MS in Product Stewardship | Flexible, Online, Nation's 1st of Its Kind

Master of Science in Product Stewardship

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.

MSPS FAQs

Product Stewardship Program Competencies

The goal of the MS Program in Product Stewardship coincides with IUPUI’s Principles of Graduate and Professional Learning. Students will master the knowledge and skills set forth in the Product Stewardship Program Competencies, be able to communicate effectively with peers, clientele, and the public, think creatively and critically to improve practice in the field of product stewardship, and behave in an ethical manner both professionally and personally. The specific competencies for the MS in Product Stewardship are as follows:

  • Describe the core functions, values and principles of environmental and occupational public health.
  • Identify and characterize product hazards, exposures, and risk through inherent product characteristics, uses, and misuses of products.
  • Select and apply appropriate frameworks to analyze product risks to humans and the environment throughout product supply chains and product lifecycles.
  • Identify and evaluate current and emerging societal issues, regulatory requirements, and voluntary frameworks that may affect products throughout their lifecycle.
  • Assess and apply best practices to improve product sustainability and competitive advantage while minimizing business risk through management and product development.
  • Identify and recommend strategies to improve the capabilities of product stewardship organizations within the larger business construct.