Florida Institute of Technology

Location: Melbourne, Florida
Department: Center for Aviation Human Factors Health Sciences

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Directory of Graduate Programs

PROGRAM BACKGROUND

Contact person for more information, including applications:

Goals, objectives, and emphasis of the programs:

M.S. in Aviation Human Factors (resident program): Human factors refer to the field of study that attempts to identify the principles of human/machine interaction and applies these principles to the design and operation of engineered systems. Thus, the field is both a rigorous research domain rooted in cognitive, physiological and engineering theory and applied science with an intimate and direct connection to the operational world. Although the range of engineered systems of interest in human factors is very wide, this degree concentrates on aviation-related human factors studies. Such studies range from aircraft cockpit design and aircraft maintenance methods and procedures to complex ground-based entities such as the National Airspace System. Human factors is now recognized as an indispensable component of systems design and evaluation, accident investigation and prevention, simulation, training, procedures development and system performance testing. Considerable research is being conducted in this field by government and private entities around the world. In addition to its advantageous location on the Space Coast, Florida Tech has significant university assets that enhance its potential for aviation human factors research and education.

M.S. in Human Factors in Aeronautics (online program): Human factors in aeronautics is the science behind the human element of aviation and how humans’ interface with machines. The study of human factors involves the psychological, social, biological and safety characteristics of a user and the system in which they work. Experts in the field of human factors work to understand the human interaction with aviation technology so they can improve the complex nature of the environment and its user's experience. Florida Tech's online human factors in aeronautics learning program is highly interactive and brings students and faculty together through discussion boards and live chat sessions with peers and professors for a sense of academic closeness that is sometimes missing in other online programs, or even in traditional classroom settings.

Ph.D. in Aviation Sciences (resident program): The doctor of philosophy program is designed to prepare students to have an understanding of the diverse and multidisciplinary nature of the critical issues facing the aviation industry, to acquire the capacity and experience needed to perform autonomous research that will advance the frontiers of aviation knowledge, and to assume leadership positions within the aviation community in both academic and non-academic settings. The focus of the program is a combination of theory and practice, and dissertation research is oriented for aviation professionals to solve both research- and theory-based aviation problems and apply solutions to real problems in the field.

Doctor of Aviation (Av.D.) (online program): The Doctor of Aviation is designed to prepare working professionals in aviation with the capacity and experience needed to make scholarly contributions that enhance and promote practice within the aviation profession and to assume leadership positions within their organization. Although the focus of the Av.D. is applied and intended for the practitioner, the program is research-oriented, similar to that of a Ph.D. program, and students are expected to prepare, conduct and report dissertation research. This emphasis on research is reflected in the curriculum as described below. The program is cohort-based, with new cohorts entering the program each fall term and is designed so cohorts can complete the program in as few as three years with the last year dedicated to the dissertation component.

APPLICATION PROCESS

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Minimum requirements

• GRE: 1500 v + q + a preferred; however, GRE requirements are waiverable
• Grade point average (last 4 yrs: A = 4.0): 3.0 for master’s degrees and 3.3 for doctorate degrees.
• Other: Bachelor's degree in aeronautics engineering, psychology, computer science, or other technical fields required. Students with an interest or experience in aviation and/or the aerospace sciences are strongly encouraged.

Importance of other criteria as admission factors:

• Research: Varies
• Relevant work experience: :  H for the Av.D., L for the Ph.D. and M.S. degrees
• Letters of recommendation: H
• Personal interview: N/A

Tuition and fees

• M.S. in Aviation Human Factors (resident program) $1,241/credit hour
• M.S. in Human Factors in Aeronautics (online program) $600/credit hour
• Ph.D. in Aviation Sciences (resident program) $1,241/credit hour
• Doctor of Aviation (Av.D.) (online program) $1,050/credit hour

ADMISSIONS

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

CURRICULUM

Required Courses (units):

Introduction to Man-Machine Systems (3), Human Performance 1 and 2 (6), Sensation and Perception (3), Thesis Research (6) (resident program only), Human-Computer Interaction (3), Statistics (3), Research Methods (3)

Electives:

Cognitive Science, Advanced Aircraft Operations, Accident Investigation, Information Systems, Program Management, Computer Graphics, Artificial Intelligence, Introduction to Simulation, Aviation Physiology, Practicum in Computer Education, Neural Networks, Ocean Engineering Systems, Learning and Memory, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and Industrial Training

RESEARCH/TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES

Research and support facilities available to students in the program:
HF ASSIST Lab, ATLAS Lab, BATD Lab, ATC Lab, Flight Line, and Center for Aeronautics and Innovation. Please read more about our facilities here, https://www.fit.edu/aeronautics/about-us/facilities/. 

Teaching opportunities available to students in the program:
Teaching seminars may be offered at the master's level.

Current research activities and projects being carried out by program faculty and/or students:
The use of haptics in developing enhance virtual environment training programs; cross cultural training using virtual technology to teach Iraqi peacekeepers cultural knowledge of the local population; system interface design of a surface explosive detection device; human factors issues associated with the next generation aircraft; interface design for UAV systems, to name a few.

STUDENT STATISTICS

Current number of active students in program, by gender:

20 men, 10 women (master's program)

7 men, 5 women (doctorate program)

Of the number of those graduating in the past year, what percentage gained employment in:

• academia: 20%
• industry: 60%
• government: 20%

FACULTY

John Deaton, PhD

Deborah Carstens, PhD 

Meredith Carroll, PhD

[Updated May 2022]