I.H. Distance Learning--Professional Track
Dr. Terry Spear
(406) 496-4897
Department Overview
The ABET-accredited MS program in Industrial Hygiene Distance Learning/Professional Track is designed to bring graduate education in industrial hygiene to working professionals. Montana Tech and the faculty of the Safety, Health and Industrial Hygiene Department are committed to ensuring there is no difference academically in the quality of online versus the residential industrial hygiene degree program. Two years of safety and health-related work experience is a requirement for admittance to this program. The GRE exam is not required for the Industrial Hygiene Distance Learning students.
The online M.S. Degree is structured to encourage participative, collaborative, and applied problem-solving strategies that are facilitated by a faculty whose advanced academic preparation and professional experience help integrate academic theory with current practical application. Students enrolled in the online program will have the same instructors, course offerings, course requirements, and laboratories as the residential students, insofar as possible.
Our Industrial Hygiene Distance Learning/Professional Graduate program provides an exceptional opportunity for advanced study in the field of Occupational Health. The overall goal of our industrial hygiene program is to provide individuals with the technical competence to anticipate, recognize, evaluate, and control occupational health hazards. The program is designed to provide graduates with the academic preparation needed to pass the certification examination administered by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene.
Students who are Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIH) may waive OSH 4216 Industrial Hygiene I. These students will be required to complete 34 credits for the Industrial Hygiene Online degree. Students licensed as Certified Safety Professionals (CSP) may waive I.H. 5606 System Safety and Process Safety Management. These students will be required to complete 34 credits for the Industrial Hygiene Online degree. For students who are both a CIH and CSP, OSH 4216 and I.H. 5606 may be waived and these students would be required to complete 31 credits for this degree.
Curriculum
Core Course
| Course No | Course Title | Credits |
| OSH 4216 | Industrial Hygiene I* | 3 |
| OSH 4226 | Industrial Hygiene II* | 3 |
| IH 5286 | Sampling & Eval. of Hlth. Hazards* | 3 |
| IH 5276 | Advanced Industrial Toxicology | 3 |
| IH 5686 | Advanced Ergonomics | 2 |
| IH 5426 | Principles of Epidemiology | 3 |
| IH 5136 | Industrial Hygiene Management | 2 |
| IH 5076 | Statistical Analysis | 3 |
| IH 5606 | Systems Safety & Proc. Saf. Mngmt | 3 |
| IH 5966 | Industrial Hygiene Report (taken near the conclusion of the academic career) | 3 |
| IH 582 | Multidisciplinary Practicum | 1 |
*Online students must complete a 5 day on-campus laboratory as part of IH 5286. Prerequisites: 20 credits including OSH 4216 and OSH 4226
Elective Courses
| Course No | Course Title | Credits |
| IH 5156 | Noise | 3 |
| IH 5476 | Strategies for Occ. Exp. Ass. | 3 |
| IH 5676 | Industrial Respiratory Protection | 3 |
| IH 5626 | Radiological Health & Safety | 3 |
| IH 5976 | Special Problems | 3 |
| OSH 4066 | Small Particle Technology | 3 |
*Graduate students with a B.S. Degree in OSH from Montana Tech who have matriculated these courses will be required to complete elective courses to replace the core courses.
Educational Objectives
Graduates will be prepared to develop, implement and manage occupational health and/or industrial hygiene policies and programs. Upon graduation, the student should demonstrate the following:
- Understand the philosophy of protection and enchancement of health through preventative measures.
- Be able to write occupational and public health policy and programs.
- Research, select, recommend and design appropriate control technologies.
Graduates will be better prepared to practice professional positions in industrial hygiene, safety or health science careers and will be able to do the following:
- Select and implement assessment methods and sampling strategies.
- Understand employer expectations and program implementation in the field of industrial hygiene.
- Communicate effectively.
- Manage and control losses associated with work place injuries and illnesses.
Graduates will have an understanding of the role of health and safety professionals in both occupational and public health and their obligation to their profession and the public and will be able to do the following:
- Serve as advocates for occupational and public health issues.
- Maintain a commitment to continued professional development.
- Understand both professional and ethical responsibilities.
Tentative Schedule of Classes for I.H.
Online Schedule 2012
| Course No | Course Title | Semester |
| IH 5676 | Respiratory Protection | Winter 2012 |
| OSH 4216 | IH I - Chemical Biological Hazards | Winter 2012 |
| IH 5276 | Advanced Toxicology | Winter 2012 |
| IH 5286 | Sampling and Evaluation of Health Hazards | Winter 2012 |
Note: Course offerings are subject to change based on enrollment, needs of students enrolled in the online program, and faculty availability. As the course schedule is confirmed, updates will be posted.
