ABET - Accredited Industrial Hygiene Program

The Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences (EOHS), University of Illinois at Chicago, has a nationally recognized and ABET-accredited program in industrial hygiene.

1. To develop industrial hygiene practitioners by providing as much practical problem-solving and field-based experience as possible;
2. To provide a cadre of trainees that have aptitude for research in occupational and environmental health. This group will have the capability to apply research techniques in industrial, business, and academic settings.

The general learning objectives are:

1. To provide an overall appreciation of the whole process of disease detection and risk evaluation leading to hazard control;
2. To provide competence in using the methods specific to the IH field;
3. To provide analytical and quantitative research skills to assist in solving occupational and environmental health problems.

The specific learning objectives for the industrial hygiene program include those of the MPH or MS degree for all SPH students as well as the following objectives.

Students pursing the MPH or MS degree in environmental and occupational health sciences are expected to show a dedication to advancement of the public health field, recognize public health ethics as providing for the greater good while preserving individual justice, serve as a resource to the community, protect the health of the public, engage in community participation, and serve all populations equally.

Learning Objectives for the MPH degree in Industrial Hygiene

Upon completing an MPH degree in EOHS the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the basic mechanisms by which environmental and occupational pollutants impact health (i.e., the linkage of pollutants’ source, media, receptor and health effects) and the means to develop controls or interventions to protect humans and ecological systems.
• Express a working knowledge of the basic sciences deemed most relevant for the study of environmental and occupational health – toxicology, epidemiology and environmental chemistry.
• Collect, analyze and interpret environmental and occupational data.

• Describe the structure of regulations and policies that govern the efforts to protect workplace and environmental health.

• Exhibit the ability to implement an occupational or environmental health investigation or project and clearly report the results.
• Identify agents, factors, and stressors generated by and/or associated with defined sources, unit operations, and/or processes;
• Describe qualitative and quantitative aspects of generation of agents, factors, and stressors;
• Understand physiological and/or toxicological interactions of physical, chemical, biological, and ergonomic agents, factors, and/or stressors with the human body;
• Assess qualitative and quantitative aspects of exposure assessment, dose-response, and risk characterization based on applicable pathways and modes of entry;
• Calculate, interpret, and apply statistical and epidemiological data to occupational health problems;
• Recommend and evaluate engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment controls and/or other interventions to reduce or eliminate hazards;
• Demonstrate an understanding of applicable business and managerial practices;
• Interpret and apply applicable occupational and environmental regulations; and
• Understand fundamental aspects of safety and environmental health

Learning Objectives for the MS in Industrial Hygiene

Upon completing an MS degree in EOHS the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental principles of calculus, chemistry, physiology, toxicology, environmental chemistry, epidemiology, biostatistics, and environmental and occupational policies and regulations, and exhibit in-depth knowledge in at least one area of environmental and occupational health sciences.
• Frame and conduct a workplace, community or environmental assessment; recognize, identify and assess exposures to environmental stressors, including proper operation of environmental instrumentation, when necessary; apply quantitative modeling techniques where appropriate; develop control strategies; and develop and evaluate training programs.
• Synthesize bodies of information; critically read and evaluate scientific papers; collect, analyze and report environmental and/or occupational health data; define, analyze and recommend interventions for environmental and occupational health problems based on sound technical and ethical considerations; and prioritize issues and interventions even with incomplete information.

• Apply the scientific method to a research project and demonstrate research skills and methods, including ethical conduct of research and policies and procedures related to human subject research.

• Illustrate effective communication through scientific writing and oral presentations to peers, scientific organizations and communities.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the benefits of multidisciplinary approaches to environmental and occupational health problems; describe how environmental health and safety fits into organizational structures; demonstrate effective teamwork; and exhibit integrity, courage and willingness to create change.
• Identify agents, factors, and stressors generated by and/or associated with defined sources, unit operations, and/or processes;
• Describe qualitative and quantitative aspects of generation of agents, factors, and stressors;
• Understand physiological and/or toxicological interactions of physical, chemical, biological, and ergonomic agents, factors, and/or stressors with the human body;
• Assess qualitative and quantitative aspects of exposure assessment, dose-response, and risk characterization based on applicable pathways and modes of entry;
• Calculate, interpret, and apply statistical and epidemiological data to occupational health problems;
• Recommend and evaluate engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment controls and/or other interventions to reduce or eliminate hazards;
• Demonstrate an understanding of applicable business and managerial practices;
• Interpret and apply applicable occupational and environmental regulations; and
• Understand fundamental aspects of safety and environmental health

Our program provides pertinent scientific and public health training to prepare students to protect the environment and improve the health of workers and the general public. Our graduates regularly find positions in the environmental and occupational health fields in government, industry, and consulting, including the U.S. EPA, Abbott Laboratories, Ford Motor Co., Motorola, Mittal Steel, Loyola Medical Center, the Veteran’s Administration, Environ Consulting, the Cook County Department of Environmental Control, and the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.

Financial support from traineeships and research assistantships is available. Recently funded faculty research projects include demolition related lead exposure monitoring; exposure and health effects in animal research workers, swine confinement facilities, and welders; effects of air pollution on asthmatics in public housing; environmental assessment and health effects in water recreators; welding fume characterization; retrospective exposure reconstruction; health and safety needs in immigrant and other at-risk populations; and occupational injury surveillance. The curriculum emphasizes quantitative skills and as much practical experience as possible within the limits of an academic program. EOHS field investigations, both as academic courses and research projects, take advantage of the access to industries in Illinois and challenges associated with a major urban metropolis. Industries include heavy manufacturing, health care, agricultural, pharmaceuticals, and high technology. Air and water pollution and solid and hazardous waste management are among the challenges addressed.

To qualify for the industrial hygiene program, applicants must have taken the GRE and have taken two semesters of calculus, a year of general chemistry, at least one semester of organic chemistry, and a course in human physiology. In unusual cases, if only a single course requirement is missing, permission may be given to take it in the first semester of residence at SPH. If you are interested in a career dedicated to solving major societal problems, we welcome your application.

Specific information on the curriculum and core requirements for this program is available in the Student Handbook, see the EOHS MPH curriculum and the EOHS MS curriculum. For more information about the program and to obtain application materials, contact Iraida Rios, Academic Coordinator, Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health (MC 922), University of Illinois at Chicago, 2121 West Taylor Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612-7260. Phone: (312)-996-8855. E-mail: irios@uic.edu.