Online Ph.D. and PsyD in Engineering Psychology Degree Programs
Engineering psychology is one of the newest specialties in the field of psychology, and it has grown more prominent over time as technology continues to advance at a rapid rate. The focus of engineering psychology is on improving and adapting the technology and equipment people work with every day along with their work environments. Proponents of engineering psychology merge these focus areas to bring about improvement in human capabilities and behavior.
Indeed.com states that engineering psychologists at the midpoint of their careers earn approximately $95,000 per year. The demand for psychologists in all specialties is eight percent annually through at least the end of the decade.
People interested in this career must be highly educated, starting with earning a bachelor’s degree and a master's degree in a related field. Students should consider declaring their major in computer science, biotechnology, engineering, biology, or psychology in undergraduate and graduate work.
There are currently no online doctorate degrees in engineering psychology available due to the fact that this specific field of psychology has only existed within the last ten years. The best route for those looking to get a doctorate in engineering psychology is to look for on-campus programs and obtain a graduate certificate online if further education is desired.
What Will I Learn in an Online Engineering Psychology Doctorate Program?
Georgia Tech is one example of a school that offers a doctorate degree program in engineering psychology, however, this program is not currently offered online. The school describes its PhD in engineering psychology as a program that focuses on understanding the limitations and capabilities of human performance as it relates to cognition, movement control, and perception. Students learn to apply this knowledge to the design of environments and systems that accommodate human limitations and capabilities.
The actual degree students graduate with at Georgia Tech is a Doctor (PhD) of Philosophy with a major in psychology. Engineering psychology is one of five psychology specialty areas they can choose to major in while completing their doctorate degree. Here is the core curriculum for this degree track:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Engineering Psychology Controls, Displays, and Workspace
- Engineering Psychology Methods
- Psychology of Perception and Sensation
- Psychomotor Skills
- Research Design Principles
- Responsible Research Conduct
- Two courses on Statistical Analysis of Psychological Data
- Two seminars on Engineering Psychology
Graduate students at Georgia Tech must also complete the requirements listed below.
- Master Thesis: The master thesis is a cumulation of research findings that demonstrate the student has achieved competency in field research. Before submitting their thesis, students need to complete nine credit hours of master thesis coursework.
- Doctoral Thesis: The doctoral thesis summarizes the student's findings with independent research in their specialty field. Students also need to defend their thesis in front of a dissertation committee and complete up to 21 hours of Doctoral Thesis coursework.
- Declare a minor along with a major in engineering psychology.
- Take a preliminary exam to qualify for doctorate-level courses.
While these graduation requirements are unique to Georgia Tech, students should expect to find similar courses and requirements at other schools. They should keep in mind that the top graduate degree doctorate programs have intense requirements to ensure that students are prepared to work in their field immediately upon graduation.
What To Look For in an Online Engineering Psychology Doctorate Program?
When considering an online doctorate program in engineering psychology, there are several important factors to take into account – proper program accreditation being the most crucial. Accreditation ensures that the program meets rigorous academic standards and is recognized by reputable accrediting bodies. Look for programs accredited by recognized institutions or organizations in the fields of engineering or psychology. The curriculum should be comprehensive, covering advanced topics in engineering psychology, such as human-computer interaction, cognitive engineering, usability testing, human factors, and applied research methods. It is important to evaluate the qualifications and expertise of the faculty members, ensuring they have strong academic backgrounds and practical experience in the field of engineering psychology.
Access to research resources, such as online databases and scholarly journals, is essential for staying up-to-date with the latest research and advancements in the field. Interactive online platforms that foster collaboration and discussion among students can enhance the learning experience. Additionally, seek programs that offer practical experiences, such as internships/externships and capstone projects, allowing you to apply engineering psychology principles in real-world settings. Finally, consider the support services provided by the program, such as mentorship, career guidance, and networking opportunities, to ensure a supportive and enriching doctoral journey. By considering these factors, individuals can make informed decisions when selecting an online doctorate program in engineering psychology (Ph.D. or PsyD).
Admissions Requirements for a Doctorate Degree in Engineering Psychology
The Tulane University School of Science and Engineering is another school that offers an on-campus doctorate degree in engineering psychology. Here are Tulane's admissions requirements for that program:
- Completed application form
- Three letters of recommendation
- Transcripts from all previous colleges and universities attended
- English as a Foreign Language test score for students whose primary language is not English
- A signed statement agreeing to Tulane's Commitment to Diversity
- Personal statement that outlines the student’s interests, experiences, and why they want to enroll in the program
- Overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.2
- GPA of at least 3.4 in major courses
- Evidence of research experience
As with the courses and other requirements at Georgia Tech, these admissions requirements from Tulane are representative of most other schools offering the same program.
List of Engineering Psychology Doctorate Degree Programs
Find an online or campus-based doctorate program in engineering psychology today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.
Atlanta, GA
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Atlanta, GA 30332-0530
(404) 894-2000
Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.
