The Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health (FSPH) Master of Science in Product Stewardship (MSPS) will officially launch in Fall 2017! FSPH is the first academic institution in the U.S. to offer a graduate degree in this emerging field. The course schedule is ideal for both traditional students and working professionals, as courses will be offered via distance education.
In a world of rapidly evolving consumer values, society is demanding that products are not only high quality, but environmentally sustainable, safe and healthy for workers and consumers, and socially responsible. Product stewardship is the “responsible management of the health, safety, and environmental aspects of raw materials, intermediate, and consumer products throughout their life cycle and across the value chain in order to prevent or minimize negative impacts and maximize value." It is an emerging and evolving profession which addresses local, national, and global issues related to the environment, worker health and safety, and social accountability as they relate to the design, use and disposal of everyday products. The product stewardship profession is growing and evolving to meet this societal demand.
The Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health’s strong ties with industry, including adjunct faculty who are active in the product stewardship field, assures that students will receive content and skills that are aligned with specific needs of the workforce.