The emphasis in industrial management and technology provides students with a combination of hands-on technical skills and a sound management base. This emphasis requires eight courses, in which students are taught current technology concepts. Students are also required to take courses in the areas of industrial management. Students who graduate from NIU with this emphasis have the skills to enter management or manufacturing fields, and are highly sought after by companies both as interns during their studies or for employment after graduation. Students learn how to protect others by conducting hands-on workplace safety and health assessments. They use advanced electronic monitoring devices to measure exposures to nanoparticles, noise, aerosols, vapors and gases. Students learn about ergonomics, disaster preparedness, control of hazardous industrial operations, air and water quality, and how to manage and lead the safety function as an integral part of business operations.