Industrial Hygiene, M.S.

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Why Study Industrial Hygiene at Montana Tech?

Industrial Hygiene (IH) graduates apply advanced methods in science, engineering and technology to anticipate, recognize, evaluate and control chemical, physical and biological hazards in both occupational and public health settings. Through the design and application of a noise control technique or the elimination of a hazardous chemical from the workplace environment, IHs regularly work with management to mitigate exposure risks. Industrial hygienists also play an important role in shaping and implementing government policy concerning worker health and safety. A wealth of unique employment opportunities exists for IHs. Unlike many other professions, IHs 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. Students who enjoy the sciences, conducting field work in interesting environments, and who are seeking an advanced degree in a rewarding field should consider Industrial Hygiene.

Accredited Program, State-of-the-Art Facilities

Montana Tech recently constructed a state-of-the art Safety Lab which allows for an abundance of experiential learning exercises within the curriculums. The quality of our programs is recognized by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals as Qualified Academic Programs. Additionally, the program is accredited by the Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission of ABET (http://www.abet.org/), and is supported by a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Training Project Grant.

Be a Leader, Learn from Knowledgeable Faculty

Courses and research in the M.S. Industrial Hygiene program are facilitated by world-class faculty whose advanced academic preparation and professional experience help integrate academic theory with current practical application. The curricula is designed to provide graduates with the academic preparation needed to pass the certification examination administered by the Board for Global EHS Credentialing (Formally ABIH).

Laboratories Built for Research, Study

Laboratory courses utilize three laboratories. Two are focused on industrial hygiene along with a third, state-of-the art Safety Lab, which allows for an abundance of experiential learning exercises within the curriculum.

Spectacular Location  

Montana Tech’s location in Butte offers you numerous recreational opportunities, such as hiking and fishing. Butte is centrally located in Montana, giving you access to industry connections in Bozeman, Helena, and Missoula.

Accelerated Masters Program for Undergraduate Students

Qualified Montana Tech undergraduates have the opportunity to receive an MS IH degree at an accelerated pace by getting a jump start on required graduate coursework. Students accepted into the program will incorporate graduate-level coursework into the undergraduate curriculum and there is the opportunity to count up to 9 undergraduate credit hours toward the graduate degree. Students can typically complete all remaining graduate requirements in 1 year after finishing their undergraduate degree.

Program Requirements  

Industrial hygiene is a science-based discipline. The Board of Global EHS Credentialing has defined several criteria to test an individual’s knowledge across the broad range of industrial hygiene subject areas. These subject areas include basic science and encompass chemistry, biology, anatomy & physiology, physics, and mathematics.

We have established admittance standards for the M.S. Industrial Hygiene program to ensure student success. Applicants are admitted on a basis of acceptable undergraduate academic preparation, personal statement, 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. Prospective students who meet these requirements and who have at least two years of professional work experience in occupational health and safety may also wish to consider our online program in industrial hygiene.

The personal statement should be no more than a single page, written by you, explaining:

• Who you are and some of your major academic and professional achievements
• Why you are interested in studying industrial hygiene
• Why you feel you would be successful in the program
• What you hope to do with your degree

The priority application deadline for the M.S. Industrial Hygiene Program is:

• March 1 for Summer & Fall semesters
• October 1 for Spring semester

These deadlines are also applicable to Montana Tech undergraduate students applying to the 5-year Master's Degree Program. 

What is Industrial Hygiene? 

Industrial hygienists play an important role in ensuring 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. 

What Kinds of Jobs do Industrial Hygienists Get?  

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.

Explore Classes in Industrial Hygiene 

The Industrial Hygiene, M.S. degree includes coursework in chemical, biological, and physical hazards, statistical analysis, advanced industrial toxicology, epidemiology, and more. The 37-credit thesis research-based degree is structured to develop participative, collaborative, and applied problem-solving strategies to address modern day occupational health issues.