Online Master of Science in Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences
Protect People and the Planet
Healthy Work. Healthy World. It’s Up to Us.
Tulane University’s online Master of Science in Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences is an ABET-accredited program that prepares students to identify, analyze, and manage workplace health hazards.
The curriculum integrates public health principles with analytical methods in chemistry and statistics, focusing on risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and exposure control. You'll gain practical experience in the field and advanced preparation for certification as a board-certified industrial hygienist.
The program’s expert faculty bring extensive industry experience and current insights into the classroom in areas such as exposure assessment and ergonomics.
Graduates of the program receive one year of credit toward the experience requirement for the Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) exam, fast-tracking their certification process.
With a focus on scientific and engineering principles to anticipate and prevent workplace hazards, graduates are poised to take on leadership roles in creating healthier work environments.
What Will You Learn?
A career in industrial hygiene allows you to make a tremendous impact on people’s lives as you create policies that ensure their health at work. The online MS in Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences will prepare you to:
- Prevent workplace hazards using scientific and engineering principles
- Evaluate risks using analytical chemistry, statistics, and other measurement sciences
- Communicate risks and solutions clearly across audiences, both orally and in writing
- Analyze toxicological and epidemiological data to uncover and address occupational health hazards
- Understand and apply regulatory compliance to ensure safer workplaces
What Can You Do With an MS in Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences?
The MS gives you the skills and experience to become a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), a distinction that can help qualify you for jobs such as:
Health and Safety Engineer
Median Annual Salary: $103,690*
Industrial Hygienist
Median Annual Salary: $128,858**
Environmental Scientist
Median Annual Salary: $78,980*
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
Median Annual Salary: $77,580*
*Salary data according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
**Salary data according to the American Industrial Hygiene Association salary survey
Occupational Health & Environmental Sciences FAQs
Industrial hygiene remains a core part of the curriculum, but today's workplace health professionals need expertise that extends beyond traditional industrial settings. The name Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences better reflects the breadth of the field and the wide range of careers available to graduates.
Students continue to study industrial hygiene while also learning about environmental exposures, occupational health, exposure science, risk assessment, environmental health, and emerging workplace challenges. The updated name helps prospective students better understand the program's comprehensive approach and reflects the interdisciplinary nature of modern workforce and environmental health.
Note: Tulane does still offer a 15-credit Certificate in Industrial Hygiene.
Will I still learn industrial hygiene?
Absolutely. Industrial hygiene remains a foundational component of the curriculum. Students gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to identify, evaluate, and control workplace hazards while also developing expertise in the broader occupational and environmental health sciences that employers increasingly seek.
Industrial hygiene is the science of anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and controlling workplace hazards that can affect workers' health. Industrial hygienists identify chemical, biological, physical, and ergonomic hazards and develop solutions to prevent injuries and illnesses before they occur.
Is industrial hygiene about cleanliness?
No. Despite the name, industrial hygiene has little to do with cleaning or sanitation. The field focuses on protecting worker health by reducing exposures to hazards such as chemicals, airborne contaminants, noise, heat, radiation, infectious agents, and ergonomic risks.
What kinds of hazards do industrial hygienists manage?
Industrial hygienists work with a wide range of workplace hazards, including:
- Airborne chemicals, vapors, dusts, and fumes
- Indoor air quality
- Mold and biological hazards
- Noise and hearing conservation
- Heat and cold stress
- Radiation
- Ventilation systems
- Ergonomic risks
- Hazardous materials
Where do industrial hygienists work?
Industrial hygienists are employed in nearly every industry, including:
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- Energy and petrochemicals
- Construction
- Government agencies
- Consulting firms
- Research institutions
- Universities
- Transportation
- Public health organizations
What careers are available in industrial hygiene?
Graduates may work as:
- Industrial Hygienist
- Occupational Health Specialist
- Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Professional
- Exposure Scientist
- Risk Assessment Specialist
- Health and Safety Consultant
- Compliance Manager
- Occupational Health Researcher
What skills do industrial hygienists use?
Industrial hygienists combine science and problem-solving skills. They often:
- Collect workplace exposure samples
- Monitor air quality and noise
- Interpret laboratory results
- Assess workplace risks
- Recommend engineering controls
- Develop safety programs
- Communicate findings to employers and employees
Is industrial hygiene part of public health?
Yes. Industrial hygiene is a specialized area of public health focused on preventing disease and injury in the workplace. By protecting workers from harmful exposures, industrial hygienists improve individual health while also strengthening businesses and communities. What's the difference between industrial hygiene and occupational safety?
The two fields work closely together but have different focuses. Industrial hygiene primarily addresses health hazards that can cause illness over time, such as chemical exposures or excessive noise. Occupational safety focuses more on preventing acute injuries from incidents such as falls, electrical hazards, or machinery accidents. Many professionals work across both areas.
Is there demand for industrial hygienists?
Yes. Organizations continue to seek professionals who can help protect employees, comply with regulations, manage environmental and occupational risks, and create healthier workplaces. Demand spans both the public and private sectors.
Is this program right for me if I don't want to work in manufacturing?
Yes. While industrial hygienists have traditionally worked in manufacturing, today's graduates work in healthcare, biotechnology, government, consulting, construction, energy, higher education, environmental organizations, and many other industries. The skills you develop apply anywhere people work and where environmental exposures affect health.
Curriculum & Courses
The MS in Occupational Health and Environmental Sciences is a 36-credit degree program that prepares you to use environmental and workplace monitoring and analytical methods to identify exposures and estimate risk, and use engineering, work practices, and protective equipment to control potential health hazards.
Foundational Course Requirements:
- Foundations in Public Health
- Biostatistics for Public Health
- Epidemiology for Public Health
Program Course Requirements:
- Fundamentals of Environmental Health Sciences
- Principles of Toxicology
- Physical Agents & Ergonomic Hazards in the Workplace
- Principles of Safety
- Principles of Industrial Hygiene
- Exposure Assessment
- Ventilation and Hazard Control
- Environmental Monitoring Methods
- Health Risk Assessment
Students gain practical experience in the field through an applied thesis project that requires investigating and developing evidence-based solutions for a real-life occupational or environmental health challenge.
Meet Your Environmental Health Sciences Faculty
You will learn from an interdisciplinary faculty body in a research-focused department. Meet the Environmental Health Sciences faculty.
Accreditation
The Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine has been accredited since 1947, and all current programs are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
Since 1996, the MSPH in Industrial Hygiene has been accredited through the Applied Science Accreditation Commission of ABET, an accrediting agency for programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology.
Funding Your Degree
U.S. citizens and permanent residents should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal financial aid and work-study. The Celia Scott Weatherhead School’s school code is 002029. Tulane Financial Aid for Weatherhead School can provide additional assistance.
Merit-Based Scholarships
All master’s program applicants who have submitted and completed their applications by the priority deadline are automatically considered for scholarships without any additional application. You must apply by the priority deadline to be considered for scholarships upon admission. Students who are eligible for any of the scholarships below will be considered for them at any time, not just for priority deadlines. Priority applicants who qualify for any of the scholarships below will receive the higher-value scholarship package. Scholarships are available, with nearly half of all new students receiving some kind of merit-based award. Scholarship amounts may vary. Tulane employees using the tuition benefit are not eligible for scholarships. Scholarships awarded are intended to cover university tuition and fees.
Returned Peace Corps Volunteers
Weatherhead School is deeply passionate about the mission of the Peace Corps and is dedicated to supporting volunteers throughout their academic careers. We offer incoming returned Peace Corps volunteers (RPCVs) a scholarship equal to 35 percent of tuition.
Paul D. Coverdell Fellowship
Managed by the Celia Scott Weatherhead School Office of Global Scholars, the Paul D. Coverdell Fellowship is awarded to three RPCVs each year. The application for the Coverdell scholarship will be displayed to eligible students within the admitted student portal.
McNair Scholars
Tulane WSPH offers a scholarship in the amount of 50% of tuition to McNair scholars enrolled full-time in master’s programs.
Please note that if you belong to more than one of these groups, you will receive the higher value scholarship.
Miscellaneous
The Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) is also a useful resource for options on financing your degree.
Graduate-level students (pursuing master’s/PhD) seeking aid to supplement any assistance being offered by the Celia Scott Weatherhead School and/or the various departments may work with Tulane Financial Aid.
Admissions
Prospective MS students will apply through the WSPH Application Starter.
The nonrefundable application fee for the Online MPH is $75. Applicants may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Contact your enrollment advisor for more information.
Materials required:
- Official transcripts sent directly from all US/Canadian institutions attended (can be mailed or electronic). Any transcript you upload yourself is NOT considered official.
- A personal statement that clearly and directly addresses the following:
- Why are you applying to the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine at Tulane University, and the specific program/option/concentration you chose?
- How will earning this degree help you achieve your professional goals?
- What have you learned from successes and/or challenges in your past educational, professional, and/or personal experiences? Please use specific examples, as applicable.
- Resume/CV
- Minimum of 2 letters of recommendation
All application materials must be received for your application to be reviewed. Please note that we are only able to accept bachelor's degrees from regionally accredited universities and colleges.
Applications that are submitted and completed by the priority deadline will be considered for funding opportunities (no additional application required).
Earned your degree abroad?
International students (or students who have earned their degree outside the US or Canada) must submit a course-by-course evaluation of international coursework. Evaluations can take a month to complete from the time the agency receives your international transcript(s), so we recommend getting an early start on this process in order to ensure the evaluation is received by the deadline for which you are applying. We can accept WES, ECE, and TEC (formerly known as SpanTran) evaluations. Please have this evaluation sent directly to sphtmadmissions@tulane.edu. If you use TEC (formerly known as SpanTran), please be sure to use the custom application they've created, which you can access by clicking here.
International students may also be required to submit proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo). Please refer to the international student section in the FAQ to determine whether you are required to submit scores.
About the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
With century-old roots in the heart of New Orleans, the Tulane University Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine is dedicated to our mission to support the Gulf South while understanding national health issues and addressing pressing global health concerns. At the Weatherhead School, public health is not just a field of study, but of action, where learners gain the real-world skills and competencies to strengthen their communities.
Start Your MS in Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences Degree Today
Please visit our Department of Environmental Health Sciences to learn more.
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