Overview
The field of human factors and ergonomics (HFE) is an increasingly vital area of engineering that focuses on optimizing the interaction between people and systems. As computer technology, automation, and data networks continue to expand, overall system performance depends more than ever on how well system characteristics align with human capabilities.
Human factors emphasizes cognitive and perceptual processes—how people think, learn, and make decisions—while ergonomics focuses on physical and biomechanical characteristics, ensuring safety, comfort, and performance in system design. Together, these areas enable engineers to create tools, technologies, and environments that enhance human well-being and system effectiveness.
Graduates with this focus area find diverse career opportunities in:
Healthcare and medical technology – GE Healthcare, Medtronic, Guidant
Aerospace and manufacturing – Collins Aerospace, Boeing, John Deere, Caterpillar
Computer systems and technology – Microsoft, Intel, IBM
Government and research organizations – NHTSA, NTSB, NASA, Department of Defense
Consulting and applied research – Accenture, Battelle Memorial Institute
Psychology minor
The HFE Focus Area builds upon the core industrial engineering curriculum and provides advanced coursework in psychology, systems engineering, statistics, and biomechanics. Students completing 15 semester hours of psychology coursework may also qualify for a minor in psychology, further strengthening their understanding of human behavior and cognition.
| Required for psychology minor | SH | Equivalent for IE majors | SH |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSY:XXXX Psychology elective | 3 | PSY:1001 Elementary Psychology, required by IE Major | 3 |
| PSY:XXXX Psychology elective | 3 | PSY:2601 Introduction to Cognitive Psych, take as part of FA | 3 |
| PSY:XXXX Psychology elective | 3 | PSY:2701 Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience, take as part of FA | 3 |
| PSY:XXXX Psychology elective | 3 | PSY:2811, Research Methods and Data Analysis in Psychology I, take as part of FA | 4 |
| PSY:XXXX Psychology elective | 3 | Take as part of Gen Ed or FA elective | 3 |
| Total hours required: | 15 | Total hours required: | 16 |