The Daytona Beach Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology explores how people think, act and perform in complex systems, from the flight deck to the hospital and beyond. Embry-Riddle is the only university in the U.S. to offer both master's and Ph.D. degrees in Human Factors alongside bachelor’s degrees in Human Factors Psychology and Aerospace Physiology. Students learn to apply psychological, physiological and neurological principles to improve safety, performance and user experience in real-world environments.
Bridging Research and Application
Guided by expert faculty in psychology, neuroscience and physiology, students explore the intersection of humans and technology. Courses and lab experiences emphasize research-driven learning, preparing graduates to design systems, tools and environments that enhance how humans interact with technology.
Preparing for the Future of Human-Centered Innovation
Through hands-on work in state-of-the art research labs using the latest technology, students investigate topics like cognitive performance, human-computer interaction and aerospace physiology. These experiences position graduates to lead advancements in aviation, healthcare, defense and other industries where human factors and an understanding of physiology play a critical role.
Degrees and Programs
Where human performance intersects with extreme environments. Study the effects of altitude, acceleration and microgravity to support crew health and mission readiness in aviation and spaceflight operations.
Study how people interact with machines, systems and environments. You’ll apply psychology, engineering and design to improve performance, safety and usability across operations.
Explore cognitive, physical and organizational factors that influence performance. You’ll study perception, decision making and system design to enhance human efficiency and safety.
At the College of Arts & Sciences, students thrive in a dynamic research environment, mentored by faculty who actively publish, secure grants and drive innovation.
College of Arts & Sciences faculty stand apart due to their varied backgrounds and commitment to a comprehensive and global perspective on education. All faculty are adept at specialized learning concepts in our wide range of degree programs.
I’ve met M.S. students and teaching assistants who have become incredible mentors. I’ve also formed study groups and friendships that make campus life really special.”
Katherina Steiner (’28), B.S. Human Factors Psychology
Human Factors refers to Human Factors Psychology, Human Factors Engineering and related disciplines that link knowledge of human abilities and limitations with interface design. This includes the system design buttons and knobs, training requirements, team members, computer commands and other elements that require efficient human input. Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology focuses on applying what we know about human physiology to the design of aerospace systems and extreme environment (e.g., space) such as the effects of zero gravity, different atmospheric conditions and radiation.
Embry-Riddle Human Factors graduates often secure roles in the military, industry, academia or pursue advanced degrees. Their training equips them to adapt to any career where maximizing human abilities is crucial, giving them an advantage over traditional psychology graduates.
The most logical time is during or by the end of their junior year.
Yes. Graduates work in healthcare as well as engineering disciplines. The Aerospace Life Sciences minor supports careers in medical fields such as medical school, pharmacy, nursing and space-related health sciences like astrobiology and space physiology.
Absolutely. Graduates are well-prepared for master's or doctoral programs, which allow them to make creative contributions in their field.
The Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Physiology is designed to take advantage of emerging opportunities in space and biomedicine. The program explores the effects of zero gravity, different atmospheric conditions, aerospace medicine and health and radiation on human physiology.
Graduate School (Ph.D., M.S., M.A., M.D., D.O., etc.)
Department of Defense
Government Contract Work
NASA/Space Tango
Pharmaceutical Companies
Research Laboratories
No, it combines two existing programs: the Bachelor of Science in Human Factors Psychology and the Master of Science in Human Factors.
It allows students who demonstrate and maintain excellence in their academic performance to receive a Master's in Human Factors degree in five years. This is compared to a more traditional path of first completing the bachelor's degree in Human Factors Psychology (HFP), a four-year program and then completing the master's program, a four-semester program. In addition, the MSHF program will benefit from having qualified, highly motivated students.
There are no special admission requirements for the five-year program. Students should also submit a statement of goals and two letters of reference.
Students are responsible for initiating the process. Students with a GPA of 3.2 or higher will be formally notified of their acceptance.
The student will achieve the undergraduate degree they earned.
The student will continue pursuing the standard undergraduate Human Factors Psychology degree.
Career Opportunities
Our students get different jobs rather than traditional psychology students from other universities for two simple reasons: we are Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University and we are well-known specialists in all things aerospace. Our students work in the military, industry, academics or go on to advanced degrees in which more specialization occurs. Our students are generalists in their training and able to adapt to any endeavor in which maximizing human abilities is crucial.
Our Alumni Employers
Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
Embry-Riddle’s Human Factors Ergonomics Society (HFES) student chapter connects students with peers and professionals in the human factors and ergonomics field. HFES is an interdisciplinary association of more than 5,000 members worldwide, promoting the discovery and exchange of knowledge, as well as education and training for students and practitioners. HFES is part of the International Ergonomics Association and includes 18 technical specialty groups and more than 50 regional chapters. The benefits of joining HFES include:
Access to local chapter events, facility tours, expert speakers and social activities
Opportunities to expand knowledge and educational background
Networking with peers and professionals in human factors
Free resume or website listing via the national HFES site
Membership is open to Embry-Riddle students studying Human Factors who complete an application and pay annual dues. Learn more about and the .
Human Factors and Ergonomics Mentorship Program
The HFES Mentorship Program is student-run and open to all Human Factors students, from undergraduate to Ph.D. Participants are paired with mentors or mentees based on shared goals, interests and experiences. The program fosters academic and professional growth through peer networking and skill-building workshops, including resume and CV creation, job search and interview strategies, academic conference participation, and personal statement guidance. Students interested in becoming a mentor or mentee can connect through the HFES chapter page on .
Psi Chi: The National Honor Society in Psychology
Psi Chi, founded in 1929, encourages excellence in scholarship and advances the science of psychology. Membership is open to graduate and undergraduate students who meet the organization's requirements and major in psychology.
Psi Chi provides academic recognition and fosters creative and professional growth through chapter programs, research competitions and regional and national conventions. Members gain practical experience, networking opportunities and support to enhance their academic journey. Visit Embry-Riddle's to learn more.
