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MS in Industrial Hygiene & Environmental Health Sciences

Safeguarding workplaces, communities, and the environment.

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Where Safety meets Science

Embark on a transformative journey with the Master of Science in Industrial Hygiene and Environmental Health Sciences at OU Hudson College of Public Health and prepare yourself for a rewarding career in environmental health and safety. The program is designed to give you a deep understanding of hazard assessments, safety through design, and environmental risk management. With a hands-on curriculum that includes internships and field practice, you will gain real-world experience working with top-tier companies in the field. As a graduate, you will be equipped to address critical health and safety challenges in workplaces and the broader community, making a meaningful impact in industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and technical consulting.

The MS program in Industrial Hygiene and Environmental Health Sciences is accredited by the Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Industrial Hygiene.  Our MS in Industrial Hygiene & Environmental Health Sciences program is a stepping stone to the Certified Industrial Hygienist credential and a career in professional industrial hygiene practice.

Curriculum

This 49-credit hour program, recognized as a national leader in industrial hygiene education, prepares you to anticipate, recognize, evaluate, and control environmental hazards affecting human health. Picture yourself mastering Noise and Radiation Hazards, learning to mitigate these risks in the workplace. In Industrial Hygiene and Environmental Measurements, you’ll gain the skills to accurately assess environmental health risks, while Occupational and Environmental Toxicology will deepen your understanding of the impact of toxins on health.

Admissions Requirements

For the general admissions requirements see our How to Apply page. This specific program also requires:

  • Bachelor’s degree or entry-level first professional degree from an accredited institution.
  • Must be in good standing with the college or university where currently enrolled or last attended.
  • Grade point average of 3.0 or above using the upper-division coursework of the bachelor's degree.
    • Minimum of 36 semester hours of undergraduate and/or graduate-level courses in basic sciences, mathematics, engineering and technology, with at least 9 of these credit hours at the upper level (junior, senior, or graduate):
    • Basic science includes physics, chemistry, and the life and earth sciences. At least 12 semester hours credit in chemistry, including organic chemistry; one semester of physics; and one semester of biology, physiology, biochemistry, or other appropriate life science is required.
    • Mathematics coursework at least through College Algebra is required. Differential and Integral Calculus is not required at the master's degree level but is required at the Doctoral level. Some computer science and statistics courses may be considered applied mathematics and included in this category.
    • Engineering and Technology courses are those that apply mathematics and basic sciences to creative application and viable solutions.
  • Minimum of 21 semester hours in communications, humanities, and social sciences.

If after reviewing the qualifications for the Master of Science in Industrial Hygiene and Environmental Health Sciences program you are unsure of whether you meet them, please contact hcoph@ouhsc.edu. We are here to help and support you as you pursue a career in the health sciences.

Please also review the application requirements and application deadlines found on the How to Apply page. 

How to Apply

Course Requirements

OEH 5013 Environmental Health
OEH 5103 Occupational and Environmental Health Sampling Strategies
OEH 5213 Principles of Environmental Health and Safety Management
OEH 5262 Occupational and Environmental Laws and Regulations
OEH 5702 Principles of Safety
OEH 5723 Fundamentals of Occupational and Environmental Health Science
OEH 5734 Noise and Radiation Hazards
OEH 5742 Industrial Hygiene and Environmental Measurements
OEH 5973 Communications and Ethics in Occupational and Environmental Health
OEH 5980 Research for Master's Thesis (4 credit hours)
OEH 5553 Occupational and Environmental Toxicology
OEH 5752 Occupational Hazards Control
OEH 5801 Basic Ergonomics
OEH 5940 Field Practice (160 contact hours, 1 credit hour)
BSE 5113 Principles of Epidemiology
BSE 5163 Biostatistics Methods I
HPS 5213 Social and Behavioral Science in Public Health
HAP 5453 U.S. Health Care Systems
HPS 5211 Qualitative Methods in Public Health

 

Additional Degree Requirements

  • Quantitative Skills Examination
  • Industrial Hygiene Knowledge Survey
  • Oral Thesis Defense
  • Master's Thesis

STEM Designation

The MS in Industrial Hygiene and Environmental Health Sciences program is considered a STEM-designated degree program.

A STEM-designated program is an academic program that falls under at least one of the approved categories from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These categories are recognized by the government for their focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics. DHS's updated STEM-designated degree list can be found here: https://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/stemList2022.pdf.

Make an Impact

MS students in Industrial Hygiene and Environmental Health Sciences conduct research and participate in projects that make a tangible difference in environmental health and workplace safety, such as:

  • Noise and Radiation Measurement: Developing better methods for assessing worker noise exposures, directly contributing to improved occupational exposure assessment strategies.
  • Respirator Fit Testing: Exploring better ways to conduct respirator fit testing to make it faster and more accurate. Lowering time and effort costs of fit testing increases productivity and employee protection.
  • Hazard Control: Designing and implementing controls to mitigate industrial hazards, protecting workers and communities.
  • Environmental Management: Working with companies to design effective protocols that minimize environmental impacts of industrial activities.

Projects like these provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge to solve real-world environmental health challenges and advance the field.

Experiential Learning

Students in the MS in Industrial Hygiene and Environmental Health Sciences program engage in valuable experiential learning opportunities that bridge the gap between theory and practice. Key experiential elements include:

  • Field Practice: Every student completes a field practice, ensuring hands-on exposure to real-world environmental health and safety challenges.
  • Partnerships with Industry: Collaborate with leading national companies from aerospace, defense, oil and gas, and construction and local manufacturing firms, as well as state and federal agencies.
  • On-Campus Health and Safety Office: Students can gain practical experience through the on-campus Health and Safety office, dealing with real environmental health issues on the university campus.

These practical experiences ensure that students develop essential skills and are prepared for leadership roles in industrial hygiene and environmental safety.

Internships, Projects and Research Opportunities

The MS in Industrial Hygiene and Environmental Health Science program offers several key opportunities for applied research, internships, and field projects:

  • Industry Partnerships: Students have the chance to intern with industry giants like Haliburton, Boeing, National Labs and regional environmental consulting firms, providing firsthand exposure to the latest industrial hygiene practices.
  • Hands-On Coursework: Coursework such as Noise and Radiation, Hazard Controls, and Measurement classes equip students with practical experience in using state-of-the-art tools to assess environmental hazards.
  • Research Opportunities: Students are involved in various research projects related to environmental health and safety, including hazard assessments and risk mitigation techniques.

Careers

Graduates of the MS in Industrial Hygiene and Environmental Health Sciences program are prepared to enter diverse sectors where they can make a significant impact. Career paths include:

  • Corporate Industrial Hygiene Director: Overseeing health and safety programs in large organizations.
  • Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Director: Leading initiatives to reduce workplace hazards and improve safety.
  • Research Industrial Hygienist: Engaging in research and development of new health and safety procedures and practices.
  • Training Director: Developing and delivering training programs in environmental health and safety.

These roles are available in industries ranging from oil and gas to public health organizations, ensuring a wide range of career opportunities for graduates.

Department of Occupational & Environmental Health

The Department of Occupational and Environmental Health is dedicated to addressing global environmental challenges and promoting health through innovative research and practical applications for students. Our department offers specialized degrees and provides students with the opportunity to work on real-world issues through our strong partnerships with key public health leaders. With a focus on community engagement and environmental sustainability, we prepare our students to become leaders in occupational health, industrial hygiene, and environmental health application.

About the Department 

Occupational & Environmental Health Faculty

Explore the Hudson College Further

Academic Resources

At the Hudson College of Public Health, students are empowered with a diverse range of accredited degree programs, hands-on learning experiences, and state-of-the-art research opportunities, all guided by our multidisciplinary faculty.

Research

The Hudson College of Public Health is enriched by its research partnerships with esteemed institutions and organizations, providing students with a robust, real-world learning experience that complements their academic journey.

Field Work

At the Hudson College of Public Health, students apply their curriculum through immersive field experiences and practicums, fostering a hands-on, real-world understanding of public health challenges and solutions.