u/p0rcelainprincess

I am currently applying to the University of Minnesota’s Environmental Health MS and Occupational Hygiene MS programs.

I have a strong interest in industrial hygiene, especially in biotechnology and healthcare settings. I’ve spent the last 6 years of my professional career (after receiving my BS in biology) working in a quality control laboratory as a research associate at a life sciences biotechnology company. Some of my role involves being an EHS safety representative for my lab, which made me realize how much I enjoy occupational health. I am interested in topics and roles regarding industrial hygiene, EHS, and exposure risk assessment. I lean towards industrial hygiene over being an EHS specialist, because I like performing tests and implementing improvements and interventions based on said test results.

Common focuses curriculums within the Environmental Health MS I am considering include Environmental Chemistry, Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology, Exposure Science, and Regulatory Toxicology and Risk Assessment.

The Occupational Hygiene MS includes scholarship funding by NIOSH traineeships. The Environmental Health MS does not.

Where I’m conflicted… I am leaning towards the Occupational Hygiene MS, but am worried it’ll pigeonhole me into that role only, whereas the Environmental Health MS would be more flexible with the career interests I mentioned above, but wouldn’t be desirable in Industrial Hygienist job applications if I decided to go that route.

Any insights or personal experiences much appreciated!

(cross-posted in r/industrialhygiene)

I am currently applying to the University of Minnesota’s Environmental Health MS and Occupational Hygiene MS programs.

I have a strong interest in industrial hygiene, especially in biotechnology and healthcare settings. I’ve spent the last 6 years of my professional career (after receiving my BS in biology) working in a quality control laboratory as a research associate at life sciences biotechnology company. Some of my role involves being an EHS safety representative for my lab, which made me realize how much I enjoy occupational health. I am interested in a topics and roles regarding industrial hygiene, EHS, and exposure risk assessment. I lean towards industrial hygiene over being an EHS specialist, because I like performing tests and implementing improvements and interventions based on said test results. I

Where I’m conflicted… I am leaning towards the Occupational Hygiene MS, but am worried it’ll pigeonhole me into that role only, whereas the Environmental Health MS would be more flexible with the career interests I mentioned above, but wouldn’t be desirable in Industrial Hygienist job applications if I decided to go that route.

Any insights or personal experiences much appreciated!

EDIT: Common focuses within the Environmental Health MS I am considering: Environmental Chemistry, Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology, Exposure Science, and Regulatory Toxicology and Risk Assessment.