Resources

University of University of Iowa Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

 

PROGRAM BACKGROUND

Title of program

Human Factors/Ergonomics (Industrial Engineering; MS, PhD); Cognition and Perception (Psychology; MS, PhD)

Joint program

With Department of Psychology, Computer Science

Year human factors/ergonomics program was established

1970

Accredited by HFES?

No

Contact person for more information, including applications

Priyadarshini Pennathur, 319/335-5683, U. of Iowa, Dept. of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, 3131 Seamans Ctr., Iowa City, IA 52242-1527; http://www.engineering.uiowa.
edu/mie/faculty-staff/priyadarshini-pennathur

Catalog (free)

Office of Graduate Admissions, University of Iowa, 116 Calvin Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242
http://www.registrar.uiowa.edu/registrar/
catalog

Academic calendar

Semester

Human factors/ergonomics graduate degrees offered

MS, PhD

Goals, objectives, and emphasis of the program

Aggressive research program in human-machine systems and cognitive engineering. MS emphasis is on user interface design, supervisory control of complex systems, and modeling human-machine systems. PhD requires innovative research emphasizing creative design and thorough investigation into fundamental issues of human-machine interaction, including robotics, virtual reality, and driving simulation. Local resources include the most advanced driving simulator in the world, one of the largest teaching hospitals, and a diverse pool of research partners. PhD graduates are well prepared for a research-oriented career in industry, government, or academia. Accredited by ABET.

Number of degrees granted during last 3 years

MS 23, PhD 11

Can students attend part-time?

MS only

Are required courses offered through distance learning?

No

Are required courses offered at night?

Yes

Are required courses offered during summer?

Yes

Does the university have an HFES student chapter?

Yes

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Application deadlines

Fall: July 15 (April 15 international); spring: December 1 (October 1 international); summer: April 15 (March 1 international)

Application fees

U.S. citizens: $60; foreign students: $100


 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Minimum requirements

GPA: N/A

GRE: N/A

Other: Engineering: bachelor's in engineering, math, physical science, or computer science (or in psychology with a math background approximating an engineering degree); statistics, computer programming, and English language competency.

PhD: evidence of research capability. Psychology requires experimental psychology and statistics. 

Importance of other criteria as admission factors

Research: high

Work experience: medium

Letters: high

Interview: medium

Tuition and fees

Resident: $4,593/semester

Nonresident: $12,272/semester


 

ADMISSIONS

Number of students applying to the human factors/ergonomics program last year

N/A

Number of students accepted into the program last year

11

Number of students entering the program last year

8

Anticipated number of openings per year for the next two years

5


 

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Percentage of students in program receiving financial assistance

90%

Amount received per year

$16,575/AY plus tuition supplement

Types of assistance available

Fellowship, TA, RA, scholarship (in-state tuition with appointment)

When should students apply for financial assistance?

With application


 

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Graduate degrees offered

MS and PhD

Number of units required

MS: 30 hours of 100-level courses (incl. up to 6 hours of research) 

PhD: 72 hours (incl. dissertation research)

Exams required

MS: Oral defense of thesis 

PhD:  Comprehensive exam, oral defense of dissertation

Language requirements

None

Research required

MS: Up to 6 hours

PhD: Dissertation research

Practical experience required

None

Is there a non-thesis option?

No


 

CURRICULUM

Required courses (units)

Engineering required courses: One course in each of 3 areas: Human Factors, Operations Research, and Manufacturing. No specified requirements.

Psychology required courses: write for details

Electives (units)

Human Factors, Ergonomic Design, Human Performance in Engineering Systems, Biomechanics, Engineering Management, Human-Computer Interaction, Statistical Design and Process Analysis, Operations Research, Regression and Design, Digital Systems Simulation, and others

Number of courses outside department that are required

0

Number of courses outside department that are recommended

2

Average or typical class size in a required course

10–20


 

RESEARCH/TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES

Research and support facilities available to students in the program: 

The two full-time human factors research faculty will share 2,400 square feet of lab space in the new Engineering Building. The GROK Laboratory (G. Thomas) addresses user interface issues with complex systems. Recent projects include the robotic exploration of the Chernobyl Reactor and the development of prototype technologies for robots exploring Mars. The Operator Performance Lab (T. Schnell) examines the limits of human performance and system effectiveness. Recent projects include development of models of visual acuity and evaluation of effectiveness of raised pavement markings. 4 high-performance graphics workstations and robotics equipment. The university is also home to the National Advanced Simulator, one of the most advanced driving simulators in the world.

Teaching opportunities available to students in the program:
Students may direct undergraduate labs or supervise an entire course.

Current research activities and projects being carried out by program faculty and/or students:

Cognitive human factors, including virtual reality, scientific visualization, complex system design and control, telerobotic interface design, driving simulation, measurement of control performance, human performance modeling, visual conspicuity, medical simulation, training, visualization, ecological interface design, human-machine cooperative problem solving, and supervisory control.


STUDENT STATISTICS

Current number of active students in program, by gender

24 men, 9 women

Current number of first-year students in program

5

Based on current graduate students in the program, the
mean score on admission tests and undergraduate GPA by
degree being sought are

N/A


 

FACULTY

Tom Schnell, PhD 1998, Ohio U.; driver visual performance, driver eye scanning, color perception, legibility

Geb W. Thomas, PhD 1996, Pennsylvania State U.; interface design, distributed systems, supervisory control, automation

AFFILIATED FACULTY

K. Anstreicher, management science

T. Brown, BME
Matthew Rizzo, neurology
[Updated April 2011]