Occupational Safety Degree | Online and Distance Learning

Obtaining An Occupational Safety Degree

An occupational safety degree provides the skills and knowledge required for an important role in the workplace. This page gives you more information about what is involved in the degree, where you can study it, and the occupational health and safety job and salary prospects after completion.

An occupational safety and health degree for a rewarding career

An occupational safety degree prepares students for the role of a safety specialist for the workplace. These programs are offered at colleges to those satisfying a few admission requirements prior to acceptance. Each program will offer students several elements of schooling and will fully prepare graduates for an occupational health and safety career.

Workers who have an occupational health and safety degree will provide training to staff. They will also ensure that all practices are followed and up to date. The right protocol will be followed for each safety issue and health matter. They are knowledgeable in many areas of concerning safety matters for businesses. Workers will have team leadership abilities and know how to handle any crisis that may come about. These roles are highly regarded in any company.

Where can you study occupational safety degree programs?

Here are some selected universities where you can obtain courses and degrees that provide occupational health and safety training:

OSHAcampus.com
- Occupational Safety Courses Online

A.T. Still University - Online
- Doctor of Health Education
- Master of Health Education

Benedictine University Online
- Master of Public Health - Health Education & Promotion
- Master of Public Health - Disaster Management
- Master of Public Health - Health Management & Policy
- Master of Public Health/Master of Business Administration
- Master of Public Health

Capella University
- BS - Health Care Management
- MPH - General Public Health

University of Phoenix Online
- BS in Health Administration - Emergency Management
- BS in Health Administration - Health Management
- MS in Nursing - Nursing/Health Care Education

Walden University
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Healthcare Management
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Studies
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Studies - Health Management
- Master of Public Health (M.P.H) - General
- Ph.D. in Health Services - Community Health Education & Advocacy

Kaplan University Online
- Advanced Start BS in Health and Wellness
- Advanced Start BS in Health Science
- BS in Health Science
- BS in Health and Wellness
- BS in Public Health
- MS in Health Education
- Master of Public Health
- Master of Public Health - Health Education

South University
- Associate of Science in Allied Health Science
- Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences

Ashford University
- BA/Health Education - Health Education
- BA/Health Care Studies - Health Studies

Independence University
- AS - Allied Health
- BS - Health Services Management

Grand Canyon University
- Master of Public Health

What is the government involvement in safety at work?

The Occupational Safety and Health Act is the primary federal law which governs workplace health and safety in the private sector and federal government in the USA. Under this act Congress created the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - an agency whose mission is "to ensure safe and healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance" (OSHA website).

Violations of the Act are taken very seriously and companies are prosecuted if they are found to be in breach of the standards. The companies lose not only the money they pay in fines, but also their reputation as a safe and caring employer. So occupational health and safety administration and training are given high priority by each company.

What is involved in an occupational safety degree?

Someone who already has a college course may need to earn a 2.0 grade average in order to be accepted into the program. In order to apply for this particular course, students will need to send in their official transcripts from a previous college course and high school course. Most schools also want to know the date of graduation from any previous form of study. These transcripts along with the application and a fee, can be sent into the school program at any point during the year.

In a class, students will be taught the knowledge and skills required by the OHS professional. They will learn about safety education in the workplace and how to manage safety practices. Students will also be shown how to teach training programs to coworkers once working in the field. Regulatory compliance, safety compensation and any legislative information on safety will also be covered and highlighted in class.

The role that the government plays in all workplace issues will be noted and followed up on. Students will learn what different roles include at work and how each one relates to safety in the workplace. Policies will be discussed in regards to how the government responds to and deals with issues involving hazardous materials.

When working in the field, workers will learn how to take on a leadership role. They will have administrative responsibility and be in charge of more choices and decisions. A person will also know how to deal with hazardous material and know the protocol for most situations. They will know how to design hazard control systems (e.g., protection from falling). They may also be experts in their field and respond to emergency situations with total control and leadership abilities. They will plan operational procedures and develop safe work practices for their organization.

An occupational safety degree is four years long, however with fast tracking courses and extra studies it can be completed in less time. There may be job placements that can help to fully train a student in the expected role. Suitably qualified people can obtain certification by the US Board of Certified Safety Professionals.

What about employment opportunities and salary after completing an occuptional safety degree?

Students of an occupational safety degree typically find jobs quickly after graduating. That is because every workplace has this particular worker among them. This person will have a leader type role and be a manager of some kind. They will have expertise in many areas of health and safe issues and employ their power when needed to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

People who work in occupational health and safety jobs will earn anywhere from 60-70k a year. This role can take someone to any company and be employed in a leading position.

For colleges and universities in Canada

Click here for a page that links to campus universities and campus colleges in Canada. It also provides some advice on choosing a suitable campus.

Click here and then enter your Canadian postal code to search for occupational safety degrees at Canadian college or university campuses.

For more information

Use this link to find programs and schools near you.

Use the search facility on this site to find an occupational safety degree.

Remember to compare the admission requirements and course content of several schools before you choose a particular occupational safety degree program.