Safety, Health, and Industrial Hygiene

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Mission

The mission of the Montana Tech Safety, Health and Industrial Hygiene Department is to serve students by supplying knowledge and research opportunities that provide high quality, accessible, science and technology curricula with program educational objectives focused on preparing students for successful safety and health careers.

Degrees

The Safety, Health, & Industrial Hygiene Department offers four degree programs.  *Three are accredited by the Applied Science Accreditation Commission of ABET (http://www.abet.org) and receive funding from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

• Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health*
• Master of Science in Industrial Hygiene*
• Master of Science in Industrial Hygiene Distance Learning/Professional Track*

Information related to the two undergraduate degrees is provided below.  *For information regarding the two master’s programs, please see the Graduate School  .

Occupational Safety and Health Degree (OSH)

Montana Tech’s program in Occupational Safety and Health-known as OSH-leads to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Nearly all graduates have rewarding careers as OSH professionals working in positions aimed at helping employees perform their work safely in a workplace free from recognized hazards. Core functions for OSH professionals include developing, implementing, and evaluating health and safety programs.

Many employers visit the campus to recruit students for internships and career positions. More than half of the graduates start their career in one of three industrial sectors–construction, mining, or oil & gas. Nearly all large industrial companies and governmental agencies have OSH programs with career ladders that provide opportunities for promotions and increased salary.

The curriculum provides students a sound technical foundation with courses in mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics. Communication skills are strengthened through courses in writing and oral presentation. Of the 128 total required credit hours, 46 are in OSH. Most of these include experiences working in small groups, writing assignments, presentations, and problem solving. Students and their faculty advisor track progress using curriculum worksheet that provides a suggested course sequence for completing a B.S. in OSH degree in four years.

Program Educational Objectives

Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) are broad statements that describe what graduates are expected to attain within a few years after graduation. The B.S. in Occupational safety and Health degree program has adopted the following three PEOs.

PEO 1. Graduates of the program will develop their OSH-related careers throughout the first four years after graduating.

PEO 2. Graduates will use their education to competently provide OSH services appropriate to their employment.

PEO 3. Graduates will act professionally by engaging in career development, recognizing ethical responsibilities, supporting the profession, and being an informed and involved member of their community.

Student Outcomes

Student outcomes are statements of what each graduate of the program is expected to achieve at the time of graduation. The curriculum and the OSH course are structured so each student will have built the knowledge, understanding and skills in all 21 Student Outcomes.

At the time of graduation, graduates must:

1. Have an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and applied sciences.
2. Have an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data.
3. Have an ability to formulate or design a system, process, or program to meet desired needs.
4. Have an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams.
5. Have an ability to identify and solve applied science problems.
6. Have an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
7. Have an ability to communicate effectively.
8. Have the broad education necessary to understand the impact of occupational diseases and injuries in a global and societal context.
9. Recognize the need for and have an ability to engage in life-long learning.
10. Have knowledge of contemporary issues in occupational safety and health.
11. Have an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern scientific and technical tools necessary for professional practice.
12. Be able to anticipate, recognize, evaluate, and control hazardous conditions and work practices.
13. Be able apply business and risk management concepts.
14. Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental aspects of industrial hygiene, environmental science, and hazardous materials management.
15. Be able to demonstrate an understanding of industrial safety, fire science, and emergency management.
16. Be able to demonstrate an understanding ergonomics.
17. Be able to evaluate programs applicable to industrial safety, health, and/or environment.
18. Be able to develop employee training programs using adult learning theory and understanding of training methodology.
19. Be able to identify and apply applicable standards, regulations, and codes.
20. Be able to conduct investigations of harmful incidents, analyze causation, and identify appropriate system improvements.
21. Be able to apply principles of safety and health in a non-academic setting through an intern, cooperative, or supervised experience.

Programs

• Occupational Safety and Health, B.S.

• Occupational Safety and Health Minor

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