The University of Toledo

Master of Science in Occupational Health : Industrial Hygiene

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES, OUTCOMES, AND DELIVERY

Program Objectives

"Program Educational Objectives" are statements that describe the expected accomplishments of graduates during the first few years after graduation... that all graduates are expected to accomplish and those that some, but not all, graduates are expected to accomplish.

The "educational objectives" for the Master of Science in Occupational Health degree - Industrial Hygiene program follow:

1) All graduates are expected to be qualified to practice "comprehensive industrial hygiene".

2) Most graduates are expected to practice in the field of Industrial Hygiene or related areas of Environmental and/or Occupational Health and Safety and to meet the relevant and appropriate needs of their employers.

3) When eligible, most graduates who pursue applicable certification in health and safety (i.e., CIH; CSP; CHMM) will pass.

Program Outcomes

The MSOH - IH program outcomes for the past decade have reflected what were established as ABET - ASAC AC2001 General Outcomes and Program-Specific Outcomes for Industrial Hygiene and Similarly Named Programs.

The MSOH - IH program assures that graduates have necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to competently and ethically implement and practice applicable scientific, technical, and regulatory aspects of Industrial Hygiene. Graduates are prepared to anticipate, recognize, evaluate, and control exposures of workers and others to physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial factors, agents, and/or stressors that can potentially cause related diseases and/or dysfunctions. Upon completion of the program, graduates should be able to:

(a) identify agents, factors, and stressors generated by and/or associated with defined sources, unit operations, and/or processes;
(b) describe qualitative and quantitative aspects of generation of agents, factors, and stressors;
(c) understand physiological and/or toxicological interactions of physical, chemical, biological, and ergonomic agents, factors, and/or stressors with the human body;
(d) assess qualitative and quantitative aspects of exposure assessment, dose-response, and risk characterization based on applicable pathways and modes of entry;
(e) calculate, interpret, and apply statistical and epidemiological data;
(f) recommend and evaluate engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment controls and/or other interventions to reduce or eliminate hazards;
(g) demonstrate the importance of appropriate ethical performance and practice;
(h) demonstrate an understanding of applicable business and managerial practices;
(i) interpret and apply applicable occupational and environmental regulations;
(j) participate in the development and implementation of applicable industrial hygiene-related programs;
(k) generate, review and interpret data, whether from original research or other published sources;
(l) prepare scientific and technical summaries and reports;
(m) understand fundamental aspects of safety and environmental health;
(n) understand the necessity of teamwork among management, industrial hygienists, safety specialists, environmental specialists, engineers, and clinicians (i.e., occupational health physicians and nurses); and
(o) attain recognized professional certification.

The MSOH Degree - Industrial Hygiene program outcomes continue to simultaneously capture and reflect the ABET-ASAC General Criteria (Criterion 3. in the 2007-08 Criteria for Accrediting Applied Science Programs). The ASAC-ABET General Outcomes are as follows:

(a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and applied sciences;
(b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data;
(c) an ability to formulate or design a system, process or program to meet desired needs;
(d) an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams;
(e) an ability to identify and solve applied science problems;
(f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility;
(g) an ability to communicate effectively;
(h) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of solutions in a global and societal context;
(i) a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning;
(j) a knowledge of contemporary issues;
(k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern scientific and technical tools necessary for professional practice.

The Program Outcomes for the MSOH Degree - Industrial Hygiene program also continue to capture and reflect the ABET-ASAC Program Specific Criterion for Industrial Hygiene and Similary Named Programs (Criterion 1. in the 2007-08 Criteria for Accrediting Applied Science Programs). ASAC-ABET Industrial Hygiene Program-Specific Outcomes are as follows:

(a) identify agents, factors, and stressors generated by and/or associated with defined sources, unit operations, and/or processes;
(b) describe qualitative and quantitative aspects of generation of agents, factors, and stressors;
(c) understand physiological and/or toxicological interactions of physical, chemical, biological, and ergonomic agents, factors, and/or stressors with the human body;
(d) assess qualitative and quantitative aspects of exposure assessment, dose-response, and risk characterization based on applicable pathways and modes of entry;
(e) calculate, interpret, and apply statistical and epidemiological data;
(f) recommend and evaluate engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment controls and/or other interventions to reduce or eliminate hazards;
(g) demonstrate an understanding of applicable business and managerial practices;
(h) interpret and apply applicable occupational and environmental regulations;
(i) understand fundamental aspects of safety and environmental health;
(j) attain recognized professional certification.

Program Delivery

The Program schedule is designed for both full- and part-time students. Realizing that many students interested in enrolling in the Program are professionals with many outside demands and responsibilities, the courses are offered during evenings and weekends. The evening courses typically meet every other week during the 15 week semester. Weekend courses meet on alternating weeks for eight Saturdays per course. The Program schedules are accommodating without sacrifice of academic quality and integrity. The MSOH degree is conferred by the College of Graduate Studies at the University of Toledo, which is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges. The Industrial Hygiene program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology - Applied Science Accreditation Commission (ABET ASAC), ABET, Inc., Baltimore, MD, 21202.