Industrial Hygiene, M.S.

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. 

 

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.  Establish their IH-related careers throughout the first four years after graduating.

PEO 2. Use their education to competently provide IH services appropriate to their employment.

PEO 3. 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 M.S. Industrial Hygiene curriculum is structured so each student will have obtained the knowledge, understanding and skills in all 22 student outcomes.

1. Apply knowledge of mathematics, science and applied sciences.
2. Design and conduct common experiments and analyze and interpret data.
3. Formulate or design a system, process or program to meet desired needs.
4. Function on multidisciplinary teams.
5. Identify and solve applied science problems, including advanced qualitative and quantitative problems.
6. Understand professional and ethical responsibilities related to the IH profession.
7. Communicate effectively.
8. Understand the impact of solutions in a global and societal context.
9. Recognize the need for and have the ability to engage in life-long learning.
10. Knowledge of contemporary issues.
11. Use the techniques, skills, and modern scientific and technical tools necessary for the practice of IH.
12. Complete a project or research activity resulting in a report that demonstrates mastery of the subject matter and a high level of communication skills.
13. Identify agents, factors and stresses generated by and/or associated with defined sources, unit operations, and processes.
14. Describe qualitative and quantitative aspects of generation of agents, factors, and stresses.
15. Understand the physiological and/or toxicological interactions of the physical, chemical, biological and ergonomic agents, factors, and/or stressors with the human body.
16. Assess qualitative and quantitative aspects of exposure assessment, dose-response, and risk characterization based on applicable pathways and modes of entry.
17. Calculate, interpret and apply statistical and epidemiological data.
18. Recommend and evaluate engineering, administrative and personal protective equipment controls and/or other interventions to reduce or eliminate hazards.
19. Demonstrate an understanding of applicable business and managerial practices
20. Interpret and apply applicable occupational and environmental regulations
21. Understand the fundamental aspects of safety and environmental health
22. Attain recognized professional certification