School of Health Sciences - Occupational Health Science
Undergraduate Major

Preparation for a career in industrial hygiene requires a well-coordinated multidisciplinary education with a curriculum based on a strong foundation in mathematics, the physical sciences, engineering, and health sciences such as toxicology and epidemiology. The program in industrial hygiene stresses background in the basic sciences, specific coursework in occupational health and safety, and "hands-on" industrial hygiene experience gained through laboratory exercises in environmental monitoring, field trips, and internships. Typically, Purdue industrial hygiene majors are offered paid internships during the summer.

Students majoring in industrial hygiene receive a B.S.E.H. degree that requires 128 credit hours of required courses and electives. The basic four-year degree program qualifies the graduate for employment with federal, state, and local agencies as well as industry and consulting. However, additional coursework at least through the M.S. degree is highly recommended to reach full professional status more rapidly.

Although not required, an optional Summer Industrial Hygiene Internship is highly recommended as a way for the student to learn firsthand from practical, real-world experience. Faculty and staff provide assistance and direction to the student in arranging an internship.

Professional competence in the field of industrial hygiene is acknowledged by certification by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene. Certification requires passing a two-part written examination and five years of work experience that can include credit for education (for example, one year of credit for an M.S. degree and two years of credit for a Ph.D. degree).

Some students may find that their career goals can be best met with a double major in health physics and industrial hygiene. To graduate with this double major, the student must satisfy the graduation requirements for both of these majors. In addition, the student must attain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 at the time of graduation.