What is Human Factors Psychology?
Ashley Mueller
Human Factors Psychology is all about understanding how people interact with technology, environments and systems — and then designing those systems to be safer, more effective and more enjoyable to use. At Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, students in the Bachelor of Science in Human Factors Psychology learn how to optimize human performance and reduce errors through research, design and innovation.
The program gives students access to faculty experts, advanced simulation labs and opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. With skills that extend far beyond aviation, graduates are prepared for careers across a wide range of industries.
What is Human Factors Psychology?
Human factors psychology is the study of how people interact with products, equipment, machines and environments. It combines psychology, engineering and design to ensure that systems are efficient, safe and tailored to human capabilities.
Students in this field explore how humans process information, how our senses impact performance and how design choices can reduce risks or increase productivity. Whether improving a cockpit display, creating user-friendly software or redesigning a workplace for better ergonomics, human factors psychologists focus on making technology work better for people.
It’s a career path for students who enjoy problem solving, technology and helping people by creating safer, smarter and more reliable systems.
What types of jobs can students aim for after graduation?
A degree in Human Factors Psychology can lead to career paths in:
- Software interface design and usability
- User experience (UX) and human-computer interaction
- System safety and accident investigation
- Training program development
- Ergonomics and workplace design
- Quality assurance
Human factors graduates work with organizations such as:
- Airbus
- The Boeing Company
- Garmin
- Honeywell
- NASA
- Northrop Grumman
According to industry data, graduates in this field earn competitive salaries, with average incomes reaching $129,254 annually as of 2024.
Where do human factors psychologists usually work?
Professionals in this field work in a variety of settings. Some design user interfaces for software and apps, others focus on aviation systems, while many work in industries such as healthcare, defense, automotive design and even space exploration.
At Embry-Riddle, students gain hands-on experience through lab research, internships with industry leaders and opportunities to attend national conferences where they present their work and connect with potential employers.
What are the necessary steps to work in this field?
To become a human factors psychologist, students typically:
- Earn a degree: A bachelor’s degree in human factors psychology, psychology or a related science is essential. Embry-Riddle’s program provides the foundation for certification and advanced study.
- Gain research and design experience: Lab projects, internships and applied research prepare students for real-world challenges.
- Pursue certification or advanced study: Many graduates continue to graduate school in human factors, psychology, engineering or related fields.
- Build professional connections: Students can join professional organizations, present at conferences and connect with industry experts to strengthen their career opportunities.
Hands-On Learning, Real-World Preparation
Through hands-on projects, simulation labs and faculty mentorship, Embry-Riddle students graduate with the skills to stand out in this competitive field.
Whether designing safer flight decks, improving medical devices or making apps more user-friendly, human factors psychology students at Embry-Riddle are shaping the future of technology and safety.
Finding the Perfect Fit
“I chose this program as I have a passion for psychology, [but] my brain is wired for engineering,” Colwell said. “However, this combines both psychology and engineering. It is my passion to help people, and this [program] is an effective way to use design to help create designs that are more helpful and easier to use for all people.”
At Embry-Riddle, students like Colwell gain the skills and experiences that set them apart in the growing field of human factors psychology.
Learn more about Human Factors Psychology at Embry-Riddle
If you’re interested in psychology, design and problem solving, human factors psychology may be the perfect field for you. At Embry-Riddle, students gain access to cutting-edge labs, faculty expertise and internships that open doors to high-demand careers.
With strong industry connections and excellent job placement rates, Embry-Riddle Human Factors graduates leave prepared to create meaningful change in industries ranging from aviation to healthcare to space exploration.
Ready to explore human factors psychology? Learn more about Embry-Riddle’s B.S. in Human Factors Psychology and start your journey today.