Courses in the MS in Ergonomics and Biomechanics, housed in NYU Langone Occupational and Industrial Orthopedic Center, begin with an emphasis on theory and concepts and progress to practical application. You are trained in sound methodological research skills and the ability to critically assess peer-reviewed research publications. Your status as either a part-time or full-time student determines the courses you take each semester.

The master’s degree is a 2-track program that requires successfully completing 28 core points and an additional 4 points based on the track you select. The tracks have been developed to make our students more marketable in the workforce. During the first semester, you choose one of the following tracks.

MS Program Track A

Track A of the MS program is geared toward students who are interested in pursuing a career in research and academia. The track requires the completion of a master’s thesis for an additional four points. You choose a research master’s thesis laboratory project or a library master’s thesis that is presented in the appropriate scientific format and is a culmination of the work you have done. Our faculty helps to highlight research methodologies commonly used in the field. The Graduate Steering Committee assigns you two faculty advisors based on your interests. One advisor serves as your master’s thesis research advisor; the second approves your final thesis.

MS Program Track B

Track B of the MS program requires the completion of four additional points of coursework plus a comprehensive exam and is geared toward students seeking a career in an applied field. You are assigned one or more research advisors with expertise related to your interests and career goals. You may choose a course within or outside of the program that addresses your specific interest, allowing you to broaden your exposure to topics related to, but not taught within, the program’s core courses. All courses must be preapproved by our faculty.

Upon choosing this track, you meet with faculty advisors to discuss your interests and long-term objectives. Based on this meeting, your advisors develop a reading list that is given to you at least four weeks before the qualifying exam. The exam consists of three essay questions based on the content of all course material and the reading list.

Course Requirements

The following are required courses for both tracks of the MS:

• EHSC-GA 2100 Independent Study: Ergonomics and Biomechanics
• EHSC-GA 2101 Biomechanics
• EHSC-GA 2111 Physical Biomechanics
• EHSC-GA 2112 Applied Biomechanics in the Analysis of Human Performance
• EHSC-GA 2121 Practicum in Ergonomics and Biomechanics
• EHSC-GA 2131 Ergonomics Issues I: Physical Factors in the Workplace
• EHSC-GA 2132 Ergonomics Issues II: Environmental Factors in the Workplace
• EHSC-GA 2323 Research Methods in Ergonomics and Biomechanics

See course descriptions for more information. You may also take other courses at NYU and the New York-New Jersey Education and Research Center, with approval from your academic advisor.

For more information, contact Shira Schecter-Weiner, PhD, PT, coordinator of the MS program, at ssw219@nyu.edu, or Ali Sheikhzadeh, PhD, director of research and education, at ali.sheikhzadeh@nyu.edu.