r/industrialhygiene • u/StayFreshByBeinSilly • Sep 08 '19

How to choose IH Master's programs?

I've decided to apply for Master's in Industrial Hygiene programs.

How should I choose one?

I started with a list of all the ABET-accredited IH programs and all the NIOSH ERCs. Should one be prioritized over the other? Ideally, the school would be both, but I'm leaning toward ABET programs so I can take the CIH sooner.

Also, should I do an MS or MPH? Research is currently not an interest for me. I've been comparing the coursework if the school has both programs, and they seem pretty similar.

Finally, what do you think of accredited online programs compared to in-person programs (Johns Hopkins, Tulane, Montana Tech)?

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u/rosalinds-cat Sep 08 '19

I’m in my second year of an MS in IH at an ABET-accredited school that is also a NIOSH ERC. I chose this school based on strength of faculty and options of coursework, as well as an additional internship option that my school offers because I didn’t want to do research. I also liked this school the most out of all the ones I visited when I was comparing them.

I would not personally want to do an online program - having in-person interaction with professors and classmates is amazing and invaluable and I think a program without that would lack a lot.

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u/StayFreshByBeinSilly Sep 09 '19

Can you explain what you mean by "strength of faculty"? Does it have to do with the school's ranking?

That's a good point about the internship option- I'll have to look more into those programs.

Thanks for your response!

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u/rosalinds-cat Sep 09 '19

Sure! By strength of faculty, I really mean how well faculty are involved in the IH field - are they actively publishing research, do they have professional certifications, things like that. One of the faculty members at my school is the editor of a journal in the IH field, and that is a huge benefit to students in our learning. Does that help?

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u/StayFreshByBeinSilly Sep 12 '19

It does, thanks! I'll definitely look for this. I'm currently narrowing down options.

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u/Suitable-Fennel-5346 Jul 02 '25

What did you end up going with? Currently facing same decision

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u/Suitable-Fennel-5346 Jul 02 '25

What school is this? Sounds exactly what I’m looking for!

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u/rosalinds-cat Jul 02 '25

This is The University of Iowa.

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u/Suitable-Fennel-5346 Jul 02 '25

Sounds amazing except for the location! How did you enjoy living in Iowa?

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u/rosalinds-cat Jul 02 '25

I actually grew up there, so I had the advantage of knowing a good bit about the area. Lots of nearby state parks if you like the outdoors, downtown is your standard “college town”, great transport system that will take you across campus as well as through the town, and a studio apartment for ~$1000 (if I’m remembering right). Really a good place!