Industrial Hygiene Distance Learning/Professional Track, M.S.

Curriculum Worksheet (opens a new window) |

Program Manager:	Dr. Terry Spear
	(406) 496-4897
	Office: SE 325

Field of Study

The Montana Tech Industrial Hygiene Distance Learning/Professional Track graduate program provides an exceptional opportunity for advanced study in the field of occupational health. This program brings graduate education in industrial hygiene to working professionals with the overall goal of providing the technical competence to anticipate, recognize, evaluate, and control occupational health hazards. The distance M.S. degree is structured to encourage participative, collaborative, and applied problem-solving strategies to address modern day occupational health issues.

Graduate Admission Requirements

Applicants are admitted on a basis of acceptable undergraduate academic preparation, written personal statement and 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.

Applicants with a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university may alternatively demonstrate adequate math and science preparation if they hold the Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE), or Certified Health Physicist (CHP) credential, or *equivalent international professional certifications, or if they have completed an advanced degree in a science-based discipline.

Two years of safety and health-related work experience is also a requirement for admittance to this program.

*These equivalent international professional certifications must be reviewed and approved by the IH Distance Learning/Professional Track Program Coordinator on a case-by-case basis.

M.S. Industrial Hygiene Distance Learning/Professional Track (37 Credits)

Core Requirements (28 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. 5286 - Sampling & Evaluation Of Health Hazards (Distance Learning Students Only) 2 Credits ¹
I.H. 5276 - Advanced Industrial Toxicology 3 credits
I.H. 5326 - Sampling and Evaluation of Health Hazards Lab Residency (Distance Students only) 1 cr. ¹ ³
I.H. 5426 - Principles of Epidemiology 3 credits
I.H. 5686 - Ergonomics for Industrial Hygienists 3 credits
I.H. 5606 - Systems Safety & Process Safety Management 3 credits ²
I.H. 5986 - Comprehensive Written & Oral Exam 2 credits ⁴

Notes

^{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 9 core credits.}

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

^{3 Distance Learning students must complete a 5 day on-campus laboratory as part of IH 5326}

^{IH 5326 prerequisties: IH 5286}

^{IH 5286 prerequisites: OSH 421 and OSH 422}

^{4 Prior to registering for IH 5986, Comprehensive Written & Oral Examonation, all foundational credits must be completed. In addition, all MS IH coursework must be completed, or be completed concurrently with IH 5986 during the final semester of study.}

Electives (9 Credits)

I.H. 5086 - Aerosol Science 3 credits
I.H. 5156 - Occupational and Community Noise 3 credits
I.H. 5166 - Advanced Industrial Ventilation 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)
I.H. 524 - Advanced Environmental Health 3 credits

Note(s)

Students licensed as certified industrial hygienists (CIH), may waive OSH 421 , Industrial Hygiene I, and these students would be required to complete 34 credits for the online industrial hygiene degree. Students licensed as certified safety professionals (CSP), may waive I.H.5606 - Systems Safety & Process Safety Management , and these students would be required to complete 34 credits for the online industrial hygiene degree. For students licensed as both CIH and CSP, OSH 421 and I.H. 5606 may be waived, and these students would be required to complete 31 credits for the online industrial hygiene degree.

Examinations

Candidates for a master’s degree must complete a written and oral exam that is focused on student outcomes related to core curriculum requirements.

Student Outcomes and PEOs distance

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 Distance Learning/Professional Track 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. Industrial Hygiene Distance Learning/Professional Track degree program has adopted the following three PEOs.

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

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.