The purpose of the Ergonomics Training Program at the doctoral level is to provide academic, research, and practical field experiences that prepare PhD and post-doctoral trainees for career opportunities as independent researchers and consultants in ergonomics/human factors. Specifically, trainees in OEH will prepare for professional and academic careers specializing in occupational health with ergonomics as an emphasis area. Trainees in BME will prepare for careers specializing primarily in ergonomics and biomechanics. Trainees in IE will prepare for careers specializing in designing systems to facilitate safe and efficient human performance. In addition to the objectives for the master's-level program, the objectives of the program at the doctoral-level are for trainees to have 1) the ability to conduct ergonomics/human factors research at an independent level, and 2) the ability to provide ergonomic consulting at an independent level.
At the completion of the Ergonomics Training Program at the doctoral-level, graduates will have:
- completed advanced graduate courses in ergonomics/human factors and other advanced courses related to their specific discipline,
- conducted mentored laboratory research in ergonomics/human factors,
- conducted mentored field research in ergonomics/human factors, and
- provided ergonomic/human factors consultation services.
Admission Criteria
Students with only a BS degree are typically admitted to an MS thesis program first. Other students entering with a higher degree but without evidence of independent research capability (e.g. a thesis) may also be admitted to an MS thesis program to first complete the thesis requirement. Students will be admitted to the ergonomics doctoral training program if they meet their respective department's admission criteria (GPA, GRE) and other factors such as reference letters, student research interests and faculty availability.
Duration of the PhD Ergonomics Training Program
The duration of the program is approximately three to four years for PhD trainees depending on previous coursework and/or experience. In the first year of the program, doctoral trainees take the required core courses and participate in various research projects. In the second year, trainees complete coursework, and at the end of the year take Preceptorship in Occupational & Environmental Health (175:203).
At the end of the second year, doctoral trainees must pass a Comprehensive Examination, conducted by an Examining Committee. This committee consists of at least five members of the Graduate College faculty, one of which must be a member of the Ergonomics Training Program Core Faculty. Also, the committee must include a chair or co-chair, and at least three members from the trainee's primary department. Having satisfactorily completed this examination, the trainee is accepted as a PhD Candidate.
For PhD trainees, the final Examination is an oral defense of the trainee’s dissertation research, conducted by an Examining Committee (composition similar to that for the Comprehensive Examination). The PhD degree is given upon demonstration by the trainee of comprehensive knowledge and scholarly work at the highest level.
