Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene
A program that prepares public health specialists to monitor and evaluate health and related safety standards in industrial, commercial, and government workplaces and facilities. Includes instruction in occupational health and safety standards and regulations; health-related aspects of various occupations and work environments; health hazard testing and evaluation; test equipment operation and maintenance; industrial toxicology; worker health and safety education; and the analysis and testing of job-related equipment, behavior practices, and protective devices and procedures.
- Schools offering
- 17
- Annual completions
- 77
- Typical degree level
- Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $58k
About this major
A program that prepares public health specialists to monitor and evaluate health and related safety standards in industrial, commercial, and government workplaces and facilities. Includes instruction in occupational health and safety standards and regulations; health-related aspects of various occupations and work environments; health hazard testing and evaluation; test equipment operation and maintenance; industrial toxicology; worker health and safety education; and the analysis and testing of job-related equipment, behavior practices, and protective devices and procedures.
Examples of specialized tracks: Industrial Hygiene.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health specialties teachers, postsecondary | $106k | +17.3% | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Occupational health and safety specialists | $84k | +12.5% | Bachelor's degree |
| Occupational health and safety technicians | $58k | +8.5% | High school diploma or equivalent |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$58k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$44k
Bachelor's
$58k
Top colleges for Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Central Oklahoma | Edmond, OK | 0 | 23 | 23 |
| Montana Technological University | Butte, MT | 0 | 20 | 20 |
| Illinois State University | Normal, IL | 0 | 12 | 12 |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake | Houston, TX | 0 | 9 | 9 |
| North Carolina A & T State University | Greensboro, NC | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| Athens State University | Athens, AL | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| University of North Alabama | Florence, AL | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Ohio University-Main Campus | Athens, OH | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Universidad Central de Bayamon | Bayamón, PR | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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Considering this direction?
We've taken a hard look at the debt, earnings trajectory, and degree-level tradeoffs for the Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene field. Read our verdict before you commit.
Is Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene worth it? Read verdict