Program Overview

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Introduction to the Aviation Human Factors and Safety Program

The Aviation Human Factors and Safety program at Florida Tech is an interdisciplinary field of study that focuses on the application of human factors principles to improve safety in the aviation industry. This program combines psychology, engineering, science, and design to prepare students for careers in fields such as safety analysis, human-centered design, and accident investigation.

Program Overview

The B.S. in Aviation Human Factors and Safety offers a strong foundation in math, physics, aeronautical sciences, and the global aviation industry. Students take specialized courses like aviation basics and meteorology, with opportunities for hands-on projects and research. The program prepares students for careers in fields such as safety analysis, human-centered design, and accident investigation, or for advanced degrees in human factors or safety.

Why Choose Florida Tech for Aviation Human Factors and Safety?

At Florida Tech, students master the theoretical foundations of human factors and safety, and apply this knowledge through hands-on projects and human factors research. The university combines the benefits and resources of a larger school with a close-knit academic community, small class sizes, and one-on-one time with professors. Expert faculty members are accomplished researchers, aviators, and engineers, providing students with a comprehensive education in all aspects of human factors and safety.

State-of-the-Art Facilities and Resources

Florida Tech is a world-class aeronautics school, with excellent facilities and aircraft fleet, and a wide range of high-tech tools for hands-on learning and research. The College of Aeronautics' Skurla Hall houses a first-rate computer lab equipped with a wide range of applications and networking capabilities, offering experiential learning in aviation subjects such as airport design and planning.

Research Opportunities

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. 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.

Careers in Aviation Human Factors and Safety

Employers regularly seek out graduates with an aviation human factors and safety degree from Florida Tech. Career options include:

• Product development team lead
• Integration specialist
• Ergonomist
• Technical specialist
• Human factors research scientist
• Usability expert Graduates have been hired by companies such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), NASA, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Advanced Degree Options

Many graduates pursue advanced degrees in aviation human factors and other aviation-related fields. Options include:

• Aviation Human Factors, M.S.
• Applied Aviation Safety, M.S.A.
• Aviation Sciences, Ph.D.
• Doctor of Aviation, Av.D.

Curriculum

The B.S. in Aviation Human Factors and Safety curriculum offers a strong foundation in math, physics, aeronautical sciences, and the global aviation industry. Courses include:

• Introduction to Aviation Psychology
• Human-Machine Systems
• Applied Ergonomics Students also study aviation science, the National Airspace System, and complete senior-level courses in airport management, aviation security, and aviation law.

Related Programs

Students may also be interested in:

• Aviation Human Factors and Safety Flight, B.S.
• Aeronautical Science, B.S.
• Aviation Management, B.S. These programs provide a comprehensive background in aviation studies, preparing students for careers in the air transportation industry or as professional pilots.