Engineering Psychology Programs

Engineering Psychology is a psychology subspecialty that focuses on the science of the relationship between human behavior and machines. The field may address such topics as the efficient use of human energy, human factors, building machines that reduce operator fatigue and discomfort, health care and medical devices.

Walden University

Featured Programs:
BS in Psychology - Graduate School Prep

Southern New Hampshire University

Featured Programs:
BA in Psychology/Child & Adolescent Development (Online)

The engineering psychologist is a different kind of psychological professional. While still a student of human behavior and a proponent for positive change, this professional works more at a distance to help workers improve their lives. By helping engineers find better ways of doing things, these pros can make an impact in industry and health care.

Useful Engineering Psychology Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• Ergonomics.org

Capella University

Featured Programs:
MS in General Psychology (Online)
MS in Child and Adolescent Development

Post University

Featured Programs:
BA in Psychology (Online)

Engineering Psychologist Methods of Operation

The study of engineering psychology is a new field, and it is continually being developed to better improve conditions for workers. An engineering psychologist will gather feedback, study the impact of human error in working with machinery, and also study the perception of a product user in strengthening machinery type products that are used for ergonomics and occupational safety and health. They also engage in a certain degree of profiling for the users, whose lives they are seeking to help.

The one-on-one approach of traditional psychology is present here, but it takes a more workplace-centric approach to functionality. An engineering psychologist is not going to be the go-to professional for someone suffering with problems of alcohol and drug abuse, but he will act as an advocate for the employee, which can positively impact said worker's life around the workplace. And a happier employee can translate to a happier person.

Kaplan University

Featured Programs:
BS Psychology (Online)

Northcentral University

Featured Programs:
MA in Health Psychology (Online)

Careers in Engineering Psychology

As with other types of psychology, there are opportunities everywhere one turns. From academics and organizational activity to mechanical and industrial, the possibilities are limitless. While it may be more intimidating on the surface since there are not a lot of programs that focus directly with this field of study, the job field is one that is very lucrative.

Engineering psychologists can basically write their own tickets if they know how to apply the science of human behavior to the workforce. Particularly in industrialized metropolitan areas, these professionals can find full-time or long-term contract employment. Many organizations prefer to keep engineering psychologists on retainer rather than pay full benefits. While this may make things like health care and retirement more challenging, it also doesn't handcuff an individual with an engineering psychology degree to one employer. Thus, pay possibilities often exceed the $100,000 mark.

Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Featured Programs:
MA in Applied Forensic Psychology (Online)

Engineering Psychology Education and Training

One will need a doctorate in the field of psychology in order to attain an engineering psychology degree, but it is also important to have some engineering background in order to better understand the machinery side of things. Some states may have specific licensing exams, though one will really have to check with the licensing boards in their region to know for certain.