Graduates of the UBC Master of Science in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene program are in high demand across Canada and internationally. Our alumni build careers in diverse sectors, applying their expertise to safeguard worker health, improve environmental conditions, and influence policy and practice.
Alumni Insights (April 2025)
In April 2025, we invited our alumni to share their career experiences — and we heard back from 34% of graduates. Their responses provide valuable insight into employment outcomes, salary levels, and overall career satisfaction.
Recent Graduate Cohorts (2020–2024)
Recent alumni (2020–2024) report 100% employment within six months of graduation, with many securing positions even before completing the program.
61% secured employment before graduation
Graduates entered diverse sectors, including healthcare, consulting, regulatory agencies, and heavy industry
71% report annual earnings above $100,000
82% are satisfied or very satisfied with their career trajectory
94% report satisfaction with work–life balance
Career Paths of All Alumni
Looking across all survey respondents, alumni are employed in a wide range of industries:
Government and Regulatory Agencies (WorkSafeBC, provincial and federal ministries, OSHA equivalents)
Healthcare and Public Health organizations
Heavy Industry (oil & gas, mining, energy, manufacturing)
Consulting and Environmental Services
Education, Training, and Research institutions
Many alumni also hold secondary roles in consulting, research, or policy advising, underscoring the versatility of OEH training, such as research, consulting, and policy advising, highlighting the versatility of OEH expertise.
Earnings and Career Satisfaction
More than three-quarters of alumni report earning over $100,000 annually, with many in the $120,000–$150,000+ range. Career satisfaction is consistently high, with graduates highlighting opportunities for professional growth, meaningful impact, and strong work–life balance.
Shaping the Future of OEH
Our alumni contribute actively to advancing the field — from developing workplace health policies and leading safety initiatives in industry, to teaching the next generation of occupational hygienists. Many also return to support the program by mentoring students, publishing profiles, or appearing in outreach videos.
The OEH program equipped me with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in my current role. The program’s strong industry connections provided valuable networking opportunities, leading to collaborations that have been instrumental in my career development. The comprehensive training in risk assessment and regulatory compliance made me a competitive candidate for various positions (Recent Graduate from 2024)
Celebrating the next generation of OEH professionals at UBC’s 2025 convocation
Meet our Alumni
Shayla Kaplen
Shayla is an accomplished occupational hygienist from the Class of 2024; she specializes in managing exposure to hazardous substances in healthcare, leveraging her background in biology and extensive experience at WorkSafeBC. After completing her MSc in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene at UBC, she returned to Providence Health Care, where they focus on risk assessments, exposure control, and staff training, all while advocating for worker safety and well-being.
Levi is a Senior Industrial Hygienist from the Class of 2014; he consults across various industries—including mining, construction, and film—providing services like indoor air quality assessments and exposure risk management. After initially entering the field through a role as a hazardous materials technician, he enhanced his expertise with a UBC MSc in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, which has been pivotal in his successful ten-year consulting career.
Maggie is researching the health impacts of extreme heat on workers in British Columbia, particularly as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of heat events. She is committed to engaging with the broader community, fostering collaborations, and creating an interactive platform for better communication of heat risks. She decided to pursue a graduate degree at UBC driven by a passion for research and a desire to leverage a top-tier institution’s training and inclusive culture to maximize societal impact.
Drew is an Occupational Hygienist from the Class of 2023; he specializes in health-related research initiatives with the BC Wildfire Service, focusing on mitigating exposure to wildfire smoke and other hazardous materials for firefighters. Using the skills acquired through the MSc in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene from UBC, he has developed comprehensive exposure assessment programs and implemented respiratory protection measures, ensuring the safety of those who protect British Columbia’s wilderness.
Bianca is the current Manager of Industrial Hygiene at Canadian National Railway from the class of 2012; she leads and updates comprehensive industrial hygiene programs, including Confined Space Entry and Hearing Conservation while fostering awareness and collaboration across the organization. With a diverse background managing health and safety initiatives in oil and gas, diamond mining, and construction, she has developed a robust skill set to tackle new challenges while empowering their team to promote a positive and safe work environment. Her journey, enriched by an MSc in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene from UBC, reflects a passion for industrial hygiene and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
Mahdieh is a Safety Health and Environmental Manager from the Class of 2023; she provides leadership and technical guidance for safety and environmental initiatives in manufacturing and construction projects at Unilever. With a strong academic background, including two master’s degrees in HSE management and Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, she excels in promoting safety culture, managing compliance, and implementing effective health and safety systems to enhance operational efficiency and community well-being.
Vancouver Campus School of Population and Public Health 2206 East Mall Vancouver, BC Canada V6T1Z3 Tel: 604 822 2772 Website: spph.ubc.ca Email: info@spph.ubc.ca
