Human Factors & Ergonomics
Ergonomics (also known as Human Factors or Engineering Psychology) includes such topics as the design and evaluation of products, systems, and environments; human perception and performance; information processing; environmental stress; and safety and engineering principles. Success also requires the development of research skills and a broad knowledge of psychology.
The Human Factors and Ergonomics 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 Ergonomics program may choose to concentrate among several areas of cognitive and perceptual ergonomics 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 ergonomic courses with courses in computer science, safety, statistics and research methods, and industrial-organizational psychology. Ergonomics at NC State involves both the Department of Psychology and the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. 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 free to take courses in both departments.
Brochures
Human Factors & Ergonomics Program Brochure
The Human Factors & Ergonomics Program Brochure provides contact information, a general description of the program, lists required and elective graduate courses, and lists the faculty and their research interests.
