The graduate plan in Occupational Safety and Health leads to the Master of Science degree. The plan aims to prepare students through an interdisciplinary and applied science approach for opportunities in the government and private sectors. Graduates of the plan will also be prepared to pursue further academic training in occupational safety and industrial hygiene. Students must specialize in one of the following areas:
- Industrial Hygiene
- Occupational Safety and Health (Online)
- Safety
All graduate students are required to produce a major paper and present a public seminar. Prior to enrolling in OSHE 5530 , students must have a faculty advisor and an approved research topic. Following completion of OSHE 5530 , the student will be advised into OSHE 6731 (seminar), OSHE 6838 (research project) or OSHE 6939 (thesis).
Students pursuing the seminar or research project options may be advised to complete hours in independent study, additional coursework related to the degree, or an internship in addition to OSHE 6731 or OSHE 6838. Before enrolling in a thesis, students must have a faculty thesis advisor and an approved research proposal.
Degree Requirements
Occupational Safety and Health Basic Requirements
Students seeking a master’s degree must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university or college and foundation course work preparation appropriate to the major. Candidates should have a B average (GPA of 3.0 or higher). If the GPA is less than 3.0, it is recommended that the student support the application with one or more of the following:
- GRE (Target scores: Quantitative ≥ 150 and GRE Total ≥ 290);
- Completion of a graduate degree from a regionally accredited university or college;
- Relevant work experience in occupational or environmental health and safety, and/or
- Relevant professional board certification(s):
- Associate Safety Professional (ASP) by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP)
- Certified Safety and Health Manager (CSHM) by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM)
- Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) by the IHMM
- Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) by the Board for Global EHS Credentialing (BGC)
- Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) by the Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics (BCPE)
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP) by the BCSP
- Professional Engineer (PE)
The current university policy applies to admissions for international students requiring proof of English language proficiency.
Required Foundation Courses
Required foundation courses for admission into the program do not count toward the degree. At least three (3) of the following foundation courses must be completed (with a grade of C- or better) prior to admission into the graduate plan:
- General Chemistry I with lab
- General Chemistry II with lab
- College Physics I with lab
- College Physics II with lab
- Organic Chemistry I
Any remaining foundation courses must be completed within the first year of study.
The master’s degree requires completion of a minimum of 36 hours.
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