• Description of Program
• Degree Requirements
• Special Opportunities
• Careers

Description of Program

Protecting America's work force, the general public, and the environment from injury and illness in today's age of technological and scientific advancement has become one of the most challenging and rewarding career fields available. The Safety and Safety Management Graduate and Undergraduate Programs in School of Public Health prepare students to respond to the needs of employees and the public, analyze hazardous situations, and research government regulations to determine which problems pose significant hazards. Safety managers recognize and devise methods to control hazards with management skills and techniques needed to administer a department or facility.

Degree Requirements

A minimum of 30 graduate credit hours is required for the safety management program. A minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required for graduation. A minimum grade of C– is required in each course. A minimum of 20 credits must be in the Department of Applied Health Science.

Complete the following requirements to reach a minimum total of 30 graduate credits:

Required Safety Management Program Courses

Complete the following public health core course (3 cr.):

• SPH-X 505 Principles and Foundations of Public Health (3 cr.)

Complete each of the following safety courses (24 cr.):

• SPH-S 502 Instructional Strategies for Safety Education (3 cr.)
• SPH-S 513 Safety Management in Business and Industry (3 cr.)
• SPH-S 514 Safety Standards for Industry and Construction (3 cr.)
• SPH-S 515 Safety Performance Measures and Leadership (3 cr.)
• SPH-S 552 Principles and Concepts of Workplace Safety Behavior (3 cr.)
• SPH-S 590 Introduction to Research in Safety Management (3 cr.)
• SPH-S 610 Occupational Risk Management (3 cr.)
• SPH-S 632 Managing Occupational Health Programs (3 cr.)

Complete each of the following practicum and capstone courses (3 cr.):

• SPH-S 697 Safety Management Practicum (2 cr.)
• SPH-S 698 Capstone Experience in Safety Management (1 cr.)

Special Opportunities

Working professionals may become admitted to the degree program, and complete it without ever having to step foot on campus. A practicum is required.

Careers

Safety professionals frequently have responsibility for a variety of functions; they must have a broad knowledge of various fields. Some of the major functions performed include safety training, accident investigation, audits and inspections, hazard analysis, fire protection, compliance, machine guarding, and emergency preparedness. According to a recent survey of American Society of Safety Engineers members, the largest employer groups are manufacturing, construction, consulting firms, insurance, service industries, health care, transportation, utilities, and nonprofit and government organizations. Typical job titles include safety manager, safety director, safety specialist, and safety & health coordinator.