• Description of Program
• Degree Requirements
• Special Opportunities
• Careers

Description of Program

Founded in the traditional disciplines of kinesiology (biomechanics, work physiology, and motor control), ergonomics defines human performance and provides methods to evaluate human physical and mental capabilities in the workplace. An ergonomist uses analytic tools to make recommendations that improve the overlap between a worker's capability and task demands.

Degree Requirements

A minimum of 38 credit hours is required for the ergonomics program.  The Master of Science in Kinesiology degree must include a minimum of 20 credits from the Department of Kinesiology.  A minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. A minimum grade of C– is required in each course. All electives for completing the degree must be approved by the advisor.

Core (6 cr.)
Complete each of the following courses:

• HPER-K 598 Ergonomics (3 cr.)
• HPER-K 599 Cognitive Ergonomics (3 cr.)

Cognate Area (6 credits)
Select one sub discipline and two courses from this sub discipline to form a cognate area. Course work in this area must be selected in consultation with the student's major professor.
Motor Control

• HPER-K 541 Nature and Basis of Motor Skill (3 cr.)
• HPER-K 542 Neuromuscular Control of Movement (3 cr.)
• HPER-K 543 Cortical Control of Human Movement (3 cr.)
• HPER-K 594 Human Error (3 cr.)

Biomechanics

• HPER-K 530 Mechanical Analysis of Human Performance (3 cr.)
• HPER-K 531 Measurement and Analysis of Physiological Signals-EMG (3 cr.)
• HPER-K 532 Clinical Biomechanics — Gait (3 cr.)
• HPER-K 630 Biomechanics of Human Performance (3 cr.)

Exercise Physiology

• HPER-K 500 Special Topics in Kinesiology: Topic: Physical Activity and Health (3 cr.)
• HPER-K 500 Special Topics in Kinesiology: Topic: Administration of Fitness Programs (3 cr.)
• HPER-K 535 Physiological Basis of Human Performance (3 cr.)
• HPER-K 560 Exercise in Corporate Fitness and Wellness (3 cr.)
• HPER-K 562 Exercise Prescription in Health and Disease I (3 cr.)

Safety Management

• HPER-S 510 Organization and Administration of Safety Management Programs (3 cr.)
• HPER-S 552 Principles and Concepts of Workplace Safety Behavior (3 cr.)
• HPER-S 617 Seminar in Safety Education: OSHA General Industry Standards (3 cr.)

Complete each of the following research courses (6 cr.):

• HPER-K 690 Seminar in Human Performance (Ergonomics) (3 cr.)
• HPER-K 602 Independent Study and Research (3 cr.)

Complete one of the following research courses (3 cr.):

• HPER-T 591 Interpretation of Data in Health, Kinesiology and Recreation (3 cr.)
• HPER-K 597 Assessment in Ergonomics (3 cr.)

Complete the following internship course (8 cr.):

• HPER-K 607 Internship in Ergonomics (8 cr.)

Electives (9 credits)
Complete three courses from the recommended electives, or the subdisciplines above, to develop an individualized area of concentration. Course work in this area must be selected in consultation with the student's major professor.

• HPER-K 524 Exercise in Physical Activity for People with Disabilities (3 cr.)
• HPER-K 527 Adherence to Physical Activity (3 cr.)
• HPER-K 537 Advanced physiology of Exercise (3 cr.)
• HPER-K 589 Introduction to CAD in Ergonomics (3 cr.)
• HPER-K 590 Advanced Technology in Ergonomic Analysis (3 cr.)
• HPER-K 591 Participatory Ergonomics (3 cr.)
• HPER-K 592 Macro-Ergonomics: Socio‑technological Systems Design (3 cr.)
• HPER-K 593 Physical Ergonomics (3 cr.)
• HPER-K 595 Work Design (3 cr.)
• HPER-K 596 Industrial Design and Ergonomics (3 cr.)
• HPER-C 510 Organization and Administration of Public Health Programs (3 cr.)
• HPER-C 589 Models and Theories of Health Behavior (3 cr.)
• HPER-H 617 Seminar in Health Education: Health, Technology and Aging (3 cr.)
• COGS-Q 551 Brain and Cognition (3 cr.)
• EDUC-R 620 Instructional Task Analysis (3 cr.)
• EDUC-Y 604 Multivariate Analysis in Education Research (3 cr.)
• FINA-U 604 Special Topics in Studio Art: Computer Modeling (3 cr.)
• FINA-S 571 Graduate Sculpture [CAD] (3 cr.)
• FINA-S 572 Graduate Sculpture [CAD Applications] (3 cr.)
• INFO-I 543 Usability and Evaluation Methods of Interaction Design (3 cr.)
• PSY-P 503 Complex Cognitive Processes (3 cr.)
• PSY-P 504 Learning and Motivation (3 cr.)
• PSY-P 517 Methods in Direct Observation of Behavior (3 cr.)
• SLIS-L 503 User Needs and Behavior in Theory and Practice (3 cr.)
• SLIS-L 540 Foundations of Information and Architecture (3 cr.)
• SLIS-L 542 Introduction of Human Computer Interaction (3 cr.)
• SLIS-L 578 User Interface Design of Information Systems (3 cr.)
• STAT-S 681 Topics in Applied Statistics: Non Parametric Data (3 cr.)

Special Opportunities

The graduate program in ergonomics provides students unique learning experiences in both theoretical and applied ergonomics. Students have the opportunity to work in state-of-the-art laboratories and challenging field environments. Course offerings and distinguished faculty reflect the discipline's expansive interdisciplinary nature.

Careers

The graduate program in ergonomics prepares individuals to perform jobs outside the traditional areas for exercise science and health fitness. The ergonomics emphasis is excellent preparation for career opportunities with manufacturers, consulting services, the military, and medical centers requiring workplace analysis, product design, and job evaluation. Other areas in which individuals are qualified include expert witness; consulting; management of corporate ergonomic, safety, and wellness programs; accident investigation; lifestyle education; and training. Our graduates are currently employed in aerospace and automotive manufacturing, transportation, insurance, corporate consulting, military, and academic careers.