What you’ll learn in this article…
- Industrial-organizational psychologists earned a median $147,420 annually in 2023.
- Online certificates, master's, and doctoral programs serve different career stages.
- Psychology employment is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034.
Human factors psychology sits at an awkward crossroads: the demand signals are strong (UX research teams at tech firms, patient-safety groups in hospital systems, cockpit and control-room design in aviation and defense), but the credential path is less standardized than clinical psychology or industrial-organizational tracks. That leaves prospective students weighing specialization depth against time and tuition.
Fully online options now exist at every level, from graduate certificates for working UX researchers to applied master's degrees and, more rarely, doctoral programs. Tuition, admissions barriers, and industry recognition vary widely across those tiers.
The rankings that follow cover 100% online programs only. Hybrid and residency-required formats are excluded to keep the comparison consistent for remote learners.
What Is Human Factors Psychology?
What exactly is human factors psychology, and how is it different from UX design?
Human factors psychology is the scientific study of how people perceive, think, decide, and act, applied to the design of tools, systems, and environments. Rather than asking users to adapt to technology, practitioners shape technology around human capabilities and limitations: attention span, memory load, reaction time, physical reach, fatigue, and error patterns. The goal is safer, more efficient, and more usable systems. This field emerged from aviation and industrial psychology, but today it applies to any product or system where human error has real consequences.
More than interface design
Although human factors work often overlaps with UX and product design, it has deeper roots in experimental psychology and cognitive psychology. Human factors specialists use controlled experiments, task analysis, and measurement of human performance, not just visual design or usability heuristics. They examine workload, situational awareness, decision-making, and human error in complex, high-stakes settings.
Where human factors psychologists work
Common application domains include:
- Aviation safety: cockpit displays, pilot workload, checklist design
- Medical device design: infusion pumps, alarms, electronic health records
- Military systems: control rooms, simulation training, unmanned systems
- Consumer technology: vehicle interfaces, wearable devices, home automation
What to look for in program titles
Academic programs are not always labeled "human factors." You may find related training under names like applied experimental psychology, engineering psychology, ergonomics, or human-systems integration. When comparing human factors psychology master's online programs, look at the curriculum rather than the title. Relevant courses typically include perception, cognition, human-computer interaction, research methods, statistics, and usability testing.
Top Online Human Factors Psychology Programs
Human factors psychology applies research on human cognition and behavior to the design of products, systems, and workplaces. The field spans certificate programs, master's degrees, and doctorates; the fully online master's programs below focus on the applied research and human-technology skills central to human factors careers. All are 100% online, so no campus visits are required.
Details
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- Independent program research
- Internal program database
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers a fully online Master of Science in Psychology with a curriculum grounded in cognition, development, physiology, and social psychology. The 36 credit hour program uses 7.5 week courses and is built for students who want applied behavioral science skills without campus visits. ASU also operates a dedicated online human systems engineering program, making it a strong entry point for students interested in human factors work.
- 36 total credit hours, 12 courses
- 7.5-week course terms
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Statistics or research methods prerequisite recommended
- Diploma does not indicate online
- Starts in fall
- Financial aid available
Master of Science in Psychology — Online
Palo Alto University
Palo Alto University's online Master of Science in Psychology is built for working professionals, with synchronous evening classes, small cohorts, and part-time enrollment. The program offers five concentrations, including a Technology and Mental Health track that examines how people interact with digital tools and platforms. Graduates report strong employment and continuing-education outcomes, and the generalist track provides flexibility for students who want to design their own focus.
- 36 total credit hours
- Six to seven quarters to complete
- Synchronous online classes
- No thesis or capstone required
- Part-time available
- Option to transition to PhD program
- 89% employed or continuing studies
- Faculty advisor and success coach assigned
- 36 total credit hours
- Forensic psychology and risk assessment courses
- Qualifies for correctional facility roles
- Does not lead to licensure
- No application fee
- Assigned academic advisor and monthly check-ins
- WSCUC accredited
- Starts in fall
- 36 total credit hours
- Four specialized technology courses
- Tech and mental health career preparation
- Evening classes Monday through Thursday
- Transfer credit accepted up to 5 units
- Small cohorts with strong faculty ratio
- Online delivery for working professionals
- Faculty advisor assigned upon entry
Master of Science in Psychology: Generalist — Online
Master of Science in Psychology: Forensic Psychology — Online
Master of Science in Psychology: Technology and Mental Health — Online
Regent University
Regent University's online Master of Science in Psychology combines a Christian worldview with rigorous training in psychological science. The program offers six concentrations, including industrial-organizational psychology and cyberpsychology, both of which connect naturally to human factors topics like workplace performance and technology-mediated behavior. With 8-week courses and no entrance exam, it is a flexible option for working professionals.
- 39 total credit hours
- 6 concentration options
- $695 per credit
- 8-week course sessions
- No entrance exam required
- Christian worldview integration
- Prepares for doctoral study
- SACSCOC accredited
Master of Science in Psychology — Online
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University delivers a low-cost, fully online Master of Science in Psychology with three concentration options, including industrial-organizational psychology. The program uses 10-week terms with five annual start dates, and foundation courses are available for students without a psychology background. SNHU's per-credit tuition and transfer policy make it one of the more affordable paths to graduate study in applied psychology.
- 36 total credit hours, 12 courses
- $659 per credit
- 3 concentration options
- 10-week terms, 5 start dates per year
- Transfer up to 12 credits
- Foundation courses for non-psychology majors
- $0 application fee
- Capstone required
Master of Science in Psychology — Online
Liberty University
Liberty University's online Master of Arts in Applied Psychology offers a general psychology concentration with coursework in cognition, social psychology, and research methods. The program is structured around 8-week asynchronous courses with no set login times, making it especially flexible for military students and working adults. Liberty also trains students in assessment and measurement, skills that carry into human factors and organizational evaluation.
- 36 total credit hours
- 100% online, 8-week courses
- No set login times
- 8 start dates per year
- Transfer up to 50% of credits
- Military tuition discount available
- Curriculum includes cognitive and social psychology
- Research methods coursework included
Master of Arts in Applied Psychology, General Psychology Concentration — Online
Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University's online Master of Science in General Psychology focuses on applied behavior analysis, with board-approved coursework, a practicum, and preparation for the BCBA certification exam. While this is not a human factors program, the training in behavior assessment and intervention transfers to safety, training, and performance settings. The 33 credit hour program is delivered fully online and includes a capstone plus comprehensive exams.
- 33 total credit hours
- Prepares for BCBA certification
- Board-approved ABA coursework
- Practicum course included
- Capstone required
- Written and oral comprehensive exams
- GRE required if GPA below 3.2
- 3.0 GPA minimum
Master of Science in General Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration — Online
Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University offers an online Master of Science in General Psychology with an Applied Health Science concentration designed for healthcare professionals who want to add psychological insight to their practice. The 30 credit hour, non-clinical program covers doctoral prerequisites and does not require a psychology bachelor's degree. Students can also enroll in the general track and apply the degree across law, health care, and organizational roles.
- 30 total credit hours
- 10 total courses
- 3 start dates per year
- No psychology bachelor's required
- Covers doctoral prerequisites
- Non-clinical program
- 100% online format
- No GRE required
- Test optional
- Ideal for working adults
- No career interruption
- Empirically based curriculum
- Careers in law, law enforcement, and healthcare
- Graduates work in diverse fields
M.S. in General Psychology, Applied Health Science Concentration — Online
M.S. in General Psychology — Online
Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville State University offers a fully online Master of Arts in Psychology at a notably affordable tuition rate. The 36 credit hour curriculum covers human development, diversity, communication, research methods, and ethics, and students can add graduate certificates in behavioral research or professional psychology. This non-clinical degree is designed as a foundation for doctoral study or broader careers in research and social services.
- 36 total credit hours
- Designed for remote students
- Can add graduate certificates in behavioral research or professional psychology
- Foundation for doctoral studies
- Does not lead to clinical licensure
- No campus requirement
- Prepares for diverse careers
Master of Arts in Psychology — Online
Troy University
Troy University's online Master of Science in Psychology offers a solid grounding in research design, ethics, and cultural diversity with a choice of thesis or non-thesis tracks. The thesis route is designed for students planning doctoral study, while the capstone option suits those headed into professional roles. Troy's flexible online format and transfer policy make it a practical choice for working adults.
- Thesis or non-thesis track
- Prepares for doctoral studies
- Non-licensure, non-certification degree
- Transfer up to 12 credits
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Personal statement and one recommendation required
- No test score required for master's holders
- B or better in research courses
Master of Science in Psychology — Online
Northwestern Oklahoma State University
Northwestern Oklahoma State University's online Master of Science in General Psychology is a 34 credit hour program that pairs core coursework in cognition, social psychology, and research methods with one-on-one faculty mentoring. The program is fully digitally accessible and offers conditional admission, rolling deadlines, and an out-of-state tuition waiver, making it an accessible route into behavioral science careers or doctoral study.
- 34 total credit hours
- Rolling admissions
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- One-on-one faculty mentoring
- Out-of-state tuition waiver
- Conditional admission possible
- Prepares for doctoral program
- Fully digitally accessible
Master of Science in General Psychology — Online
How We Ranked These Programs
Four weighted factors drive every position in our rankings: accreditation status, net price, institution-wide graduation rate, and post-completion earnings outcomes drawn from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard.
Online-Only Eligibility
Only programs that can be completed fully online qualified for this list. Hybrid formats and traditional on-campus options, even at well-regarded institutions, were excluded so students searching for flexible, remote-friendly pathways see only what genuinely fits that need.
What the Data Captures
Net price and graduation rate are institution-wide figures rather than program-specific metrics. They offer useful context about overall affordability and student success at each university, but they do not isolate the experience within a single department or certificate track. We present them as contextual indicators, not direct measures of program quality.
Earnings data tells a more targeted story. When the Scorecard publishes program-level earnings at one, two, four, and five years after completion, we incorporate those figures to reflect real salary trajectories for graduates of a specific credential. Where program-level earnings are not yet available, we note the gap rather than substitute institution-wide averages.
Why These Factors Matter
Accreditation confirms that a program meets recognized academic standards, which is critical for employment and any future licensure steps. Pairing that with tuition, completion rates, and earnings gives prospective students a practical, multi-angle view of what each program costs, how well students persist, and what graduates actually earn.
Related Articles
Online Certificate Vs. Master's Vs. Doctoral Programs in Human Factors
Choosing the right credential level depends on where you are in your career, how much time you can invest, and what roles you want to qualify for. Graduate certificates offer a focused entry point for working professionals, master's programs prepare you for mid-level specialist positions, and doctoral programs open doors to research leadership and academia. Here is how the three credential levels compare across the factors that matter most.
| Graduate Certificate | Master's Degree | Doctoral Degree |
|---|---|---|
| 9 to 16 credits (three to five courses) | 30 to 36 credits (some international programs use different credit scales) | 18 to 24 credits beyond a master's, plus dissertation research |
| About 12 to 24 months part time | Roughly 18 to 24 months full time, or up to 28 months part time online | 3 to 7 years, depending on research requirements and funding |
| Widely available online from schools such as Embry-Riddle, Grand Canyon University, Missouri S&T, Penn State, and Tufts | Several fully online options, including programs at Florida Institute of Technology, Grand Canyon University, Purdue, the University of Idaho, and the University of Aberdeen | Very few fully online options; most programs require on-campus research and residency |
| Working professionals seeking targeted human factors skills or preparing for BCPE certification | Students and professionals aiming for specialist roles in UX, aviation safety, ergonomics, or human-systems design | Those pursuing faculty positions, senior research roles, or leadership in human factors and ergonomics |
| Usability analyst, ergonomics consultant, safety specialist, or as a stepping stone into a master's program | Human factors engineer, UX researcher, systems design specialist, or preparation for doctoral study | University faculty, principal researcher, or senior leadership in safety-critical industries |
| Many certificates (for example, at Embry-Riddle and the University of Derby) allow credits to transfer into a related master's program | Credits may count toward doctoral coursework at some institutions | Terminal degree; credits are not typically transferred further |
Questions to Ask Yourself
Do you need a terminal degree for research or academic roles?
Is HFES accreditation critical for your target employer or certification path?
Are you looking for a quick credential upgrade or a full career pivot?
Does your target industry prefer a specific degree level?
Human Factors Psychology Career Paths and Salary Outlook
Human factors psychology careers span a wide range of roles and industries, and compensation reflects that breadth. The closest BLS category, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists, reported a median annual wage of $147,420 in May 2023, though earnings varied sharply by experience, industry, and employer type. The broader Psychologists, All Other category, which captures some human factors specialists, showed a median of $117,580. Industry reports suggest that private-sector compensation in consulting and technology can reach well above published BLS medians.
| Career Path | Median Annual Wage | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Typical Employment Setting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologist | $147,420 | $90,100 | $219,410 | Management consulting, corporate research, government |
| Psychologists, All Other (includes some human factors roles) | $117,580 | $73,820 | $145,200 | Research organizations, federal agencies, technology firms |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $95,830 | $67,470 | $131,510 | Healthcare systems, private practice, schools |
| School Psychologists | $86,930 | $73,240 | $108,210 | K-12 school districts, educational agencies |
| Top Consulting Firms (I-O / Human Factors, 2026 industry estimate) | $150,000 to $350,000+ | N/A | N/A | Management and technical consulting |
| Tech People Analytics (I-O / Human Factors, 2026 industry estimate) | $130,000 to $250,000 | N/A | N/A | Technology companies, UX research divisions |
| HR Research and Analytics (2026 industry estimate) | $90,000 to $150,000 | N/A | N/A | Corporate HR departments, workforce analytics firms |
Where Human Factors Graduates Work
Human factors psychologists work across industries where user safety, performance, and experience drive product and system design. Here are six key sectors that actively recruit these specialists, along with representative roles and typical salary ranges.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of psychologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034. While this figure represents all psychology specialties, human factors professionals often find opportunities across multiple growing sectors, including technology, healthcare, and defense, where user centered design expertise is increasingly valued.
Frequently Asked Questions About Human Factors Psychology Programs
Prospective students often have overlapping questions about program types, accreditation, and career possibilities in human factors psychology. The answers below distill the most common concerns and add practical details to help you evaluate your options.
- What is the difference between human factors psychology and engineering psychology?
- The two terms overlap so much that many departments use them interchangeably.1 The key distinction is emphasis: engineering psychology zeroes in on cognitive processes like perception, attention, and decision making2, while human factors psychology also encompasses physical ergonomics and workplace safety.3 In practice, the curriculum you encounter may depend more on a department's history than on a meaningful content difference. The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society treats both under the same professional umbrella.
- Are there fully online programs for human factors psychology?
- Fully online options exist but remain limited. The University of Idaho offers an HFES-accredited master's program with all required courses available online4, making it one of the few verified fully online paths. Other well-known programs, such as Texas Tech's, are strictly on campus.5 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's recognized master's program may include online coursework6, but delivery details should be confirmed directly with the school. Always verify current delivery modes on institutional websites before applying.
- Is HFES accreditation important when choosing a human factors program?
- HFES accreditation is a respected quality marker, but it is not mandatory for employment or further study. Only about 17 graduate programs currently hold HFES accreditation5, so the pool is small. While earning a degree from an accredited program can signal rigor to employers, there is no evidence that accreditation status alone determines hiring outcomes. Regional institutional accreditation (the kind that affects financial aid and credit transfer) matters more for most students. Treat HFES accreditation as a useful signal, not a gatekeeper.
- How long does it take to get a master's in human factors psychology?
- Most full-time master's programs in human factors psychology take approximately two years to complete, typically requiring 30 to 40 credit hours. Programs that include a thesis option may extend the timeline slightly. Part-time enrollment, which some online programs accommodate, can stretch completion to three years or more. Because credit requirements and thesis expectations vary by institution, check each program's academic catalog for a realistic estimate before committing.
- What can you do with a human factors psychology degree?
- Graduates move into roles such as UX researcher, human factors engineer, ergonomist, safety analyst, and engineering psychologist. Common employers include aerospace and defense contractors, technology companies, healthcare systems, and federal agencies. One detail worth noting: many consumer-product companies now hire human factors specialists specifically for accessibility testing, a growing niche driven by federal digital-accessibility standards. A master's degree qualifies you for most practitioner positions, while an engineering psychology PhD opens doors to senior research and academic roles.
More Online Human Factors Psychology Programs to Consider
The schools below round out this directory with additional online psychology master's programs worth exploring for students interested in human factors psychology. Each entry lists the degree level, delivery format, and tuition range. These programs are presented as further options to consider, not as ranked alternatives to the schools above.
- MA in Psychology
- Master of Arts in Psychology
- Master of Arts in Psychology
- Master of Science in Behavioral Sciences (General Psychology)
- General Psychology, MA-PSY
- Master of Science in Psychology (General)
- Master of Science in General Psychology
- Master of Arts in Psychology
- Master of Science in Psychology
- Master of Science in Psychology (General Psychology)
- MA in Psychology
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