Industrial Hygiene FAQ

What are the admission requirements?
Admission to degree programs within the Department of Occupational and Environmental Health is governed by the rules of the University of Iowa Graduate College. General admission criteria include a baccalaureate degree in a science or engineering discipline, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for the M.S. and 3.25 for the Ph.D., and the following scores for both the M.S. and Ph.D on the GRE exam: Verbal-151, Quantitative-153.  Applicants are then evaluated by the faculty on the basis of general academic background, science background, previous work experience, clarity of focus, and promise. In addition to meeting university requirements, prospective students must have the prerequisites specified by the Applied Science Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org. A baccalaureate degree is required, and undergraduate preparation must include 63 semester credit hours in these courses: calculus, physics, mathematics, biological, chemical and either physical sciences or engineering (prerequisites depend on requirements of the chosen specialty area). Acceptable students who lack the prerequisites are required to satisfy these conditions.
How do I apply?
Please refer to the Department of Occupational & Environmental Health's application instructions.
How much will it cost?
Faculty research grants, traineeships or pilot grants from the OEH Department Centers are also available for student support. More information on our Funding page.
Will I find a job after graduating?
Our students obtain excellent jobs in the public and private sector. The following are places that our alumni work:
Public sector
  • US Air Force and US Army: Industrial hygienist and professors
  • Iowa Department of Public Health: Director of toxic substances program
  • Iowa City VA Hospital: Director of the occupational safety and health program
  • University of Iowa: Environmental Health and Safety Office industrial hygienist and hazardous waste officer
  • University of Iowa Hygienic Laboratory: Chief of the Environmental Health and Safety program
  • Southeastern Oklahoma State University: Faculty
  • Georgia Tech OSHA Consulting Program: Industrial hygienist
Private sector
  • Cordova Energy: Director of the occupational safety and health program
  • Cedar Rapids Inc.: Industrial hygienist
  • Remax Release: Health Safety and Environmental Specialist
  • Genencor International: Industrial hygienist
  • G-Force Engineering and Technology: Environmental health and safety officer
Who can I contact with further questions?
For further admissions, curriculum and funding information, contact Academic Program Coordinator Brianne Schwarz.