Industrial Hygiene, M.S.

Curriculum Worksheet (opens a new window) |

Program Manager:	Dan Autenrieth
	(406) 496-4339
	Office: SE 326

Field of Study

Industrial hygienists play an important role in ensuring that the workplace is as free from hazards as possible and that the workers and the community at large are protected from potential health threats. Moreover, industrial hygienists work with management to anticipate problems that could occur and take action to prevent them before they happen. Also, industrial hygienists play an important role in shaping and implementing government policy concerning worker health and safety.

Job diversity is a major benefit to consider when choosing a career in the health/environmental sciences. A wealth of unique employment opportunities exists for industrial hygienists. Unlike many other professions, industrial hygienists are not limited to one particular type of industry. They are employed in a variety of organizations such as Public Utilities; Government; Academia; Research Laboratories; Hospitals; Insurance Companies; Consulting Firms; Oil, Chemical and Manufacturing Companies; and Mining Operations.

Graduate Admission Requirements

Applicants are admitted on a basis of acceptable undergraduate academic preparation, graduate record exam (GRE) scores and reference recommendations. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university that included as a minimum 19 credits of college-level mathematics and science, (including first semester calculus and statistics), biology (including anatomy/physiology), chemistry (including organic chemistry), and physics.

M.S. Industrial Hygiene (37 Credits)

Core Requirements (35 Credits)

OSH 421 - IH I - Chemical & Biological Hazards 3 credits ¹
OSH 422 - IH II - Physical Hazards 3 credits ¹
I.H. 5076 - Statistical Analysis 3 credits
I.H. 5136 - Industrial Hygiene Management 2 credits
I.H. 5276 - Advanced Industrial Toxicology 3 credits
I.H. 5296 - Sampling & Evaluation Of Health Hazards 3 credits ¹
I.H. 5306 - Sampling and Evaluation of Health Hazards Lab 1 cr. ¹
I.H. 5426 - Principles of Epidemiology 3 credits
I.H. 5686 - Ergonomics for Industrial Hygienists 3 credits
I.H. 5946 - I.H. Graduate Seminar 1 credit
I.H. 5996 - Thesis Research 1 - 8 credits (Variable) (6 credits required)
ENGR 5940 - Engineering Seminar 1 credit
T.C. 5160 - Graduate Writing Seminar 1 credit
I.H. 5606 - Systems Safety & Process Safety Management 3 credits ²

Note(s)

¹ Graduate students with a B.S. degree in OSH from Montana Tech have taken these courses but will be required to complete 9 elective credits to replace the 9 core credits.

²These students also have an adequate background in safety and will be required to complete an additional 3 credit elective.

Electives (2 Credits)

OSH 406 - Small Particle Technology 2 credits
OSH 407 - Small Particle Technology Laboratory 1 credit
OSH 416 - Industrial Ventilation 2 credits
OSH 424 - Environmental Health 3 credits
OSH 427 - Mining Safety 3 credits
OSH 444 - Law and Ethics for OSH 2 credits
I.H. 5156 - Occupational and Community Noise 3 credits
I.H. 5476 - Strategies For Occupational Exposure Assessment 3 credits
I.H. 5676 - Respiratory Protection 3 credits
I.H. 5626 - Radiological Health & Safety 3 credits
I.H. 5976 - Special Problems 1 - 4 credits (Variable) (3 credits required)

Examinations

Candidates for a master’s degree must present their thesis or publishable paper and pass an oral examination. The oral examination will focus on the thesis presentation or publishable paper, but may also include questions relating to the graduate study program.

Student Outcomes and PEOs

Student Outcomes

Student outcomes are statements of what each graduate of the program is expected to achieve at the time of graduation. The M.S. Industrial Hygiene curriculum is structured so each student will have obtained the knowledge, understanding and skills in all 7 student outcomes.

An ability to identify, formulate, and solve broadly defined technical or scientific problems by applying knowledge of mathematics and science and/or technical topics to areas relevant to the discipline.
An ability to formulate or design a system, process, procedure or program to meet desired needs.
An ability to develop and conduct experiments or test hypotheses, analyze and interpret data and use scientific judgment to draw conclusions.
An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
An ability to understand ethical and professional responsibilities and the impact of technical and/or scientific solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
An ability to function effectively on teams that establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, and analyze risk and uncertainty.
One year of study beyond the baccalaureate level and a project or research activity resulting in a report that demonstrates both the mastery of the subject matter and a high level of communication skills.

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 M.S. in Industrial Hygiene degree program has adopted the following three PEOs.

PEO 1. Graduates of the program will establish their IH-related careers within a few years after graduation.

PEO 2. Graduates of the program will use their education to competently apply IH-related knowledge, skills and abilities to benefit workers and employers.

PEO 3. Graduates of the program will become stewards of the profession by engaging in career development, adhering to ethical standards, and supporting their professional community.