Human Factors Online Certificate

  • Undergraduate Certificate
  • College of Sciences
  • Department of Psychology
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Why ODU for Human Factors?

Our Human Factors certificate teaches students to create innovative, user-friendly systems by applying psychology to technical design. Whether you're developing intuitive app interfaces or improving website usability, you'll learn how human cognition, perception, and behavior shape interactions with technology.

You'll learn:

  • How cognition, perception, and behavior impact technology use.
  • Core principles of human-centered design, like predictability and consistency.
  • Practical applications of human factors in fields such as transportation, cybersecurity, and web development.
  • How to design functional, user-friendly systems to improve usability.

Taught by award-winning faculty, this certificate is ideal for students in Psychology, Computer Science, or Engineering, and professionals like web developers and UX designers. Graduates will be prepared for high-demand careers in User Experience (UX) design and usability analysis.

When you complete the certificate, you’ll have essential skills to enhance digital system usability. Whether you’re improving web interfaces or shaping user experiences, your expertise will drive innovation in human-technology interaction.

Want to learn more? Contact us!

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Shaping the Future

Are you passionate about design and problem-solving? As a Human Factors specialist, you'll be at the crossroads of psychology, engineering, and design, improving how people interact with everything from technology to everyday products. 

Human Factors is all about making systems safer, easier to use, and more efficient—and you could be the one creating those solutions. If you want to make a real impact while combining creativity and technical skills, this career could be your perfect fit.

Group of students observing a computer together

  • Prerequisites

    • Degree-seeking students will need to complete the prerequisite of Introduction to Psychology with a grade C or better. 
    • Non-degree seeking students must have junior standing (i.e., two years of post-secondary coursework) at regionally accredited institutions.
    • Students without a degree in the United States must also score 230 or better on the computer-based Test of English as a Foreign Language exam or an 80 on the iBT.

  • Required Courses

    • 12 credit hours (four courses):
      • Institutionalization of Human-Centered Computing
      • Human Factors
      • Human Cognition
      • Sensation and Perception

  • Online Learning Environment

    Access course materials online from any location. Many classes don't have a scheduled meeting time, so you can fit class into your personal schedule. The instructor may schedule assignments and exams at specific times. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

Cost & Aid

  • Calculating Cost

    In-state Virginia Residents
    $408 per credit hour*
    Out-of-State Students
    $439 per credit hour

    Active duty military students may qualify for a discounted undergraduate tuition rate.

    These tuition rates are effective Fall 2024 and subject to change. 
    * In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

    Explore ODUGlobal Cost & Aid

  • Scholarship & Aid

    Scholarship Opportunities for Online Students

    At ODUGlobal, we offer a variety of scholarships to support and empower you in achieving your academic and career goals, making quality education accessible wherever you are. 
    Learn more about our scholarships.

Careers in Human Factors

  • Careers

    Human factors can be applied to any industry and can support growth in the following careers:

    • Human factors specialist
    • User Experience (UX) specialist
    • User Interface (UI) specialist
    • Usability analyst
    • Web developer
    • Front-end developer
  • Future Outcomes

    A career in Human Factors offers a high-paying pathway and is often ranked among LinkedIn's top ten best careers. By improving the design and usability of systems, it helps make the world a better place through enhanced safety, efficiency, and user experience.

Meet Your Team

Our dedicated enrollment team will guide your transition to ODUGlobal.

Contact us if you have questions about admission requirements, transferring credits, or application deadlines.

Ready to get started?

  • How to Apply

    If you are not pursuing a bachelor's degree at ODU, you will apply as a non-degree seeking student. 

    Current ODU students should talk to their current student success director about adding this certificate to their studies.