Key Takeaways:
- Industrial hygiene degrees focus on assessing and mitigating workplace hazards, including chemical exposure, disease outbreaks, and psychological impacts.
- Continuing education and certification, such as the Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) credential, are essential for career advancement in industrial hygiene.
- The job outlook for industrial hygienists is slower than average in the U.S., but opportunities may be more abundant in international markets.
Companies that must comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations relating to environmental exposure and controls incorporate elements of industrial hygiene into their work practices.
Since gaining adequate industrial hygiene can be a complex activity, many companies seek the help of trained specialists who have degrees in industrial hygiene. These industrial hygienists often work to provide safer and healthier work environments for laborers in oil and gas companies, manufacturing plants, and chemical companies. They usually have academic and professional backgrounds in the sciences as well as advanced degrees in industrial hygiene.
Here is a brief overview of typical industrial hygiene degree curricula, additional career-enhancing professional development opportunities, and the career outlook for graduates with an industrial hygiene degree.
Industrial Hygiene Degree Course Work
Some of the core course topics that students can expect to take when they enroll in the Master of Science in Industrial Hygiene programs are epidemiology, environmental and occupational health, behavioral science, and health policy. These courses prepare students to assess and help mitigate hazards in the workplace related to infectious disease outbreaks, environmental exposure to toxic chemicals, and the psychological impacts associated with traumatic events and accidents that occur in work environments.
Other specialization course topics include occupational health laws, controls of toxic physical agents, ergonomics, industrial ventilation, and principles of public health. When considering enrollment in industrial hygiene degree programs, students should choose those that are accredited through the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Continuing Education and Certification for Industrial Hygienists
The depth of knowledge required to remain effective in the field of industrial hygiene is substantial, and practitioners typically pursue continuing education courses to advance their careers and refresh their knowledge in key areas. Some professional development courses available to them relate to chemical monitoring and detection, assessment and control of gases in the work environment, and respiratory protection.
Many industrial hygienists seek certification to demonstrate their competency to employers and colleagues. The Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) designation is a globally recognized credential within the field of industrial hygiene that many practitioners consider essential to acquire.
Professional Associations for Industrial Hygiene
Joining a professional association for industrial hygiene is a primary way that industrial hygienists gain access to continuing education courses and certification programs. The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) provides its members with professional development materials, career resources, and valuable networking opportunities through AIHA-sponsored events and volunteer activities. The American Board of Industrial Hygiene sets the criteria for CIH credentials, administers exams, and tracks the maintenance activities required to keep those credentials current.
Career Outlook for Industrial Hygienist Degree Graduates
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) categorizes industrial hygienists with other occupational health and safety specialists. According to the BLS, these specialists earned median annual salaries of $69,210 in 2014. However, projected job growth through 2024 for this labor category is slower than average for all jobs surveyed. Some believe that this lack of job growth in the United States’ labor market does not apply to positions in foreign markets. With the right academic and certification credentials, industrial hygienists may be able to take their skills abroad.
Conclusion
Workplace hazards are significantly reduced when companies implement procedures that enable workers to meet federally mandated safety regulations consistently. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides organizations with tips and training resources related to environmental exposure and controls. However, companies that require additional assistance are typically advised to hire consultants with industrial hygiene degrees.
Resources:
20 Best Values in Occupational Safety Degree Programs
