MENU

What is Aviation Human Factors and Safety?

Get a Master's in Aviation Human Factors and Safety

The Aviation Human Factors and Safety B.S.

Human factors is the study of the human element in human–machine interactions.

Identifying and applying the principles of human-machine interaction to the design and operation of engineered systems, human factors has the goal of improving those systems—most importantly, in the area of safety.

Human factors and safety are critical in all aspects of the aviation industry, from aircraft cockpit design and maintenance to complex ground-based entities such as the National Airspace System.

The B.S. in aviation human factors and safety is truly interdisciplinary, encompassing psychology, engineering, science and design. The program prepares students for careers in fields such as safety analysis, human-centered design and accident investigation or advanced degrees in human factors or safety.

Top 11%
Private Universities
in America
Niche
AT-CTI
Approved Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative School
Federal Aviation Administration
Top 7%
Best Return on Investment
Payscale

Why Choose Florida Tech for Aviation Human Factors and Safety?

At Florida Tech, you'll master the theoretical foundations of human factors and safety. You'll also apply this knowledge through hands-on projects and human factors research, building a portfolio of career-relevant experience.

Careers in Aviation Human Factors and Safety

Employers regularly seek out graduates with an aviation human factors and safety degree from Florida Tech. Airport consulting firms, government organizations, industry-related businesses, airports and airlines who have offered jobs to Florida Tech grads include:

  • Air Force Research Laboratory
  • American Airlines
  • American Eagle
  • Delta Air Lines
  • DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory
  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
  • FlightSafety International
  • Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  • JetBlue Airways
  • Lufthansa
  • NASA
  • National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
  • Philadelphia International Airport
  • SkyWest Airlines
  • Southwest Airlines
  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • United Airlines
  • Various federal and state agencies

Career options could include:

  • Product development team lead
  • Integration specialist
  • Ergonomist
  • Technical specialist
  • Human factors research scientist
  • Usability expert

Looking ahead to your future career can be exciting! Keep in mind that certain roles may entail additional prerequisites, such as an advanced degree.

Florida Tech Career Services assists students, alumni and employers in their search for careers and employee candidates. We help students develop career plans and job-search skills. Explore our Career Toolbox to learn more about our services and access additional resources.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), provides information about specific jobs including median annual pay, working conditions and job outlook. Check the handbook for information on the outlook for aviation human factors and safety careers.

Advanced Degree Options

After receiving their aviation human factors and safety degree, many of our graduates pursue advanced degrees in aviation human factors and other aviation-related fields.

Our alumni choose programs such as:

Explore the Aviation Human Factors and Safety, B.S., Curriculum

The Aviation Human Factors and Safety, B.S., Curriculum

The B.S. in aviation human factors and safety offers a strong foundation in math, physics, aeronautical sciences and the global aviation industry.

From day one, you'll take specialized courses like aviation basics and meteorology, with opportunities for hands-on projects and research—even redesigning an aircraft cockpit!

As you explore human factors and safety, you'll study aviation science, the National Airspace System and complete senior-level courses in airport management, aviation security and aviation law.

  • Introduction to Aviation Psychology
  • Human-Machine Systems
  • Applied Ergonomics

Check the catalog for a description of all courses.

Download the Aviation Human Factors and Safety, B.S. Curriculum now!

A student and flight instructor examining a plane

Leading the Way in Human Factors and Safety Research

Real-world, hands-on experience is built into every major, and human factors and safety students enjoy extensive opportunities to collaborate with faculty and other students in ongoing research programs.

Here, you'll find research is multidisciplinary, spanning fields such as engineering, human factors, safety, psychology, computer science and biology.

The Human Factors: Aeronautics, Safety, Sociability, Interfaces, Sustainability and Training (HF ASSIST) Lab researches a range of human factors topics, many related to detecting and mitigating aviation-related risks.

We’re a core university in PEGASAS, the Partnership to Enhance General Aviation Safety, Accessibility and Sustainability.

Our research through PEGASAS has included topics such as the effects of angle-of-attack instruments in fixed wing aircraft and improvement of flight data management systems in rotorcraft.

In the ATLAS Lab (Advancing Technology-Interaction and Learning in Aviation Systems), students work with faculty to study cognition and learning in aviation systems and beyond, and to develop ways to optimize human performance.

From pilot information displays for the advanced air mobility (AAM)/urban air mobility (UAM) industry to learner engagement during UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) training, ATLAS Lab explores how people process information, develop expertise and team with machines and other humans.

 

Learn more about Aviation Human Factors and Safety at Florida Tech on the website.

Beyond the Classroom

Aviation majors gain leadership and professional experience through participation in academic organizations and honor societiesstudent government and student organizations, including:

Check out other networking opportunities in groups such as the Florida Tech Flight Team, the Drone Club  and 200+ other campus student organizations.

Loading...