Aviation Human Factors, M.S.

Florida Tech combines the resources of a large university with a sense of close-knit community, small classes and one-on-one time with professors.

Our faculty are dedicated researchers who actively support students’ passion for discovery, providing guidance and mentorship throughout their academic journey.

The campus brings together students from across the U.S. and around the world, creating a dynamic environment that encourages collaboration and global connections.

Whether you are a U.S. student seeking an international perspective or an international student pursuing new opportunities, Florida Tech offers a supportive, globally minded setting for professional and personal growth.

Florida Tech’s aviation human factors faculty are accomplished researchers, aviators and engineers, bringing expertise across every facet of human factors and aviation safety.

In classrooms, simulators and on the flight line, you’ll learn from educators whose experience spans the field—from commercial, private and military piloting to airline and airport consulting, aviation system design, management and human factors analysis.

Many are recognized experts who have authored textbooks and published research on topics ranging from human factors classification and accident investigation to G-force induced loss of consciousness and haptic feedback in aviation systems.

At Florida Tech, aviation human factors students gain hands-on experience with real aircraft and state-of-the-art facilities, learning from active and former pilots to explore the human–machine interface and connect research to real-world industry challenges.

At the Emil Buehler Center for Aviation Training and Research, just 2.5 miles from campus, students access hangars, briefing rooms, lounges and our all-Piper fleet—including Warrior, Archer, Seminole and Pilot 100i aircraft with advanced glass-cockpit avionics. 

Nearby, the Enterprise Building supports research, flight simulators and the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Lab, giving students opportunities to study safety, risk management and operational procedures.

On campus, Skurla Hall houses specialized labs where students practice in the Basic Aviation Training Device (BATD) Lab and in a simulated air traffic control tower, applying safety protocols and problem-solving in real-world scenarios.

Together, these resources prepare students to lead in aviation human factors with hands-on knowledge and expertise.

Our 130-acre campus is located in a high-tech corridor on the Space Coast—NASA-Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral is just north of us—and many high-tech corporations and government and military organizations are located nearby. Our location provides an abundance of internship and employment opportunities for our students. You can’t find a better location for immersion in aviation human factors.

If you like to fly, you'll appreciate that we have over 300 days of ideal flying weather each year, and that our College of Aeronautics is ranked one of the safest flight schools in the U.S. Melbourne is home to an international commercial airport that is just a 10-minute drive from campus.

When it’s time to relax, Florida Tech is just over the causeway from the Atlantic Ocean, with its 72 miles of beautiful beaches. We are minutes from the Indian River Lagoon, a highly biodiverse estuary, and it’s a short trip to the Florida Keys and the Orlando theme parks.

Students can choose between a thesis or nonthesis option, depending on their academic goals and career interests.

In the thesis option, you’ll design and complete original research that applies human factors principles to real aviation challenges. This path lets you dive deep into a specialized area of interest while developing advanced research and analytical skills.

The nonthesis option emphasizes applied learning through faculty-supervised projects and additional coursework, including advanced study of sensation and perception and its impact on aviation safety. Instead of a thesis, you’ll demonstrate your knowledge through a final program examination.

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

While some aviation experience or coursework is desirable, the program offers opportunities to build any foundational knowledge needed through additional courses alongside the aviation human factors curriculum, ensuring you’re fully prepared to succeed.

For more information, please see our graduate admission requirements or start your application now!