Human factors psychology is a discipline that requires education and training to become an engineering psychologist. This branch of psychology investigates how machines and humans interact in a variety of settings. An advanced college degree is required, as well as possibly some practical experience gained through an internship or previous employment in the field of human factors psychology. Those interested in pursuing a career as an engineering psychologist will find numerous opportunities in the field’s research sector. In addition to private practice and academia, engineering psychologists have a variety of career options.
A bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field such as engineering, physics, or computer programming is required to work as an engineering psychologist. Although job requirements vary by employer, there are few jobs in this field that do not necessitate a master’s degree. Working in a specific industry, such as information technology, research, health care, or teaching, should be the focus of education and training. Many employers may demand that applicants have prior engineering work experience. For those who want to work as an engineering psychologist in a clinical setting or in private practice, a master’s or doctoral degree with additional education in a specialized area of human factors psychology is required.
The biomedical and industrial engineering fields employ a number of engineering psychologists. Approximately 40% of engineering psychologists work in private practice or as consultants. The military, which has traditionally been a major employer of engineering psychologists, is now hiring them on a consulting basis. Others in academia will assist in the education of students aspiring to be engineering psychologists. The American Psychological Association (APA), the Human Factors Ergonomics Society (HFES), and the International Ergonomics Association are professional associations and groups that represent engineering psychologists (IEA).
The majority of people who want to work as an engineering psychologist work in the medical field, research facilities, government agencies, or private industry. Conducting experiments and developing theories to explain how people use mechanical devices and react to their surroundings are all part of a research career. The findings of this study could be used to improve the efficiency of a prosthetic leg or make a bathroom more accessible to physically challenged people.
Many engineering psychologists work in the medical field, making sure that medical equipment is safe, efficient, and comfortable to use. Some companies are willing to pay a high salary to qualified engineering psychologists to design and monitor the manufacturing of their products in order to reduce their liability exposure from poorly designed or unsafe products.