Sensation, Perception, and Cognition * | 3 |
| or PSY 315 | Cognitive Psychology | |
| PSY 320 | Aviation Psychology ** | 3 |
| PSY 321 | Psychology of Gaming | 3 |
| PSY 322 | Research Design * | 4 |
| PSY 335 | Physiological Psychology * | 3 |
| PSY 345 | Training and Development ** | 3 |
| PSY 410 | Personnel Selection and Assessment ** | 3 |
| PSY 494 | Tests and Measurements Theory * | 3 |
| PSY 496 | Capstone in Psychology * | 3 |
| UNIV 101 | College Success | 1 |
Specified Electives (18-19 Credits)
| HF 310 | Human-Computer Interaction | 3 |
| HF 312 | Ergonomics and Bioengineering | 3 |
| HF 400 | Human Factors IV: System Design | 4 |
| SF 326 | System Safety | 3 |
| SF 410 | Design of Engineering Hazard Controls | 3 |
| SF 415 | Human Reliability and Safety Analysis | 3 |
| SF 420 | Analysis of Observational Data | 3 |
| SF 440 | Design of Engineering Hazard Controls II | 3 |
| PSY 222 | Introduction to Industrial/Organizational Psychology * | 3 |
| PSY 306 | Psychology of Deception Detection * | 3 |
| PSY 313 | Personality and Profiling ** | 3 |
| PSY 326 | Group and Team Behavior ** | 3 |
| PSY 336 | Forensic Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 337 | Criminality | 3 |
| PSY 350 | Social Psychology ** | 3 |
| PSY 365 | Abnormal Psychology * | 3 |
| PSY 401 | Psychology of Leadership * | 3 |
Open Elective (16 Credits)
| Open Electives | 16 | |
| Total Degree Credits | 122-123 | |
- *
Only Offered in Fall
- **
Only Offered in Spring
- +
One of the mathematic courses taken will need a prerequisite of college algebra or higher.
- #
General Education Courses
All Army ROTC students are required to complete SS 321 - U.S. Military History 1900-Present (3 credits) in order to commission.
Human Factors Psychology - General
| Freshman Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| COM 122 | English Composition | 3 |
| Computer Science/Information Technology Elective | 3 | |
| Mathematics Elective | 3 | |
| Open Elective | 3-4 | |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| UNIV 101 | College Success | 1 |
| Credits Subtotal | 16.0-17.0 | |
| Spring | ||
| Computer Science/Information Technology Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Humanities Lower-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Mathematics Elective | 3 | |
| Natural Science Elective with Lab | 3 | |
| PSY 320 | Aviation Psychology | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Computer Science/Information Technology Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Communications Elective | 3 | |
| HF 300 | Human Factors I: Principles and Fundamentals | 3 |
| PSY 311 | Sensation, Perception, and Cognition | 3 |
or PSY 315
|
Cognitive Psychology | |
| Specified Elective | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
| Spring | ||
| Communications Elective | 3 | |
| Natural Science Elective | 3 | |
| PSY 226 | Statistics for Organizational Analysis and Research | 3 |
| Specified Elective | 6 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Communication Elective Lower-Level | 3 | |
| Open Elective | 4 | |
| PSY 322 | Research Design | 4 |
| PSY 335 | Physiological Psychology | 3 |
| Specified Elective | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 17.0 | |
| Spring | ||
| HF 302 | Human Factors II: Analytic Methods and Techniques | 4 |
| Humanities Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| PSY 321 | Psychology of Gaming | 3 |
| PSY 345 | Training and Development | 3 |
| Specified Elective | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 16.0 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| HF 306 | Human Factors III: Performance Processes | 4 |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| PSY 494 | Tests and Measurements Theory | 3 |
| PSY 496 | Capstone in Psychology | 3 |
| Credits Subtotal | 13.0 | |
| Spring | ||
| Humanities Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Open Electives | 6 | |
| PSY 410 | Personnel Selection and Assessment | 3 |
| Specified Elective | 3 | |
| Credits Subtotal | 15.0 | |
| Credits Total: | 122.0-123.0 | |
Get Started Now:
Summary
123 Credits
Estimate your tuition by using the Tuition Calculator
View Financial Aid Information
Learn about our General Education
Find out about transferring credits to this degree
Learn more about our Veterans & Military benefits
View our Academic Calendar
Spotlight
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