University Programs for Ergonomics and Human Factors

The Bachelor of Occupational Health and Safety is designed to develop professional expertise in the identification and anticipation of occupational health and safety hazards in the workplace. The program has been designed to prepare professionals in occupational health and safety with applied knowledge, attitudes, skills, and initiatives in the areas of occupational hygiene, workplace rehabilitation, ergonomics, safety science and occupational health and safety management.In addition, you will have the option to select from a wide array of electives to suit your personal needs and interests. CQUniversity’s Bachelor of Occupational Health and Safety provides exposure to a wide variety of hands-on experiences, ensuring ‘work-ready’ graduates with participation in worksite visits and 140 hours of work practicum incorporated. Our strong relationships with industry bodies ensure our program is continually updated with the latest health and safety practices. On completion, you will be ready for leadership positions with the ability to facilitate, educate, problem solve, and promote health and safety in the workplace in relation to individuals, families, the community and environment.

Degrees offered:

Bachelor of Occupational Health and Safety
Graduate Diploma of Occupational Health and Safety
Master of Occupational Health and Safety
Master of Rail Safety Management
Master of Safety Science (Specialization)
Master of Safety, Health and Environment
Graduate Diploma of Rail Safety Management
Graduate Diploma of Safety Science (Specialization)
Master of Accident Investigation (Specialization)
Graduate Certificate in Safety Science
Graduate Certificate of Fatigue Risk Management

La Trobe University

This course is designed for people who wish to work at a professional level in the rapidly growing field of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) with specialist coverage of Ergonomics. It is suitable for those already working in the field who need to upgrade their qualifications to meet new OHS professional practice requirements, as well as for new entrants. Both the Masters of Ergonomics, Safety and Health and the Graduate Diploma are accredited courses by the Australian OHS Education Accreditation Board (AOHSEAB). We offer distance education to enable busy professionals to combine study with other commitments. There are no compulsory attendance requirements and study is part-time (up to a maximum of 0.5 of a full-time load). You can study the Master of Ergonomics, Safety and Health online, if you live in or outside of Australia.

Degrees offered:

Graduate Certificate in Occupational health, Safety & Ergonomics
Master of Ergonomics, Safety and Health

University of New Castle

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the occupationally induced injuries and diseases affecting each body system. Through the study of occupational disease and the occupational effects on specific organ systems (such as respiratory disease, cancer, stress, back problems), students will gain an appreciation of the OHS problems of specific groups of workers.

Occupational Health
Ergonomics
OHS Practice
Occupational Health
Hygiene & Toxicology I
Ergonomics for OHS
Occupational Safety
EOHS Management I
Occupational Hygiene & Toxicology II
Safety Technology III
OHS Practice V
Epidemiology & Environmental Health
Hygiene & Toxicology II
Research Methods in EOHS
International Perspectives on EOHS
EOHS Law
Risk Assessment & Management
Occupational Health
Occupational Hygiene & Toxicology
Occupational Safety
Ergonomics
Current Practice in Occupational Health and Safety
Safety in the Workplace
Research in Occ Health & Safety
Workplace Injury Management

Additional information

University of Queensland

This program equips graduate entry students with the theoretical knowledge, practical application and professional attributes necessary for a career in occupational health and safety. The program addresses well established industry hazards (chemical, physical, mechanical, biological and psychosocial) within the context of the core OHS disciplines – Occupational Hygiene, Ergonomics, Occupational Health, Safety Science and Risk Management. In addition students will be required to conduct industry based research.

Bachelor of Occupational Health and Safety Science (Honours)
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Bachelor of Business Management
Bachelor of Business Management (Honours)
Master of Occupational Health and Safety Science
Master of Organisational Psychology
Master of Occupational Therapy Studies

Additional information

University of South Australia

UniSA hosts a world-leading set of postgraduate coursework programs in Human Factors and Safety Management Systems. The programs draw on International research expertise and use innovative delivery mechanisms to create a benchmark in Human Factors postgraduate teaching. The programs are designed for a diverse student group including those working full time, and utilise interactive online course materials, alongside optional on-campus workshops each semester. The programs are designed to provide graduates with a wide range of advanced knowledge and skills in the area of Human Factors. Through exposure to a diverse range of perspectives and a series of applied projects within the coursework components of the programs, graduates will be equipped with the necessary skills to work as Human Factors professionals in areas such as risk management, task analysis, interface design, usability evaluation, and incident and accident investigation. The focus of the programs is the development of generic applied Human Factors and Safety Management abilities in the areas of problem identification, analysis and solution evaluation within a variety of industry contexts.

Graduate Certificate in Human Factors and Safety Management Systems
Graduate Diploma in Human Factors and Safety Management Systems
Master of Human Factors and Safety Management Systems
Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety Management
Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management
Master of Occupational Health and Safety
Bachelor of Psychological Science (Cognitive Neuroscience)

Canada

University of Toronto

The MEng program is a course-based professional program that requires the completion of 10 graduate courses, or seven courses plus a project. Students can pursue this degree either on a full-time, extended full-time or part-time basis. MEng students do not receive financial support.

Experimental Methods in Human Factors Research
Analytical Methods in Human Factors Research Engineering Psychology and Human Performance
Design of Work Places
Human-Automation Interaction
Statistical Models in Empirical Research
Human Factors in Transportation A. Smiley
Analysis and Design of Cognitive Work
Human Factors Integration

University of Waterloo

Ergonomics is the science of fitting the work environment to the people who do the work. It looks at the interaction between humans and other aspects of the work environment, and strives to match the abilities and characteristics of people with the tasks they perform. Ergonomic hazards can contribute to the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD’s), which can develop as a result of overuse of body tissues through awkward, repetitive and/or forceful movements. One of the goals of ergonomics is to design tasks to achieve optimum performance of a task while minimizing the risk of injury or discomfort. UW’s Ergonomics Program was developed to provide a resource to help staff and faculty correct ergonomic issues in their individual work areas, and through the Safety Office, provides education and ergonomic assessments upon request.

Ergonomics Option
Neurobehavioural Assessment Option
Human Nutrition Minor
Pre-Health Professions Option

Hong Kong

City University Of Hong Kong

Through the academically demanding and professionally rewarding education provided in this programme, the graduates will develop: a broad understanding of the principles and technology related to engineering and manufacturing services a fundamental understanding of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management concepts and techniques and their application in designing and managing manufacturing, engineering and other services the ability to conceptualize, analyze, synthesize and implement industrial systems and services and the ability to efficiently manage engineering services, manufacturing and other technologically oriented systems.

Work Design
Ergonomics in Workplace Design

Lingnan Univeristy

The Department is the latest establishment under the Faculty of Social Science. The primary focus of our faculty members’ research and teaching is to create understanding and to apply psychological principles to practical problems in different life domains, with research focus on Positive Occupational Health Psychology, Human-computer interactions, and Cross-cultural Psychology. The Department provides a variety of fundamental psychology courses, including social psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, personality and individual differences, etc. On top of that, we also provide advanced applied psychology, such as psychology applied to occupational safety and health, environmental psychology, stress management, positive psychology, etc. Graduates from the Department are expected to have solid understanding of the discipline of psychology and also have the competence of applying psychological knowledge in sensible ways.

Exploring Psychology in Western and Chinese Cultures
Social Psychology
Health Psychology
Personality and Individual Differences
Cognitive Psychology
Psychology of Human Performance and Technology
Counseling Psychology
Industrial and Organisational Psychology
Self-improvement, Personal and Work Success
Religious Behaviour, Belief and Experience
Human Relationship and Interpersonal Skills in Organizations
Introduction to Psychology

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Overview of Practices of Occupational Safety and Health
Occupational Safety and Hazard Management
Occupational Health, Hygiene and Ergonomics
Occupational Safety and Health Management System
Practical Training and Safety Management Project

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design

This programme is designed to respond to the increasing demand of local environmental and occupational safety and health legislation on the work environments of organizations and to the demand for graduates who have the skills necessary to work in these focused professional areas. This application-oriented programme aims to provide additional full-time training opportunities to allow Higher Diploma/Higher Certificate/Associate Degree graduates to gain a full degree qualification and to equip graduates with skills that they can further develop in careers as professionals in the areas of environmental and occupational safety and health.

Environmental and Occupational Safety and Health – BSc(Hons)

University of Hong Kong

The aim of the programme is to offer advanced postgraduate education in industrial engineering and logistics management to graduates who are holding managerial, supervisory or administrative positions in Hong Kong’s industrial and service sectors. The programme is designed to enable students to acquire state-of-the-art knowledge in operations management, logistics and supply chain management, organizational theory and behaviour, costing and finance, quality management, information technology, and other related topics. In line with Hong Kong’s economic transformation, the syllabus of the programme has been revised over the years to include a significant number of new courses relating to the new and exciting fields of logistics and supply chain management. Industrial managers are the architects for the design of “operating systems” in organizations, both private and public, that are concerned with providing value to customers. Industrial managers are also responsible for effectively managing the operations of these organizations. The complexities of modern operations have increased greatly, both in terms of breadth and depth. An industrial manager now needs to be concerned with supply chain issues in a global perspective. The management of technology and knowledge has also taken on a more significant role in the growth and profitability of an organization, and has become the most critical resources in gaining a competitive advantage. Industrial managers are amongst the most important people in an organization as they contribute to the long-term competitiveness of the organization in a tangible and direct way. While many business opportunities are presented to Hong Kong by the closer economic partnership with South China, a company can prosper only if it has the right business vision combined with the necessary competence. The emphasis of this MSc(Eng) programme is on the strategic and logistics aspects that will help organizations achieve this vision and competence.

Ergonomics — Man-Machine Systems

Portugal

Lisbon University

A degree in Ergonomics prepares for the performance of activities in the following areas:

design or redesign of products (physical / informational), services and / or production systems (optimization of working conditions)
Safety and Health at Work.

Degrees Offered

Undergraduate
Master
Doctorate

Saudi Arabia

King Saud University

This program has been designed to improve the skills of people working in the occupational health and safety area. It is prepared to equip them with the theoretical and practical skills that will help them in doing their job and protecting human and public and personal properties from being damaged by accidents. It, also, provides them with the skills necessary for curbing hazards and accidents, improving quality and efficiency and minimising loss due to accidents and injuries. The objective of the higher diploma program in occupational safety engineering is to provide private and public sectors with qualified engineers capable of handling their responsibilities and duties in the field of occupational health and safety. Achieving this objective will elevate the performance level of doing their duties and enhancing the role of occupational health and safety in the workplace.

Degrees offered:

Higher Diploma in Occupational Safety Engineering

Sweden

KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Ergonomics is defined as a cross disciplinary research and application field that from a holistic perspective deals with the interaction between humans, technology and organization in order to optimize health, wellbeing and performance in the design of products and work systems. The field includes physical ergonomics, cognitive ergonomics and work organization. Synonyms are ”Humans – Technology – Organization” and ”Human Factors”. The aim is to promote work systems that promote safety, health, wellbeing and system performance. The programme also contains planning, leadership and assessment of development projects and change projects. The program gives a basis for research studies in the field of ergonomics.

Master’s Program, Human-Computer Interaction
Master’s Program, Ergonomics and Human-Technology-Organisation
Master’s Program, Human-Computer Interaction

Linköping University The role of ergonomics in products and product development. User profile and task analyses. Qualitative and quantitative methods. The product and the context. Ergonomics (psychosocial and work organizational environment, physical workload, physical and chemical factors, man-technology system, safety-risk, laws)

Degrees offered:

Design and Product Development
- Product Ergonomics

Lund University

The teaching and research carried out at the Division of Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology (EAT) pertains to knowledge about how people interact with, influence and are influenced by their environment. This includes technological systems, other people with whom we cooperate (organizations), and our physical surroundings. The research findings are used in the design of products and environments that people come in contact with in their daily lives in the workplace, at home and in the community.

Degrees offered:

Aerosol Technology
Architecture for Engineers
Ergonomics
Human Computer Interaction
Human Machine Interaction
Management and cooperations in projects
Man-Machine System
People, Technology, Organization and Risk Management
Physical ergonomics
Universal Design
Usability Testing
Virtual Reality in Theory and Practice
Working Environment Project
Work Organization
Design for All
Humans and Indoor Environments
Humans in Extreme Environments
Usability in Product Development: Practical Test Methods in the Design Process
User Participation in Housing Planning
Using Virtual Reality
Work physiology

United Kingdom

University of Gloucestershire

In today’s workplace the importance of psychology in occupational settings is becoming increasingly recognized. Psychological theory is being applied ever more frequently in areas of staff selection and assessment, development and training, the management of organizational change, and occupational health. This program draws on the research strengths of the department to provide you with a professionally orientated academic program that supports your career aspirations. This British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited masters enables you to complete the first stage of gaining Chartered Occupational Psychologist status as well as providing a thorough knowledge of occupational psychology as an academic discipline. The program has a strong practitioner-academic focus which incorporates a substantive consultancy, business and practitioner element alongside the BPS accredited curriculum.In addition to meeting the first stage requirements of chartered status students are able to pursue the BPS recognized Certificates of Competence in Occupational Testing (A&B) alongside the masters program at no extra cost through our partner JCA Occupational Psychologists Ltd.

Degrees offered

MSc Occupational Psychology
Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Psychology
Postgraduate in Certificate

Additional Information

University of Nottingham

Human Factors and Ergonomics MSc
Human Factors PhD
Occupational Health – Psychology and Management (PhD)
Occupational Psychology MSc

Additional information

University of Wales Swansea

Website

Behavior analysis is a scientific approach to understanding and treating problems of social importance. This unique course, which is one of only three currently available in the UK, aims to teach students the basic principles of behaviour and their application in various applied and clinical settings. The Masters in Behaviour Analysis is approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (www.bacb.com) as providing coursework eligibility to sit it’s Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) examination. Applicants will have to meet additional requirements to qualify.Methods of research design, data observation, functional assessment, and empirically-based intervention and evaluation of behavioural treatment approaches are taught through a combination of lectures and practicals.

Degrees offered

M.Sc.-Behavioural Analysis

Additional Information

United States of America

Arizona State University

Design and analyze efficient manufacturing and service systems that integrate people, equipment and information. Improve automation, information control, process quality and organizational design. Apply systems modeling and analysis skills to ensure that high-quality products and services are achieved with the optimal use of resources. Specialize in the tools of industrial statistics, mathematical modeling, production logistics and enterprise information systems. Model and analyze complex problems independent of the setting.

Human factors engineers and Ergonomists

Auburn University

Auburn University’s Occupational Safety and Ergonomics program (housed in Auburn’s Industrial and Systems Engineering Department) is accredited by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society and Auburn’s program boasts one of the largest number of graduates that have been certified by the Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics. Graduates of this program are corporate ergonomists with many of the largest corporations in the country. This program has participated in a NIOSH-funded Education and Research Center (ERC) for over 30 years, and houses both an Occupational Safety and Ergonomics program and an Occupational Injury Prevention program within the ERC. The faculty in this program have received numerous significant awards in the fields of both safety and ergonomics, including the IEA/Liberty Mutual Medal in 2013. We offer a Masters in Industrial and Systems Engineering and a PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering.

Degrees offered:

Masters in Industrial and Systems Engineering
PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering

Brigham Young University

Brigham Young University (BYU) faculty, staff and students often perform job tasks that could cause ergonomic related injuries. These injuries are interchangeably called Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD’s), Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI’s), or Musculo-Skeletal Disorders (MSD’s). Most repetitive injuries could be prevented if the ergonomic principles outlined in this program are followed. These principles apply to sit-down office keyboarding as well as strenuous materials handling tasks. Departments are encouraged to utilize the information in this program to help minimize the potential for work related cumulative trauma disorders.

Degrees offered:

Ergonomics safety program

California State University – Long Beach

At the end of the program, students should have the ability to: 1. Apply knowledge of psychology to the design of jobs, information systems, consumer products, workplaces, and equipment to improve user performance, safety and comfort. 2. Apply methodologies that are used in the design of human-machine systems. 3. Design research to answer basic and applied issues in Human Factors.

MS in Psychology, Option in Human Factors

Clemson University

Human Factors Psychology, once known as Engineering Psychology, is the study of human interaction with technological systems, ranging from hand tools to nuclear power plants and complex transportation systems. This emerging discipline applies basic research to existing technological problems. The goal of Human Factors Psychology is the design of technological systems that are safe, productive, comfortable, and error-free. This is achieved by studying the capabilities and limitations of humans and by applying this knowledge in the design process. The Human Factors program at Clemson University is accredited by the Human Factors and Ergonomic Society (HFES). Students in our program will benefit from research training in Clemson’s Psychology laboratories funded by state, federal and industry sources, including the Department of Defense, the National Institutes of Health, the Federal Railroad Administration, and the Microsoft Corporation.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Cornell Univeristy

Design and Environmental Analysis (DEA) combines innovative design thinking with insightful design research to understand how our daily lives are impacted by the built environment. Through multidisciplinary training in human-centered design, environmental psychology, ergonomics, and facility strategy and management, we tackle problems from a systems view – people, process and place- to create strategic, sustainable and healthy futures by design.

Masters of Art in Design
Masters of Science in Human Environment Relations (HER)
Ph.D. in Human Behavior and Design

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Human factors or ergonomics is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data, and other methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance. – Human Factors & Ergonomics Society. Embry Riddle’s Human Factors and Systems Department offers enriching academic undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students for employment or continuing education. The Human Factors and Systems faculty and staff are dedicated to the education and application of scientific principles, with an emphasis on human proficiency in aviation and aerospace operational or work environments. The Bachelor of Science in Human Factors Psychology program emphasizes ergonomics, human behavior as well as human capabilities and limitations. The Master of Science in Human Factors and Systems program has two distinct tracks: human factors and systems. The five-year accelerated Human Factors Psychology and Master of Human Factors and Systems program offers students the flexibility to pursue graduate studies while completing an undergraduate degree. Human Factors students learn fascinating interdisciplinary topics such as Psychology, Aerospace Life Sciences, Ergonomics, Human-Computer Interaction as well as many other intriguing subjects. Students become human factors specialists by specializing in the core areas of applied psychology, complex systems, research methods, and statistical analysis. Embry-Riddle Human Factors graduates are highly desired and employed by private industry and government.

Degrees offered:

Human Factors and Psychology
Master of Science in Human Factors and Systems

George Mason University

The graduate program in Human Factors and Applied Cognition (HFAC) provides instruction and research training (MA and PhD) for students wishing to pursue careers in the academic, public, and private sectors. Certificate programs in usability and human factors in transportation are also offered. Across all areas, a strong emphasis is placed on students developing a good understanding of cognitive theory, acquiring advanced methodological and statistical skills, and learning how to apply these tools to real-world human factors problems. Human Factors Human factors involves the design of technologies and work environments to be compatible with human capabilities and limitations. The graduate program in Human Factors and Applied Cognition (HFAC) provides research training in developing theories of human cognitive functions and identifying their applications to the design of systems that are safe, efficient, and pleasing to work with.Currently, HFAC program faculty and students are directing their research and development efforts towards a number of different work domains. These include aviation and air traffic control, surface transportation, usability, supervisory control of unmanned vehicles, healthcare, military systems, and robotics. The equipment and facilities available for carrying out this work including desktop and laptop computers for behavioral testing, driving, flight, and unmanned vehicle simulators, eye trackers, physical robots, and a variety of auditory, visual, and tactile displays. The HFAC program also provides opportunities for students to gain valuable practical experience through a variety of means. These include placing students in internships with local area institutions—in industry or government— involved in human factors research and development, involving students in industry-sponsored projects, and providing access to the many human factors professionals in the greater Washington DC area. Applied Cognition Applied cognition involves the study of the characteristics of basic human perception and cognitive processes relevant to human performance at work. The graduate program in Human Factors and Applied Cognition (HFAC) provides research training in understanding and developing theories of human cognitive functions. The methods used in this research include behavioral performance testing, eye tracking, and computational modeling. Neural measures can also be used in the study of cognitive processing. Currently, HFAC program faculty and students are conducting research in a number of different areas of human cognition. These include attention, auditory cognition, cognitive aging, creativity, interruptions and multitasking, memory, social cognition, and vigilance. The equipment and facilities available for carrying out this work including desktop and laptop computers for behavioral testing, eye trackers, and software for computational modeling. Neuroergonomics Neuroergonomics is the study of the human brain in relation to performance at work, transportation, and other everyday settings. Neuroergonomics has two major goals: (1) To advance understanding of human brain function in relation to mental and physical processes and performance in real-world tasks; and (2) To use existing and emerging knowledge of human performance and brain function to design technologies, systems, and environments for safe, efficient, and enjoyable work. The graduate program in Human Factors and Applied Cognition (HFAC) is one of the few in the country that provides training in this new area of research. Currently, HFAC program faculty and students are conducting neuroergonomic research in a number of areas. These include: (1) evaluating cognitive workload and executive function using brain potentials and cerebral hemodynamics; (2) monitoring and mitigating vigilance decrement using cerebral hemodynamics; (3) examining the influence of cognitive training on skill acquisition, transfer, and brain function (using MRI) in both young and older adults; and (4) investigating acceleration of skill acquisition in complex tasks using non-invasive brain stimulation. In addition, neuroergonomic researchers are also using molecular genetic methods to examine individual differences in performance in complex cognitive tasks. The equipment and facilities available for carrying out this research includes structural and functional MRI, electroencephalography (EEG) and event-related potentials (ERPs), transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD), near infrared spectroscopy, transcranial Direct Current stimulation (tDCS), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Neuroergonomic research in the HFAC program is associated with the Center of Excellence in Neuroergonomics, Technology, and Cognition (CENTEC). This Center was started in 2010 (Raja Parasuraman, Director) with funding from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR). The major goal of the CENTEC is to help support the US Air Force mission of enhanced human effectiveness in air, space, and cyberspace operations. To ensure sustained progress in this emerging scientific field, another goal of the Center is to train graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in advanced areas of research in neuroergonomics.

Degrees offered:

PhD in Psychology Concentration in Human Factors/Applied Cognition
MA in Psychology Concentration in Human Factors/Applied Cognition
Graduate Certificate in Usability
Graduate Certificate in Aviation Psychology

Georgia Institute of Technology

The School of Psychology offers a number of certificate programs that provide similar opportunities for students to develop their expertise and acquire skills or information in specific areas, in addition to their major area.

Degrees offered:

Certificate in Biopsychology
Certificate in Cognitive Psychology
Certificate in Engineering Psychology
Certificate in Experimental Psychology
Certificate in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Certificate in Social/Personality Psychology

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This course is designed to provide both undergraduate and graduate students with a fundamental understanding of human factors that must be taken into account in the design and engineering of complex aviation and space systems. The primary focus is the derivation of human engineering design criteria from sensory, motor, and cognitive sources to include principles of displays, controls and ergonomics, manual control, the nature of human error, basic experimental design, and human-computer interact

Human Factors Engineering
Principles of Autonomy and Decision Making

Michigan Technological University

The Department of Cognitive and Learning Sciences at Michigan Tech offers MS and PhD degrees in Applied Cognitive Science and Human Factors. This research-intensive program unites the expertise of multiple disciplines toward optimizing performance, health, and safety at the interface of humans and technology. Participating scholars include both human experts and built-systems experts, including psychologists, engineers, computer scientists, and usability specialists.

Cognitive engineering and decision making;
Individual differences in human performance;
Physical ergonomics;
Human-centered design; and
Educational technology.

Mississippi State University

Humans and Interfaces What began as research into driver response has expanded over the years to a multidisciplinary research effort looking into physical and cognitive aspects of human performance in health, safety, and ergonomics. This multidisciplinary study enlists the expertise of researchers in the fields of human factors, ergonomics, cognitive science, kinesiology, physiology, biomedical engineering, virtual environments, and digital human modeling.

Human Factors Research Brochure
Human-Robot Interaction
Driver Behavior and Performance
Augmented and Virtual Reality
Sports Performance
Occupational Ergonomics
Law Enforcement

North Carolina A&T State University

The BSISE Program Objectives are established by the faculty of the industrial and systems engineering department. In determining these objectives, the stakeholders of the BSISE Program are consulted at least once every three years. Furthermore, the objectives are verified for consistency with the mission, goals and objectives of the University and the College of Engineering. The objectives of the BSISE Program are to produce graduates who:

Apply technical and business skills based on industrial and systems engineering principles for a variety of employers in the manufacturing and service industries.
Apply information technology tools and systems engineering methods.
Lead and function in interdisciplinary, culturally and/or globally diverse teams.
Contribute to their communities, the profession of industrial and systems engineering, and the University.
Engage in lifelong learning, including the pursuit of graduate studies.

Degrees offered:

Industrial and Systems Engineering – Bachelor of Science
- Ergonomics
- Cognitive Human Factors Engineering

North Carolina State University

Human Factors and Applied Cognition (also known as Engineering Psychology) includes the design and evaluation of products, systems, and environments; human perception and performance; information processing, attention, and cognitive modeling; environmental stress; and safety and engineering principles. This field requires the development of research skills and a broad knowledge of psychology. The Human Factors and Applied Cognition program emphasizes close contact between faculty and students, with an emphasis on research training gained via apprenticeship relationships. There are usually about 25 students in the program. Many faculty members are drawn from various disciplinary areas and other departmental programs. Students in the Human Factors and Applied Cognition program may choose from several cognitive and perceptual concentrations for their MS/PhD degrees. At NC State, the Department of Psychology has adopted a scientist-practitioner model of graduate education. The program emphasizes the application of fundamental and applied research to the solution of practical problems. Many students supplement human factors and cognitive courses with courses in computer science, safety, statistics, research methods, and industrial-organizational psychology. Human Factors and Applied Cognition at NC State involves both the Department of Psychology and the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE). Courses in the ISE Department generally emphasize the engineering side of Human Factors, as well as topics such as biomechanics. Psychology students in the program are encouraged to take courses in both departments.

Lifespan Developmental Psychology
Human Factors & Applied Cognition
Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Psychology in the Public Interest
School Psychology

Ohio State University

The Institute for Ergonomics provides several types of training programs to fit the needs of our clients. Lectures are integrated with examples, case studies from our consulting services, hands-on demonstrations, and class workshops. Class sizes are kept low to encourage participation. Topics covered typically include:

The importance of understanding body size differences (anthropometry)
Structure and muscle function of the back, hand/wrist, shoulder, and neck
Basic biomechanical principles and how they apply to the major joints in the body
The use of several state-of-the-art ergonomics assessment tools
Principles of office ergonomics
Cognitive ergonomics issues
How psychosocial and work organization factors impact employee health
How to set up and maintain an effective ergonomics process

Ergonomics Awareness and Process Training for Upper Management
Awareness Training of Basic Ergonomics Concepts for Hourly Employees
Bi-Annual Ergonomics Short Courses
In-depth Ergonomics Training

Old Dominion University

The Ph.D. program in human factors at ODU follows the scientist-practitioner model, emphasizing psychological theory and behavioral science.ODU faculty members understand the fundamental and ancillary areas of human factors, and they are well versed in statistics and research methodology.At ODU, you’ll gain an appreciation of the broader organizational context for practicing human factors, and you will receive valuable practical experience.We encourage students to make innovative and professional contributions to the field. Our performance expectations and standards are high; however, faculty members are committed to your success.The learning environment is open, nurturing, and cooperative, and students are encouraged to be active partners in the learning process.

Ph.D. Human Factors Psychology

Pennsylvania State University

The study of human factors engineering and ergonomics (HFEE) is generally considered to have its origins during World War II. Over the ensuing decades, it has grown to encompass virtually every industry, including product design and development and design engineering. With rapid advances in science and technology, the discipline is becoming more important as employers and employees take a more proactive role to prevent workplace injuries, reduce health care costs, and optimize the interaction between people and systems to enhance safety, performance, usability, and satisfaction.

Degree offered:

Graduate Certificate in Human Factors Engineering and Ergonomics

Purdue University

The School of Industrial Engineering offers graduate instruction leading to the degrees of Master of Science in Industrial Engineering (M.S.I.E.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). In order to earn the M.S.I.E. degree, the student must be a graduate of an engineering curriculum. Students who received their previous degree(s) from an institution in the United States must have graduated from an ABET accredited curriculum. Graduates from non-engineering curricula obtain the M.S. degree.

Masters in Industrial Engineering

San Jose State University

The program’s outcomes are expected to provide a firm foundation that enables graduates to achieve the above program objectives. The Human Factors/Ergonomics Program is designed to produce industrial and systems engineering graduates who:

Have an ability to apply knowledge of the sciences of human factors and workplace ergonomics.
Have an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data.
Have an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet accepted human factors and workplace ergonomics standards within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety,manufacturability, and sustainability.
Have an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams.
Have an ability to identify, formulate and solve human factors and workplace ergonomics problems.
Have an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
Have an ability to communicate effectively.
Have the broad education necessary to understand the impact of human factors and workplace ergonomics solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context.
Have a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, life-long learning.
Have the knowledge of contemporary issues.
Have an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern human factors and workplace ergonomics tools necessary for industrial and systems engineering practice.

M.S. Human Factors/Ergonomics

SUNY Buffalo

Human factors focuses on the application of the sciences of engineering, physiology, psychology, and computer science to the design of working and living environments with explicit consideration of the physical and mental characteristics of users. This entails human-computer interaction, mathematical modeling of visual search and decision processes in human inspection, human reliability and industrial safety, workplace design, cognitive engineering, operator training, productivity improvement in manufacturing systems, manual process control, and biomechanics. Students are typically drawn from various fields in engineering, as well as from the behavioral and health sciences. The Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University at Buffalo has a long history of quality education and research in the area of human factors. It has always seen its role as integrating human factors into the broader context of designing effective work systems. UB’s program is one of the few human factors graduate programs offered within an engineering school to be accredited by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society. Sponsored human factors engineering research is funded by such agencies as the U.S. Air Force, the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Science Foundation, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the National Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research, and the National Institutes of Health, as well as national and local corporations. Our research domains extend from aviation to manufacturing and the service industries. Our interdisciplinary work not only solves applied problems, but also enriches our research base.We have an active student body, as evidenced by our award-winning student chapter of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society. Graduating students regularly take human factors positions in academic institutions, federal laboratories, and national corporations.

MS Human Factors

Texas Tech University

Human Factors is that field which is involved in conducting research regarding human psychological, social, physical, and biological characteristics, maintaining the information obtained from that research, and working to apply that information with respect to the design, operation, or use of products or systems for optimizing human performance, health, safety, and/or habitability (Stramler, 1993). Human Factors is concerned with the application of what we know about people, their abilities, characteristics, and limitations to the design of equipment they use, environments in which they function, and jobs they perform (Human Factors & Ergonomics Society). Human Factors is a body of knowledge about human abilities, human limitations, and other human characteristics that are relevant to design. Human factors engineering is the application of human factors information to the design of tools, machines, systems, tasks, jobs, and environments for safe, comfortable, and effective human use (Chapanis, 1991).

The Human Factors Psychology Program at Texas Tech University is fully accredited by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.The objective of the program is to prepare students for employment in academia, government and industry settings. We believe that this requires a solid research background. Research is the foundation of human factors. Thus, we emphasize research training. Students who enroll in our program are expected to engage in research continuously, publish articles, and attend and present research at conferences. Preparation includes methodological, statistical, and technical skills, knowledge of the basic and applied literature, and assimilation into the professional community. As a consequence of this training 100% of our graduates have secured employment, with typical graduates receiving multiple job offers. Our students have won a variety of awards, and our faculty serve on editorial boards, and national panels and committees.The HF Program is committed to the integration of basic and applied research. Thus, students are trained in the fundamental processes of human behavior, quantitative methods, and multidisciplinary topics. Students take courses in psychology, experimental methods and statistics, human factors, and industrial engineering (ergonomics). They gain experience applying fundamental methods and knowledge in experimental psychology to applied problems. Hands-on research experience is considered of fundamental importance and students are engaged in research continuously during their enrollment. Research opportunities are diverse and can include collaborations with faculty in other departments as well as in other specializations within experimental psychology. Faculty and students interact with colleagues in departments such as Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Education, Health/Physical Education/Recreation, Industrial Engineering, and the Health Sciences Center.

Degree offered:

Experimental Psychology: Human Factors Psychology

Tufts University

Human Factors is also referred to as Engineering Psychology or Ergonomics. This is a rapidly growing field with wide engineering and non-engineering applications. The program offers specialized courses, training, and research opportunities in the human-centered aspects of engineering activities such as: medical devices and systems design, product design, computer-interface design, ergonomics, and workplace safety. Applicants are admitted to this program on the basis of their educational qualifications. It is expected that applicants to the Human Factors program will have an acceptable BS in engineering or science. Relevant course work and research experience may be considered for non-engineering students. It is strongly recommended that the prospective student identify and contact the potential thesis advisor before applying to the program. For further details please contact the acting program director, Professor Daniel Hannon. The Department also requires all applicants to submit their recent General Record Examination (GRE) scores. More detailed descriptions of all application requirements are provided in the Graduate School Handbook. Teaching assistantships (TA) and research assistantships (RA) are available on a competitive basis to full-time MS students. The maximum amount of time that an MS student can receive a stipend as a TA is two academic years (4 semesters). The maximum duration of an RA is two calendar years (4 semesters + 2 summers).

Degree offered:

Master of Science in Human Factors

University of Central Florida

Together, the Graduate Student Handbook and your graduate program handbook should serve as your main guide throughout your graduate career. The Graduate Student Handbook includes university information, policies, requirements and guidance for all graduate students. Your program handbook describes the details about graduate study and requirements in your specific program. While both of these handbooks are wonderful resources, know that you are always welcome to talk with faculty and staff in your program and in the Graduate College. For students who enter with a baccalaureate degree, the program requires 81 semester hours minimum. Students who enter with a master’s degree will be granted up to 30 hours of transfer credit with approval of the program faculty, and will also be required to complete a minimum of 60 semester hours at UCF.

Master of Arts in Applied Experimental and Human Factors Psychology

This is a non-terminal master’s degree available only to students in the AEHF Psychology Doctoral track. Students enrolled in the Applied Experimental and Human Factors (AEHF) Doctoral track may elect to earn a Master of Arts in AEHF Psychology in route to their doctorate.The MA in AEHF Psychology requires a total of 66 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree, as well as successful completion of the candidacy examination that qualifies the student for candidacy status within the AEHF Psychology PhD program. Note:The Psychology – AEHF MA en Route cannot be pursued if a master’s in psychology or master’s in modeling and simulation has already been awarded.

Degree offered:

Applied Experimental and Human Factors Psychology PhD

University of Iowa

The Industrial Engineering (IE) undergraduate program within the College of Engineering at the University of Iowa emphasizes both a broad education in industrial engineering fundamentals and the opportunity for in-depth learning in an elective focus area. The following links provide important information for students who are enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in the Industrial Engineering degree program.

Degree offered:

Industrial engineering Undergraduate program

University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has established a Master of Science Program in Human Factors. This program involves a broad and diverse group of faculty and students based in academic units including the Institute of Aviation’s Human Factors Division, the Departments of Psychology, Department of Industrial and Enterprise Systems Engineering, Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Computer Science, and the Human-Computer Intelligent Interaction Group at the Beckman Institute. The program focuses on a wide variety of cognitive human factors issues within both aviation and non-aviation systems.

Degree offered:

Master of Science Program in Human Factors

University of Miami

The objective of the program is to prepare engineers and occupational safety and health specialists to meet the changing demands of industry, government, and service organizations, such as insurance and utility industries.
The curriculum is designed to meet both the immediate and long-term needs of these organizations in the areas of workplace and job design, safety, and accident prevention.
A unique feature of the training program is the emphasis on the holistic approach for injury and disability prevention.
The holistic approach involves primary prevention, application of ergonomic and safety principles to job and workplace design, secondary prevention, rehabilitation, functional restoration and quick return to gainful employment, and tertiary prevention, re-engineering of the work environment to deter re-injuries and match the workers? residual abilities.

Degree offered:

Master of Science in Occupational Ergonomics and Safety
PhD in Ergonomics and Human Factors

University of Michigan

See The Center for Ergonomics website for complete details

University of Oklahoma

Human factors research programs deal with the evaluation of human performance in applied environments, including air traffic control, aeronautics, military deployments, and aging and disabled populations, with emphases on cognitive performance assessment and human computer interaction. Other areas of interest include biomechanics, work physiology, information systems design, product design, and work place design. Research has recently examined air traffic control displays, manipulation of multiple devices, and evaluation of computer-based testing systems.

CENTERS AND LABORATORIES

The Cognitive Assessment and System Engineering Laboratory conducts research on the design and assessment of interfaces, information technology products, and complex human-machine systems based on human information processing capabilities and limitations. On-going research projects include information complexity analysis of Air Traffic Control (ATC) displays, usability evaluation of mobile device displays, and E-Commerce websites studies. This lab also serves as a teaching lab and a data collection facility for human performance data. This lab is located in Carson Engineering Center, Room 29.

The Intelligent Transportation Systems Laboratory features a STISIM Drive M100 interactive driving simulator. Researchers in the School of Industrial Engineering and the School of Electrical & Computer Engineering are using the simulator to develop and test infrastructure-based collision prevention systems for intersections. The simulator includes a display with 45-degree field-of-view, Logitech game-type driving controls, and customizable simulation software. Users can program common driving scenarios using the STISIM Drive software or can write their own Visual Basic programs for custom applications, such as testing novel warning devices. This lab is located in Carson Engineering Center, Room 26.

Industrial & Systems Engineering Research

University of South Dakota

The Human Factors Training Program in USD’s Department of Psychology offers graduate training leading the the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees with specialization in the broad area of Human Factors Psychology. The primary mission of this program is to train Ph.D. level professionals competent to conduct and administer applied psychological research and to serve as human factors/ergonomics specialists for government, industry and the academic community.

Degree offered:

M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Human Factors

University of Utah

This certificate offers a structured framework in which students can receive training in Human Factors through a prescribed course of study. The Certificate will complement existing fields of study such as Psychology, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, Computer Science, Nursing, etc. Students in these fields of study can expand their marketability in relation to their career goals with a Certificate in Human Factors.

Degree offered:

Human Factor certificate

University of Virginia

Human Factors – Human Factors investigates the cognitive and physical capabilities of humans at work. By developing mathematical and statistical models, methods, and algorithms, we analyze both individual and team behavior at different levels of abstraction in order to quantify and predict human performance. We also develop methods and tools to study human performance in the laboratory and in the field. The results inform the design and construction of user interfaces, physical equipment, and training interventions. Research and industrial applications include:
– tomahawk missile control displays for the US Navy,
– team communication and coordination studies in surgery and pediatrics,
– medical simulator design and construction for training physicians at UVa,
– eye-tracking interventions to aid the disabled,
– computational models of the neural basis of touch for neural prosthetics,
– synthetic vision displays,
– radar displays of weather data for emergency managers and the weather forecasters.

Degree offered:

Research in Human Factors

University of Wisconsin Madison

Ergonomics is the study of the principles of work. Ergonomists are concerned with the complex physical relationships between people, machines, job demands and work methods. A prime emphasis is on preventing musculoskeletal injuries in the workplace. These injuries create significant cost to industry in the form of medical bills, worker’s compensation, reduced productivity and lost time. Prevention of injuries is accomplished by understanding biomechanics and the physiology of work, and through the use of biomechanical models, laboratory simulations, field studies and job analyses.Ergonomists also consider human reliability, psychomotor capabilities and human characteristics in equipment design, work quality and assessment of skill. An important aspect of equipment design is human-computer interaction. Human factors engineers are also concerned about providing people with physical and mental impairments access to the workplace through technology and rehabilitation engineering. Engineers concerned with human performance often work in diverse areas including space robotics, aviation systems, rescue operations and manufacturing.

Occupational Safety and Health

Occupational safety and health engineers study accident causation, epidemiology, statistical modeling of injuries, analysis of health records, injury prevention, and legal aspects of occupational safety. They are concerned with environmental factors such as noise, vibration, illumination, radiation and temperature. These engineers work in manufacturing, utilities, chemical processing industries, healthcare industry, construction industry, and government. Occupational and environmental safety and health engineers are trained in public health, epidemiology, statistics and engineering science. The demand for engineers who can combine a concern for the human component with traditional engineering principles is great. Some examples of work performed by human factors engineers include:

Designing work systems, processes and workstations that prevent injuries and cumulative trauma disorders.
Designing human-computer interfaces that are logical and user friendly, and reducing operator errors.
Managing the implementation of major technological and/or organizational change.
Motivating people to work safely.
Devising jobs that are satisfying and minimize mental stress.
Designing manufacturing systems that maximize quality and productivity while taking human limitations into account.

Degree offered:

MSIE, Human Factors and Ergonomics specialization
PhD, Human Factors and Ergonomics specialization

Virginia Tech

Human Factors Engineering and Ergonomics (HFEE) is concerned with ways of designing jobs, machines, operations, and work environments so they are compatible with human capacities and limitations. The HFEE practitioner is called upon both to apply existing human performance knowledge to the design or modification of equipment and also to generate new experimental data required for design.

The M.S. degree in the HFEE option emphasizes both methodology and content areas. Foundation coursework includes a detailed study of existing research, design, and evaluation methods that are appropriate to human factors engineering and ergonomics. Additionally, content courses include sensory ergonomics dealing with sensory capabilities and limitations of humans, physical ergonomics dealing with biomechanics and work physiology, cognitive ergonomics dealing with human information processing, and macroergonomics dealing with group processes. This course work is supplemented by supporting courses in a variety of human factors engineering and ergonomic application areas including auditory communication, computer displays, industrial safety, training, and transportation systems. Emphasis is placed upon specific content area courses, and elective courses in the student’s area of interest. Those students pursuing a thesis conduct research under the direct guidance of an HFEE faculty member. Each human factors engineering and ergonomics M.S. Advisory Committee must have at least two current HFEE full-time instructional faculty, and the chairperson or co-chairperson must be a current HFEE full-time instructional faculty. The remaining members of the Advisory Committee may be teaching members of the human factors and ergonomics faculty or may be from other options in Industrial and Systems Engineering, other types of positions, other departments, or from other organizations providing they meet graduate school requirements for eligibility. Every student should be able to demonstrate basic computer proficiency. Students who have previously taken courses equivalent to those indicated below may be exempt from such requirements as determined on a course-by-course basis. Students petition for substitution of these equivalent courses in their Program of Study. This petition must be approved by the Virginia Tech instructor for the course(s) in question, the HFEE Option Area Coordinator, and the ISE Graduate Program Director. ISE 3614 (pass/fail), or an equivalent course taken previously, is an HFEE graduate program requirement that must be satisfied no later than the end of a student’s first fall semester.

Degree offered:

MS Human Factors Engineering and Ergonomics

Wichita State University

Human factors psychologists study human capabilities and limitations and apply that knowledge to systems and environments to enhance human performance. The field strives to make it easier and safer for people to use technology and equipment in their everyday life to improve home and work environments.

WSU’s Human Factors program is accredited by the Human Factors and Ergonomic Society and provides a strong foundation in research design and methodology within the wider context of basic and applied experimental psychology. We believe that the best way to prepare human factors psychologists for the applied environment is to provide general training in experimental psychology as well as specific experience conducting research on specialized topics.

Human Factors Ph.D. Program

Wright State University

Human factors psychology is an interdisciplinary field which discovers and applies information about human behavior, abilities, limitations, and other characteristics to the design and evaluation of products, systems, jobs, tools, and environments for enhancing productive, safe, and comfortable human use. Psychologists in human factors apply their knowledge of human perceptual and cognitive processes to improve system performance and develop more effective human-machine interfaces. The focus of Human Factors is on the person as the central component of human-product-environment systems. Human Factors is not clinical, counseling or personnel psychology. Emphasis is not placed on individuals and their psychological problems. Human Factors (also known as human factors psychology, ergonomics, or human engineering) emerged during World War II. Many new and complicated weapons were ineffective because they exceeded the capacities of their human operators. From this research came studies of human performance, information presentation, control actions, workspace arrangement, and user skills. Designers began to realize the importance of incorporating the characteristics of the “user” into their designs.Since the 1960’s, Human Factors research and development has spread throughout many diverse fields, including: space systems; commercial, medical and office settings; consumer products; entertainment; education; and computer and information systems.

MS in Human Factors