DRAFT - Engineering Psychology Major - Standard - SO

Engineering Psychology Major

Engineering Psychology

Major

The Engineering Psychology major at West Point combines psychology and engineering principles to design systems that optimize human performance and decision-making in complex environments. Cadets gain expertise in human factors, cognitive science, and technology integration to enhance safety, efficiency, and mission success.

Offered by the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership (BSL).

Engineering Psychology: Where Human Performance Meets Mission Success

Engineering Psychology at West Point blends psychology and engineering to design systems that maximize human effectiveness in complex, high-stakes environments. By understanding how people interact with technology, cadets learn to create solutions that enhance decision-making, safety, and operational performance—skills that translate directly into leadership and innovation.

The West Point Advantage

At the United States Military Academy, Engineering Psychology is more than theory. It’s a mission-critical discipline. 

You’ll gain expertise in human factors, cognitive science, and system design while developing leadership and ethical decision-making skills. This program combines rigorous academics with practical application, preparing you to optimize human-machine integration in military and civilian contexts.

Integrated military focus

  • Design tools, interfaces, and environments that reduce errors and improve efficiency.
  • Apply human factors to minimize risk in high-pressure operations.
  • Create systems that work under extreme conditions and evolving threats.

Hands-on research

  • Conduct experiments on perception, cognition, and ergonomics in operational settings.
  • Use advanced modeling tools to evaluate system usability and effectiveness.
  • Analyze performance metrics to inform design improvements for Army systems.

Ethics and innovation

  • Balance innovation with ethical considerations for safety and well-being.
  • Ensure technology enhances - not compromises - human decision-making.
  • Document and validate solutions for transparency and trust.

Mentorship that matters

  • Learn from expert faculty and Army leaders with experience in human-systems integration.
  • Build lasting mentor relationships that guide your academic journey and career progression.
  • Leadership by example: Grow as a leader of character who inspires trust and delivers results.

The Foundation to Solve Tomorrow’s Challenges

Human factors in military systems

  • Design cockpits, control panels, and wearable tech for optimal usability.
  • Improve interface design for command-and-control systems under stress.

Cognitive engineering and decision support

  • Develop tools that enhance situational awareness and reduce cognitive overload.
  • Create decision aids for complex, time-sensitive missions.

Training and simulation

  • Design immersive training environments that accelerate skill acquisition.
  • Apply psychological principles to improve learning and retention in high-pressure contexts.

Cybersecurity and human behavior

  • Study human vulnerabilities in cyber operations and design secure systems.
  • Integrate behavioral insights into cyber defense strategies.

Operational planning with human-centered design

  • Advise commanders on human performance limitations and system usability.
  • Incorporate ergonomic and cognitive data into mission planning for efficiency and safety.

Information for Future Cadets

Resources for Current Cadets

Engineering Psychology: Human Factors Drive Mission Success

Engineering Psychology at West Point is more than a degree. It’s a strategic advantage. This program prepares future leaders to design systems, environments, and technologies that optimize human performance in complex, high-stakes military operations. 

What makes this major unique? It’s the fusion of behavioral science and engineering with West Point’s unmatched leadership training. You’ll learn from distinguished military and civilian faculty who bring operational experience and research expertise. Every course builds not only your technical and analytical skills but also your ability to lead teams and make ethical decisions under pressure.

Core Foundation

The major begins with a strong foundation in psychology, statistics, and human factors engineering. These courses develop your understanding of perception, cognition, and system design while sharpening your problem-solving and leadership skills:

  • PL100 – General Psychology
  • PL350 – Engineering Psychology
  • PL300 – Military Leadership
  • PL361 – Experimental Psychology
  • PL366 – Sensation and Perception
  • PL377 – Cognitive Psychology

Complementary courses in math, science, and engineering ensure you’re equipped with the technical tools to analyze and improve human-system performance.

Advanced and Applied Courses

West Point’s Engineering Psychology curriculum emphasizes innovation and application. You’ll explore ergonomics, human-computer interaction, and system design through hands-on projects and research:

  • PL384 – Human Factors in System Design
  • PL385 – Ergonomics and Biomechanics
  • PL394 – Human-Computer Interaction
  • PL398 – Applied Cognitive Engineering

These courses reflect West Point’s commitment to integrating behavioral science with cutting-edge technology for military readiness.

Hands-On Learning

At USMA, learning is active and immersive. You’ll conduct usability studies, design prototypes, and apply your knowledge to real-world military challenges. Honors students can pursue:

  • PL491 & PL492 – Individual Research I & II

Whether you’re optimizing cockpit layouts or designing decision-support tools, you’ll work alongside faculty who are invested in your success and leadership development.

Electives and Specialization

Customize your academic journey with electives that align with your interests and career goals. Choose from topics such as:

  • PL394 – Human-Computer Interaction
  • PL398 – Applied Cognitive Engineering
  • PL366 – Sensation and Perception
  • PL377 – Cognitive Psychology
  • PL390 – Biological Psychology

These options allow you to specialize in areas critical to Army operations, including aviation safety, cyber defense, and human-systems integration.

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Engineering Psychology: Beyond the Classroom

At West Point, the Engineering Psychology major is more than an academic program. It’s a gateway to innovation, leadership, and operational excellence. You’ll engage in hands-on learning, applied research, and enrichment opportunities that prepare you to lead in human-systems integration, technology design, and military operations.

Internships

Gain real-world experience through internships that connect classroom knowledge to Army applications, from cockpit design to decision-support systems. These opportunities allow you to apply human factors principles in operational contexts:

Experiential and Hands-On Learning

Engineering Psychology brings theory to life through immersive labs, usability testing, and simulation environments. Whether you’re studying ergonomics or cognitive engineering, you’ll gain practical experience that builds confidence and competence:

  • Conduct usability studies on military systems and interfaces
  • Design and evaluate prototypes for human-machine integration
  • Present research at national and international conferences on human factors and military technology

Research and Facilities

While completing your degree, you’ll have opportunities to engage in applied research with the BSL or the West Point Leadershp Center for academic credit. Work alongside faculty mentors in areas like human performance optimization, interface design, and cognitive workload analysis. Facilities may include human factors labs as well as simulation and virtual reality laboratories. Contribute to innovations that enhance mission success.

Scholarships, Honors, and Recognition

Biology majors are eligible to participate in the West Point Scholars Program, which provides personalized support for competitive national scholarships, such as:

  • Rhodes Scholarship
  • Marshall Scholarship
  • Fulbright Fellowship
  • Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The West Point Technical Scholars Program (TSP) mentors and guides cadets in pursuit of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarship as they seek national and international honors for their performance. With over 240 scholarships and fellowships, the TSP has continued to fill Army ranks with innovative leaders prepared for the challenges they will face throughout their careers.

West Point also celebrates academic excellence and leadership through:

  • Honor societies:
  • Engineering Psychology honors program: Conduct independent research and graduate with distinction.
  • Departmental awards: Earn recognition for academic excellence and leadership in biology.

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