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/WardenCommCousland CIH Sep 08 '19

I went to my state school that was ABET but not an ERC, though I did get a NIOSH training grant as part of my funding. For me it was a purely financial decision; going to my state university let me continue living in the same city and keep my job, as well as keeping costs manageable.

I would only recommend the online programs if you're actively working full time as an IH. One of my friends did Montana Tech, which worked for him as a full time IH and, starting his second semester, a new parent. But he'd been working full time as an IH for a decade at that point and already had a CIH and CSP, so that was what worked best for him.

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u/StayFreshByBeinSilly Sep 09 '19

Oh, I didn't know that schools that weren't ERCs offered NIOSH funding - that's good to know! Do you know how funding is determined? Is this up to the program or require a separate application to NIOSH?

Funding/cost is the main reason I'm considering an online program. I'm currently doing general safety work (not an an IH).

Thanks for your response!

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u/WardenCommCousland CIH Sep 09 '19

It was a school that was receiving NIOSH funding for research and IH training, so I was offered a small grant (we're talking on the order of about $3000 for the year) since I was going in to the school's IH program and it was a very small cohort that year. I guess as part of their NIOSH funding they had to award a few per year.

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u/StayFreshByBeinSilly Sep 12 '19

Thanks for clarifying!