Graduate Certificate in Aviation Human Factors

The study of Human Factors is about understanding human behavior and performance. When applied to aviation operations, Human Factors knowledge is used to optimize the fit between people and the systems in which they work in order to improve safety and performance. The operational Human Factors knowledge gained in this certificate can also be applied to safety investigation activities.

Human factors involve gathering information about human abilities, limitations, and other characteristics and applying it to tools, machines, systems, tasks, jobs, and environments to produce safe, comfortable, and effective human use. In the Graduate Certificate program, Human Factors is dedicated to providing students a better understanding of how humans can most safely and efficiently be integrated with the technology. That understanding is then translated into design, training, policies, or procedures to help humans perform better. Please Note: This program is only open to current professional aviators.

This program follows the British certification standard and can be used as the basis to apply for and achieve professional certification in the discipline. More information is available from program faculty. 

Program Requirements

Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Aviation Human Factors requires fifteen (15) credit hours:

AVIA 7110 Foundations of Aviation Human Factors (3)
AVIA 7111 Cognitive Ergonomics in Aviation (2)
AVIA 7113 Judgment and Decision Making in Aviation (2)
AVIA 7115 Selection & Behavioral Health in Aviation (2)
AVIA 7117 Flight Deck Ergonomics (2)
AVIA 7119 Training and Simulation (2)
AVIA 7121 Techniques and Methods (2)
AVIA 7998 Comprehensive Exam (0)

Applying for Admission to the Program

Applications for the Fall semester must be received by August 1; Spring semester by December 1; and Summer term by May 1. All applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree with a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale from an accredited college or university. It should be noted that as applicants are selected on a competitive basis, admission is not granted to all applicants who meet only the minimum requirements.

To apply for this program, you will need to complete an application, which will require the following documents:

• Resumé: The applicant's resumé should include the applicant's employment history demonstrating relevant aviation-related experience, academic history, current contact information, and any additional relevant information, such as professional skills, training, presentations, publications, etc.
• Recommendation Letter: Applicants must submit at least one official letter of recommendation, preferably from a previous or current instructor who can attest to the student's capacity for graduate work. All recommendation letters must meet College of Professional & Liberal Studies requirements or they will not be accepted.
• Personal Essay: Applicants must submit a brief, original essay (approximately 500-600 words) that addresses why they chose to apply to the program and how it will help them achieve specific professional goals.

For technical questions regarding the application, please contact UM Graduate School Customer Support with the following information:

• Your name
• Current program or program of interest
• Your UID from UofM and/or UniCAS ID number if available

Phone: 901.678.3685
Email: graduateadmissions@memphis.edu 

For questions regarding admission requirements, please contact the College of Professional & Liberal Studies Graduate Programs: cplsgrad@memphis.edu 

Only after your application is completed and all required documents are submitted will a final decision be made on the application. Please note that the Graduate School will notify applicants once a decision has been reached.