Engineering psychology degrees
About engineering psychology degrees
Degree type:
Bachelor’s degree
Location:
Online, classroom or hybrid
Duration:
Usually
4 years of full-time attendance
Total credits:
120 credits
Aid eligible:
Yes, for accredited schools and programs
Engineering psychology degrees involve studying the way humans interact with machines, systems and environments. The curriculum, which is sometimes presented as a human factors degree, combines the study of human behavior with a broad range of subject areas such as statistics, engineering, computer science and research methods. Engineering psychologists use this knowledge to improve user experiences and reduce human errors.
“Engineering psychology, or what is often also called Human Factors, is the science of how people interact with built systems. The field is super critical now because of all the new developments in those systems, stuff like robotics, artificial intelligence, cyber systems, etc. The field is very broad as almost everything people do in life requires them to interact with built systems (technology),” says William Helton, PhD, Professor and Director of Human Factors and Applied Cognition at George Mason University.
In this article:
Engineering psychology degrees: what you’ll study
Engineering psychology degrees concentrate on a subspecialty of applied psychology that does not involve the delivery of psychological services. “The degree is much more focused on real-time or immediate applications in the world than areas like cognitive psychology or cognitive neuroscience. The field is different, however, from other applied areas of psychology, like industrial/organizational and clinical psychology, because unlike those areas the focus is not so much on interpersonal relationships or even intrapersonal relationships, but the relationship with technology (things). This means the focus is more on core issues of perception and cognition, not about personal interactions,” says Helton.
The field is different, however, from other applied areas of psychology, like industrial/organizational and clinical psychology, because unlike those areas the focus is not so much on interpersonal relationships or even intrapersonal relationships, but the relationship with technology (things).
Engineering psychology degrees prepare you to work in a dynamic and rewarding field in which your work can impact many people at once. “If you make a car, plane or piece of medical gear safer, well that can do a lot of good really, really fast. And the good is not subjective, like “maybe I feel better,” it is often really objective, like “no one dies,” says Helton. “As an engineering psychologist, one of the best feelings I’ve ever had is getting a phone call from someone working in a government agency thanking me for the research I’ve done because it has saved in their words, ‘thousands of lives.’ It doesn’t get made public per se, you might not get the glory, but you know you’re doing good in the world.”
What degree levels are available?
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum degree offered in the study of engineering psychology. However, most positions in engineering psychology require a master’s degree. The role of engineering psychologist is usually reserved for professionals who have a doctorate.
“You probably can get a decent job with an undergraduate degree, but I would think most employers in the field would prefer a graduate degree, like a master’s. If you stay in the field, you will most likely get a graduate degree eventually to move up,” says Helton.
Bachelor’s degrees
Bachelor’s degree programs rarely offer specialization in engineering psychology. It is more common to pursue a general bachelor’s degree in psychology as a foundation for graduate-level studies. In making long-term goals, it is also worth considering the value of specializing so early in your studies.
“I think there are upsides and downsides of more specialized undergraduate degrees. For example, which is better: an undergraduate degree in physics or biomedical engineering? The latter is much better, presumably if you know you want to work in biomedical engineering and don’t change your mind later. Physics on the flip side would give you a lot of flexibility to specialize later,” says Helton. “I would say, if you know for sure you want to do engineering psychology and nothing else ever, then of course, the sooner into it the better. If you want to keep more options open, broader might be better.”
Examples of core and major courses
Whether you pursue a bachelor’s degree in general psychology or a more specialized degree in engineering psychology, you can expect your studies to focus on core principles of human behavior and related subject areas. While some courses align across both types of degrees, the content of other core courses will differ depending on whether the degree has a generic or specialized focus.
Examples of core and major courses in a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Psychology:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
- Experimental Psychology
- Basic Engineering Psychology
- Advanced Engineering Psychology
- Data Structures
- Technical and Managerial Communication
- Human Factors in Product Design and Development
- Fundamentals of Human Factors Engineering
- Project Study in Human Systems
Examples of core and major courses in a Bachelor of Science in Psychology:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
- Experimental Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Psychopathology
- Social Psychology
- Theories of Personality
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Perception
- Cognitive Psychology
Master’s programs
A master’s program in engineering psychology requires completion of an undergraduate degree though it does not necessarily have to be an undergraduate degree in psychology. Students often enter graduate-level programs with undergraduate degrees in areas such as engineering, computer programming or product or web design. “The field is pretty ripe for different undergraduate backgrounds,” says Helton.
Many students pursue a master’s program as their terminal degree before pursuing a career in the field. “There are a lot of jobs for master’s students and many of them pay extremely well. One advantage of only getting a master’s is you could then also pick up some business skills, maybe even eventually an MBA, and head more towards the management track where having a PhD may be kind of overkill, depending on the organization,” says Helton.
Examples of core and major courses
At this advanced level of study, courses focus more specifically on topics of engineering psychology. There are also more opportunities to pursue specialized areas of interest such as aviation, entertainment or software systems. “Statistics and data analysis would be the most critical [areas of study]. If you hate statistics and data analysis, you’re going to have problems most likely with the field,” says Helton. “This doesn’t mean you have to love statistics and data analysis, you just can’t hate it or to be blunt, be afraid of it.”
Examples of core and major courses in a master’s of engineering psychology:
- Human Factors in Systems
- Research Design and Analysis
- Ergonomics
- Human Factors Methods
- Sensation and Perception
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Operations Research
- Human Factors of Transportation
- Aviation/Aerospace Psychology
- Human Factors in Entertainment Systems
Depending on program requirements, you may also be required to complete research, a capstone project and/or a thesis to complete your degree.
Doctoral programs
Doctoral programs usually involve working toward a PhD in Engineering Psychology or a PhD in Human Factors Psychology. Many doctoral-level programs allow you to gain admission without stopping to complete a master’s degree since it can be incorporated into the curriculum of the doctorate.
Doctoral programs in engineering psychology can prepare you to qualify for positions in which you can work independently and assume leadership roles. “There are definitely some jobs only open to someone with a PhD. Expert witness consultant (which people in the field can become) is an example where they all pretty much have to have PhDs to be credible ‘experts.'” University professor would be another where a PhD would be required,” says Helton.
Students in doctoral programs spend most of their time involved in research on a dissertation related to the interaction of human behavior and machines. It is common for students to develop special interests and pursue degree programs in which faculty are involved in those areas.
Common coursework in doctoral programs for engineering psychology include:
- Research, Design and Quantitative Methods
- Human Perception and Performance
- Advanced Human Factors Psychology
- Advanced Research Methodology
- Physiological Psychology
- Ergonomics for Applied Psychology
- Neuroanatomical Basis of Psychological Function
- Modeling and Simulation Systems
- Advanced Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience
- Simulation Research Methods and Practicum
- Dissertation Research
What certification will I need to practice as an engineering psychologist?
You do not have to take a national psychology examination or secure professional licensure or certification to practice as an engineering psychologist. Unlike a clinical psychologist or counseling psychologist, an engineering psychologist does not provide professional psychology services or focus on solving personal mental health problems.
“[In engineering psychology,] the focus is more on core issues of perception and cognition, not personal interactions. Perhaps, a lay person way to put this would be to say engineering psychology or human factors is not as ‘touchy-feely’ or ‘social’ as those other areas, but much more based on a biological and/or natural science orientation,” says Helton.
How long will it take?
The length of time it takes to complete an engineering psychology degree varies based on your decision to attend school full-time or part-time and the highest level of degree you hope to earn. You may be able to save some time if you begin your pursuit of a PhD in engineering psychology after earning a bachelor’s degree. Many doctoral-level psychology programs allow you to complete the requirements for a master’s degree on your way to a PhD.
Here is the amount of time you can expect to spend at each degree level when pursuing an engineering psychology degree:
| Degree | Typical time to complete |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | 4 years full-time; about 6 years part-time |
| Master’s | 2 years full-time; 3 or more years part-time though part-time study is not always offered |
| Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) | 3 to 4 years full-time with a master’s degree from another institution; 5 years full-time when a master’s degree is completed during the process of earning a PhD |
Are online programs available?
The availability of online programs varies by institution and degree level. Online education in pursuit of an engineering psychology education may be better suited for a foundational undergraduate degree in general psychology that involves more passive learning versus an advanced degree in engineering psychology, given the hands-on nature of the advanced work involved.
“Some of the tools the field uses, tools like eye-trackers and simulators, would be hard to replicate online; this is not to say it is impossible, just to be frank, I’ve never seen it done completely convincingly. The online question is tricky. I believe people can learn a lot online, but it has some downsides, especially for some hands-on skills, and we deal with hands-on stuff,” says Helton. “We’re not just fixated on how people interact with desk-top or mobile computers, but stuff like planes, trains, cars, tractors, diggers, submarines, medical equipment, tools, etc. An online degree may be able to do this, but has it? I haven’t seen it yet.”
How much will my education cost?
The cost of your education depends on many factors such as geographic location, type of institution and degree level. When considering costs, remember that tuition is just one aspect of what you will have to pay. To calculate education costs, remember to include payments for books, lab fees, housing, meals, transportation and other living expenses.
Depending on your financial assets and other considerations, you may not have to fund the total cost of your education alone. If your financial resources are limited, it’s important to exhaust all potential sources of funding. Find out whether you qualify for financial awards based on academic merit or other criteria. Some potential sources include:
- Financial awards from your school or program
- Teaching and research assistantships for graduate or doctoral-level programs
- National and local chapters of psychology associations
- State incentive programs
- Private businesses
- Professional or community organizations
- Employer tuition reimbursement
- Nontraditional student scholarships and grants
- Military or other government service scholarships
You can also apply for financial aid. The first step is to determine your eligibility for need-based financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA determines your eligibility for direct subsidized and unsubsidized government student loans funded by the U.S. Department of Education. If you qualify for aid, you may also be eligible to work part-time in positions funded by the Federal Work-Study program.
According to the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES), average costs for tuition and required fees, not including room and board, for the 202-2024 academic year, categorized by type of institution included:
Average undergraduate tuition and required fees:
- Public institutions: $9,800
- Non-profit private institutions: $40,700
- For-profit private institutions: $18,200
Average graduate tuition and required fees:
- Non-profit private institutions: $20,856
- For-profit private institutions: $17,837
Are there prerequisites?
Prerequisites for an engineering psychology degree vary by program and degree level. Minimum GPAs and standardized test scores are usually highest in the most competitive programs. Additional or modified prerequisites may apply to international students, veterans and former students returning to complete an unfinished degree.
Consult the admissions officer of a program you’re considering to review the prerequisites you need. Many institutions are willing to guide prospective students in finding the best way to meet prerequisites and other qualifications to earn admission. Typical perquisites by degree level for an engineering psychology degree can include:
Bachelor’s degree program:
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0
- Personal statement of intent about your reasons for pursuing a degree in psychology
- Writing sample in the form of a personal essay
- High school transcripts
- Minimum scores on SAT or ACT
- Minimum of two academic letters of recommendation
- Resume of academic, professional, extracurricular and volunteer experiences
Master’s degree or PhD:
- Completion of an undergraduate degree in psychology or a related area with specific course prerequisites in the study of psychology
- Completion of a master’s degree for PhD, though not for all PhD programs
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Minimum scores on the General GRE
- Minimum of three letters of recommendation from former professors and/or professional colleagues
- Resume or academic-style curriculum vitae (CV)
- Writing sample in the form of a personal essay
- Preference for which faculty mentor you desire to work with and your reasoning
What accreditation is there for my program?
Accreditation is proof that an educational institution or program has met industry standards for quality. Earning credits from an accredited institution allows you to transfer credits to other accredited institutions. This can be important if you plan to transfer or apply your graduate credits toward a master’s degree and/or doctorate in the future. When awarded, accreditation typically applies to an institution or program’s online and classroom programs.
Attending an accredited educational institution is also necessary to apply for federal financial aid and student loans. You can check school accreditation on the school’s website or by searching the following databases:
- U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs
- Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) Database of Institutions and Programs Accredited by Recognized U.S. Accrediting Organizations
In engineering psychology, like many other professions, program accreditation is also awarded by an industry professional organization as proof that accredited programs appropriately prepare students for entering careers in their fields. “From an accreditation perspective, the best option would be a program accredited by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES). This is the national organization for the field and they accredit programs via a pretty rigorous process. This is not to say a program not accredited is bad per se, just that there is no way to know for sure it is good. If it is accredited it is most likely good,” says Helton.
The HFES accredits graduate programs that provide master’s and/or doctoral-level degrees in human factors, ergonomics and related fields including engineering psychology. While some HFES-accredited institutions offer related degrees at the undergraduate level, the HFES does not accredit bachelor’s degrees. “HFES accreditation at least means a group of experts have investigated and evaluated the program; it has been vetted. This is not the only indicator a school is good, but it is something I would take into consideration,” says Helton.