Ergonomics is the study of minimizing hazards and maximizing the efficiency of a person's work environment. The scope of this system can be a limited as a carpenter and a hammer or as complex as control system of a nuclear power plant. Involving components of biomechanics and engineering, students who choose this track, gain the opportunity to work closely with the Mechanical Engineering department in addition to gaining valuable experience in Occupational and Environmental Health.
Andrew Merryweather, PhD
Director of Ergonomics and Safety Program
Email: a.merryweather@utah.edu
The Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health offers two distinct routes to training in Ergonomics. Both culminate in receiving a graduate degree; however, the specific route determines the level of training and coursework received. The first being the Master of Science directly through Mechanical Engineering department and the second being the Master of Science through the Occupational and Environmental Health department.
Both options offer multi-disciplinary components integrated with engineering, occupational injury prevention, industrial hygiene, and occupational medicine. However, students who opt for the MSOH with the Ergonomics emphasis, gain specific skills for work that can be applied in various industries ranging from manufacturing to healthcare and biotechnology.
The Master of Science in Occupational Health (MSOH) with the Ergonomics emphasis is considered a non-engineering degree program. For the option related to the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering please visit the following link: Ergonomics and Safety
The MSOH with an emphasis in Occupational Safety degree is intended to be completed in two years of full-time study and requires a research-based master’s thesis or non-thesis project.
A complete list of course requirements and degree competencies for the MSOH with the ERGO emphasis can be found within our departmental handbook listed here: OEH Handbook