The Northwest Center for Occupational Health and Safety (NWCOHS) is an Education and Research Center (ERC) funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). See the NWCOHS Frequently Asked Questions for more general information about our Center. The following Frequently Asked Questions relate to the Industrial Hygiene Program, one of six academic programs funded by the ERC.
1. How much funding does the ERC provide?
The ERC typically funds students in the first year of their graduate program. Second year and other continuing students are eligible to apply for Teaching Assistantship and Research Assistantship positions. In some cases, the ERC is able to offer second year funding as well. If you receive an ERC traineeship, it will cover tuition, benefits (medical, dental, vision) and a stipend for each quarter you are appointed as a trainee. The ERC traineeship may also provide travel support to attend conferences.
2. Can I switch between the 2-year thesis-based MS track and the 15-month applied MS track?
Yes, you can switch between the two tracks, but you should do so in consultation with your NWCOHS Program Director. It is easier to switch tracks if it is done early in the course of study, ideally by the beginning of the second quarter of study. In the first quarter of study students in both programs take the same courses. In the second quarter the courses start to diverge. If you decide to switch tracks, you do not have to reapply and any ERC funding commitments stays with you. If you wish to switch later in your course of study, it may still be possible, you’ll just need to work with a graduate advisor to ensure you can fit in all the correct courses.
3. How do I find a mentor and select a research topic?
Every incoming Master’s student is assigned a mentor. This mentor provides advice on coursework and connects each student with opportunities in the department, but may not be the student’s research mentor. In your first quarter, we will offer lab tours where students have an opportunity to meet faculty and learn about what research opportunities are available. The first two quarters of programs you will focus on coursework, so you have some time to identify a research mentor and project. The Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences has staff dedicated to student support and they are available to assist with questions.
4. Do I have to collect my own data for my thesis/portfolio?
There are a wide range of research opportunities. If you are interested in getting out into the field, you can conduct your own primary data collection. You may also explore laboratory techniques and complete a project with previously collected samples. There is also an option to analyze existing occupational health data or some combination of all three.
5. Do you recommend contacting Industrial Hygiene Program Director, Dr. Marissa Baker, or other faculty in advance of applying?
Yes! Dr. Baker is happy to talk with students who are applying. It helps her connect a name and face when reviewing applications. She can also provide feedback on potential faculty mentors and help to answer any questions you may have about the program.
6. If I apply to the Master’s program, is the PhD route still feasible?
Yes, we’ve had a number of students join us for the Master’s program and decide they would like to continue to the PhD program. Applying to the PhD program is a competitive process, so already having a Master’s degree is beneficial. Additionally, the PhD program requires 30 fewer credits if you already have a Master’s degree, so there would be less coursework and more time to focus on your research if you enter with a Master’s degree. If your long-term goals include a PhD, we recommend you enroll in the MS thesis-track, as that research experience will best prepare you for the PhD. Completing your Master’s with us also provides you an opportunity to build relationships with our faculty and form a PhD proposal for your application. If this is a route you are interested in, keep in mind that you will still have to apply for the PhD program.
7. What is it like living in Seattle on a graduate student stipend?
Yes, Seattle is an expensive city. Many students choose to live with roommates to reduce costs. As part of tuition, students receive a universal transit pass, called the U-PASS. Students appreciate the opportunities Seattle has to offer including a vibrant music and arts scene and lots of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Our university is served by two light rail stops, and many students live along the light rail route through SE Seattle, which is still very accessible to the University and has a lower cost of living than neighborhoods in more central Seattle. UW also has furnished graduate student apartments, which many students find to be an appropriate option.
8. What are they key differences between the applied track and the thesis-track? Which one should I apply to?
These degrees do have some key differences to think about as you consider which track to apply to.
Length of Program: The applied track can be completed in 15 months; the thesis-track is a 21-month program of study.
Goals of Program: The goal of our applied program is to prepare students to enter the field as a practicing industrial hygienists, either in an industry or government setting. The goal of the thesis-track is to not only prepare students to be practicing industrial hygienists, but also to have a strong background in research. Often, students who want to pursue a PhD or work for an occupational health research organization find the thesis-track to be better preparation.
Internship: While all students are encouraged to complete a summer internship, only those students in our applied track are required to complete an internship as a degree requirement.
Culminating Experience: Our applied students complete a project portfolio, which includes a written report and presentation about work done at their internship and development of an online resume highlighting skills they have developed through the academic program and internship experience. The thesis-track students write a traditional research-based thesis.