What is an MBA in Human Factors?

Those wishing to acquire a graduate business degree now have the option to enroll in a MBA in Human Factors program. Human Factors is a topic within psychology that focuses on ergonomics and how the design of systems, products, and processes can best accommodate workers. Those who specialize in human factors work to understand how productivity at the workplace can be maximized through understanding how psychological factors influence the accomplishment of work.

Naturally, human factors studies are very helpful for an individual interested in working in management. Those specializing in human factors can further specialize their studies in how human factors psychology influences a particular industry, such as engineering, computer science, or medicine.

Curriculum

An MBA program in human factors will include a significant amount of coursework in psychology-related subjects. Psychology courses in a human factors program could include explorations of issues like human behavior, cognition, perception, attention, and evolutionary psychology.

Also, coursework in a curriculum for a MBA in Human Factors might include classes in interface design, application development, information architecture, and research methods. Some graduate programs will specialize in human factors in some specific context, such as human factors in information design or human factors and engineering.

Skills

Those who study for a MBA degree that focuses on human factors will develop strong research and analytical thinking skills. They will learn to analyze workplace issues and incorporate their research into resolving workplace problems. Factors that affect workplace productivity are complex and sometimes difficult to pinpoint, but a specialist in human factors should develop an intuitive understanding of workplace environments.

An ideal candidate for a MBA program in human factors will be highly curious and have a strong interest in psychology. Those interested in pursuing such a degree will ideally have completed some coursework in psychology in their undergraduate studies. Graduate study of human factors usually requires a fairly advanced understanding of psychology and capabilities of performing research within the field of psychology.

Applications

Those who complete an MBA program specializing in human factors could find work for private companies. Human factors specialists also often remain in academia by pursuing a doctoral degree. Another area where graduates can find work is with government agencies like the Federal Highway Administration, Departments of Transportation, or NASA.

Earning potential

Typically, MBA graduates will earn more working in a business or government environment than they would in a university environment. An individual with a Human Factors graduate level degree can expect to earn around $90,000 working in business or government and around $75,000 working in a university position. Those who continue their studies on to the Phd level can expect significantly higher salaries. A private consultant with a doctorate degree related to human factors psychology and business might easily be able to find a position earning $180,000 or more.

Nowadays, MBA students have many different options in terms of degree specializations. Those interested in both psychology and business can specialize their graduate level management studies by pursuing a MBA in Human Factors.

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