The Ph.D. in Human Factors is an 84 credit, five-year program for students entering with a BS degree or 48 credits (3 years) for students entering with a MS degree. The program focuses on core educational elements of the discipline including sensation, perception, cognition and statistics, with specializations offered in three key research areas: aviation/aerospace human factors, medical human factors and technology-enhanced learning and testing. After completing 36 hours of coursework, students will be required to pass a qualifying examination to be admitted to doctoral candidacy. Each student will work with a research advisor, who will serve as his/her dissertation chair and mentor.
Description
The objective of this Ph.D. program is to provide highly-qualified students an opportunity to complete a rigorous program in Human Factors, equipping students with advanced knowledge, skills and techniques in research that are relevant to Human Factors. The emphasis in the curriculum is highly quantitative in nature, providing these students with a robust skill set for research development and data analysis.
The program is open to students who have earned a bachelor or master’s degree in Human Factors, Psychology or other closely-related fields. These students will have an exemplary academic record, demonstrated independent research skills and who wish to pursue research positions in academics, government or industry when they graduate.
Consistent with the University mission and niche, the areas of research focus for the Ph.D. program are aviation human factors, safety and interactive design. Human Factors and Systems Department provides a comprehensive graduate level curriculum, as well as the research infrastructure and resources to support for federal, state and industrial projects and contracts. Students will have a rich pool of the courses to choose from, providing flexibility for students to individualize their course of studies to match their research focus.
Graduates of the Ph.D. in Human Factors are expected to have the in-depth understanding of the fundamental principles for Human Factors-related fields, develop a comprehensive knowledge structure and critical thinking and problem-solving skills for large complex systems design and evaluations. Students with this degree are expected to be proficient in communication skills, formulate and conduct experiments and models using advanced tools and technology, developing innovative and original basic and applied research skills. Graduated students are expected to pursue careers in academia, government and industrial research organization, taking a leadership responsibility and making significant contributions for pushing the boundaries of the theory and application of Human Factors.