Educational programmes in ergonomics A world-wide profile∗

∗ Portions of this paper, those dealing with the Directory and survey findings (§2), were presented at the VIIth Congress of the International Ergonomics Association in Warsaw, Poland, August 1979. With regard to the International Directory of Educational Programs in Ergonomics/Human Factors, requests should not be directed to the author, but rather to the Secretary General, International Ergonomics Association, P.O. Box 1369, Santa Monica, California 90406, U.S.A

Abstract

This paper summarizes the results of a survey conducted as part of an effort to publish an International Directory of Educational Programs in Ergonomics/Human Factors. Data from 156 programmes located in 28 countries around the world are presented in terms of departmental location, programme title, names of degrees offered, major emphases of programmes, and subjects available to students. Statistical information on the number of faculty and students, as well as on their ergonomics society involvement, is also given.

The affiliations of programmes with academic departments are quite diverse. Programme titles and areas of study emphasized also vary considerably from continent to continent. Regarding the degree level at which education is offered, many European institutions have strong undergraduate (bachelor's level) programmes, while in the United States most programmes emphasize postgraduate study leading to the doctoral degree. All told, in terms of a 1979 world-wide profile, the survey data confirm the considerable scope and hybrid character of the field of ergonomics.

Other than degree programmes, the paper also summarizes efforts in continuing education. Various purposes and modes of conduct of such efforts are contrasted, and examples of continuing education programmes in the ergonomics area from around the world are cited.

Notes

∗ Portions of this paper, those dealing with the Directory and survey findings (§2), were presented at the VIIth Congress of the International Ergonomics Association in Warsaw, Poland, August 1979. With regard to the International Directory of Educational Programs in Ergonomics/Human Factors, requests should not be directed to the author, but rather to the Secretary General, International Ergonomics Association, P.O. Box 1369, Santa Monica, California 90406, U.S.A