Ergonomics
Ergonomists study and apply scientific principles that affect the use of human energy, with a goal of minimizing hazards and maximizing the efficiency of work systems. The field of ergonomics combines the perspectives of health science and engineering, providing students with interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills.
Outstanding faculty from four departments of the University will contribute to your training and research in ergonomics:
- Occupational and Environmental Health
- Industrial Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Physical Therapy
In addition, the Ergonomics Training Program at the UI has an international component, with unique opportunities for internships in other countries.
Funding from the Heartland Center – we’ll help pay for your graduate degree.
All students admitted to a Heartland Center training program are automatically considered for funding.
Support may be in the form of full or partial tuition and a monthly stipend.
The Heartland Center funding is for U.S. citizens only.
Training Program Requirements
Students interested in the Ergonomics training program and in receiving the funding offered by the Heartland Center must satisfy the following requirements:
- Enrollment in one of the approved degree programs (listed below)
- Approval of the director of the Ergonomics training program
- Enrollment in the Ergonomics Training Program required courses
Approved degree programs for the Ergonomics Training Program
Department of Occupational & Environmental Health:
- MPH in Ergonomics
- MS in Occupational and Environmental Health
- PhD in Occupational and Environmental Health
Department of Engineering:
- MS and PhD in Industrial Engineering (with emphasis in ergonomics/human factors)
- MS and PhD in Biomedical Engineering (with emphasis in a/human factors)
Ergonomics Training Program required courses:
MS/MPH required courses
| OEH:4310 | Occupational Ergonomics I | 3 s.h. |
| IE:3400 | Human Factors | 3 s.h. |
| IE:3450 | Ergonomics | 3 s.h. |
| OEH:6310 | Clinical Ergonomics | 3 s.h. |
| OEH:5620 | Occupational Health | 3 s.h. |
| OEH:5010 | Occupational & Environmental Health Seminar | 1 s.h. |
| BIOS:5110 | Intro to Biostatistics (or equivalent graduate level statistics) | 3 s.h. |
| OEH:7140 | Preceptorship in Occ & Env Health (MS students only) | 3 s.h. |
| MPH:7000 | MPH Practicum (MPH students only) | 3 s.h. |
| GRAD:7270 | Principles of Scholarly Integrity | 0 s.h. |
PhD required courses (in addition to the master’s required courses)
| OEH:4310 | Occupational Ergonomics II | 3 s.h. |
| BME:5640 | Ergonomics of Occupational Injuries | 3 s.h. |
| PTRS:7812 | Biomedical Instrumentation (or equivalent graduate level instrumentation course) | 3 s.h. |
051:149 PTRS:7885 |
Graduate Biomechanics or Biomechanical Analysis in Rehabilitation |
3 s.h.
3 s.h. |
BIOS:5120 STAT:6516 |
Design & Analysis of Biomedical Studies or Design of Experiments |
3 s.h.
4 s.h. |
| OEH:5010 | Occupational & Environmental Health Seminar | 0 s.h. |
Admissions Requirements
The first step is to be admitted to one of the following degree programs:
- MPH in Ergonomics – Admission Requirements and How to Apply
- MS/PhD in Occupational and Environmental Health – Admissions Requirements and How to Apply
- MS/PhD in Biomedical Engineering – Admissions Requirements and How to Apply
- MS/PhD in Industrial Engineering – Admissions Requirements and How to Apply
Additionally, you will need the consent of the Ergonomics Program Director to enroll in this Heartland Center program.
For more information contact:
David Asa, Graduate Program Coordinator
David-asa@uiowa.edu