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BACKGROUND:
Title: Aviation Human Factors (MS). Contact: John E. Deaton, Florida Institute of Technology, School of Aeronautics, 150 W. University Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32901; 407/674-8120; jdeaton@fit.edu. Est: 1982 (as Engineering Psychology Program). Semester. Granted last year: MS 3. Part-time: yes. Program: The program provides a sound theoretical foundation and offers training in applied research methods and in systems design and evaluation techniques. Designed to benefit and support the unique facilities available at Florida Tech for applied research, the program emphasizes the cognitive, perceptual, and ergonomic aspects of human factors. Students can acquire the knowledge and skills essential for careers in industry and government or for successful doctoral-level study. Faculty interests include design of dynamic displays, techniques for integrated information presentation, crew resource management, workstation design, air traffic control facilities, operations and management, aircraft accident investigation and prevention, hypobaric and hyperbaric systems, and several other practical issues of human performance in technological tasks. Florida Tech has a prime location on Florida's Space Coast nestled among many high-tech companies and government agencies. The world's leading aviation and aerospace industries and research institutes are easily accessible. NASA and the Kennedy Space Center are only a few miles away. This provides a wide variety of practicum, internship, and interdisciplinary research opportunities in challenging occupational settings. Students are encouraged to take electives in the computer sciences, aeronautical sciences, industrial and organizational psychology, and the engineering disciplines. Students interested in advanced study beyond the MS should contact the program chair for more information on allied PhD programs. HFES student chapter: yes. Catalog: (free) Graduate Admissions Office, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 W. University Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32901.

APPLICATION:
Deadline: 3/1; late applications may be considered.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
GRE: 1500 v + q + a preferred. Other: Bachelor's degree in aeronautics engineering, psychology, computer science, or other technical fields required. Students with an interest or experience in aviation and/or the aerospace sciences are strongly encouraged. Research: medium. Work experience: medium. Letters: medium. Interview: low.

ADMISSIONS:
Students applying last year: 15. Accepted: 4. Students entered: n/a. Openings/year: Program is limited to a student body of 15 FTE.

TUITION AND FEES:
Resident and Nonresident: $690/credit hour.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
% receiving: 5. Available: TA, RA (tuition reduction). Apply: with application.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:
MS: 36 credit hours, thesis, demonstrated computer literacy and mathematical skills required, no languages or practical experience required, 2 years. Nonthesis option: no.

CURRICULUM:
Required courses (credit hours): Introduction to Man-Machine Systems (3), Human Performance 1 and 2 (6), Sensation and Perception (3), Thesis Research (6), Human-Computer Interaction (3), Statistics (3), Research Methods (3). Sample electives: Cognitive Science, Advanced Aircraft Operations, Accident Investigation, Information Systems, Program Management, Computer Graphics, Artificial Intelligence, Introduction to Simulation, Aviation Physiology, Practicum in Computer Education, Neural Networks, Ocean Engineering Systems, Learning and Memory, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and Industrial Training. Required courses outside department: 0. Recommended courses outside department: 1. Offered: nights, weekends, summer. Class size: 4-10.

RESEARCH/TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES:
Research facilities: Extensive research facilities are at the School of Aeronautics, the Applied Research Laboratory, and with FIT LLC., at the Melbourne International Airport. Facilities include high-fidelity flight simulators, single- and multiengine aircraft, psychophysiological monitoring equipment, and the potential for marine research aboard the R/V Delphinus. The Human/Computer Interface Lab is equipped with IBM PC-compatible and Macintosh computers. The program collaborates with local industry and federal agencies, including Kennedy Space Center, Northrup-Grumman, Collins, Harris Corporation, LB Hyperbarics, and Holmes Regional Medical Center. Teaching: Teaching seminars may be offered at the master's level. Current research: Acquisition of knowledge for 3D dynamic tasks, information presentation of satellite information as a real-time decision-making aid, crew resource management, application of human factors and ergonomics in medical care facilities, and a practical assessment of integrating human factors in aerospace operations.

STUDENT STATISTICS:
Active: 8 men, 4 women. First year students: 4.

FACULTY:
John H. Cain, PhD, Florida Tech; aerodynamics, accident investigation, educational technology. John E. Deaton, PhD, Catholic U. of America; Director, Aviation Human Factors Program; human-computer interaction, cockpit automation, human performance, man-machine system design, training applications. Mike Gallo, PhD, Florida Tech; statistics, research methods. Richard Griffith, PhD, U Akron; personality measurements, group performance. Ron Hansrote, MD, U Nebraska; aerospace medicine and physiology, human performance, accident investigation, forensic pathology and toxicology. N. E. Villaire, EdD, College of William and Mary; aviation physiology, safety. Frank Webbe, PhD, U Florida; biological psychology, learning and memory. Tom Utley, PhD, Florida Tech; aviation, synoptic and satellite meteorology.