Occupational safety and health certificate programs can be found through many colleges, universities, and even some trade schools. If you want to pursue a career that involves overseeing the safety and health operations of a business, you will have to find a degree or certification program that gives you the skills and knowledge required to do the job. The right training is essential if you plan to be successful in your new career.

When you begin your search for the right occupational health and safety certificate program, you will want to start by looking for schools that offer accredited programs. Schools and programs that have earned accredited status are guaranteed to provide you with what you need to be in compliance with government regulations and standards. The field of occupational health and safety is very strict and the government regulations and standards must be adhered to or the company will have to pay stiff fines and penalties.

How We Ranked the Best Occupational Health and Safety Certificate Programs Online

Value Colleges focuses on only accredited, trustworthy institutions that have a proven track record of improving graduates’ lives. Programs are ranked according to their cost, reputation, and salary potential, using current data from IPEDS and Niche. 

1. Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Institute of Technology offers an Industrial Safety and Health Certificate that teaches students how to keep the employees at their companies safe. Students learn about machine safety, industrial hygiene, OSHA regulations, and more. This is an on-campus program that is designed for environmental health and safety professionals, industrial hygienists, foremen, supervisors, and employees involved in human resources, engineering, food processing, landscaping, or logistics. Students learn how to reduce hazards and make their workplace safe for employees.

Georgia Tech Professional Education provides the skills and knowledge students need at every phase of their career path. The school combines practical, hands-on instruction with rigorous academic courses. It offers a variety of courses, degrees, and certificate programs that help students build on their skills and knowledge to develop expertise in the subject matter.

Highlight: The curriculum covers the 1920 general industry code, regulatory interpretations, guidance documents, and OSHA regulations.

Program: Industrial Safety and Health Certificate

2. University of Washington

The University of Washington offers seven safety and health certificates. They are emergency safety specialist, construction safety and health specialist, safety and health leadership: construction, general industry safety and health specialist, safety and health leadership: general industry, maritime safety and health specialist, and occupational hygiene awareness. All of these programs provide a solid grounding in occupational health issues and OSHA standards. Students can provide cost-effective solutions to regulatory requirements and implement accident prevention strategies.

The Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences at the University of Washington has been providing quality, standards-based OSHA training since 1995. Students can advance their careers by learning the technical skills required to become effective health and safety professionals. The school offers a variety of OSHA-related courses, such as permit-required confined space entry and occupational safety and health standards for the construction industry.

Highlight: Students can take from one to three years to complete a certificate program.

Program: Safety and Health Leadership Certificate

3. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University offers a certificate in Environmental and Occupational Health that prepares students for positions where they need to be able to identify environmental health issues. The curriculum covers the sources of environmental agents, how they are distributed in work environments and in the community, how they are transferred to humans, the effects they have on human health, and how to control them and keep them from causing harm. This program is designed for public health professionals who work in the areas of occupational or environmental health.

The Bloomberg School of Public Health strives to save lives—not one at a time, but by the millions. The school works to create public health solutions through advanced practice, education, and research. Students and faculty at the school have helped wipe out smallpox, purified drinking water, reduced the spread of HIV, and much more.

Highlight: The course of study includes courses such as environmental health, public health toxicology, and alternative methods in animal testing.

Program: Environmental and Occupational Health Graduate Certificate

4. University of Delaware

The Certificate for Occupational Safety Managers from the University of Delaware is one of the best occupational health and safety certificate programs online. This program is for students who have already completed the Certified Occupational Safety Specialist program and want to take the next step to advance their careers even further. This is an advanced occupational safety program for executive-level occupational safety managers. It consists of 40 hours of training in claims and post-accident management, injury management, defining the safety message, and much more.

The Division of Professional and Continuing Studies at the University of Delaware offers educational experiences for those who are just beginning or hoping to complete their college education. The programs are designed to enrich students’ lives and enhance their professional skills.

Highlight: To enroll in this program, students must have at least two years of experience in environmental health and safety.

Program: Occupational Safety Managers Certificate

5. University of Connecticut

The Occupational Safety and Health Online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate from the University of Connecticut is a great choice for students looking for occupational health and safety certificate programs online. According to the National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health, the demand for occupational safety and health professionals is higher than the number of students being trained. This program is for students who are ready to take advantage of the opportunity to become trained occupational safety and health professionals.

The UConn Occupational Safety and Health certificate program is taught by experienced OSH professionals. The program director has 30 years of experience in the field. UConn has developed the program with input from seasoned professionals. Students are constantly exposed to real-world scenarios and problems.

Highlight: This 15-credit program includes three required courses and two electives.

Program: Occupational Safety and Health Post-Bacc Certificate

6. Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers two professional certification programs for students interested in health and safety. They are the Specialist in Safety and Health (SSH) and Safety and Health Official (CSHO) certificates. For the SSH certification, students can choose a specialization in occupational safety, healthcare, general industry, or construction. For the CSHO, students can specialize in healthcare, general industry, or construction. These programs are designed for working professionals with health and safety responsibilities who want to expand their knowledge and improve their credentials.

The OSHA Training Institute Education Center at Arizona State University is authorized by OSHA to provide occupational health and safety training to employers, supervisors, and workers on behalf of OSHA. Topics covered included fall arrest systems, electrical standards, confined space entry, machine guarding, and record keeping. The Institute is part of the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment.

Highlight: There are no additional requirements except to complete the required courses for each certificate and apply for the certification.

Program: Specialist in Safety and Health or Safety and Health Official Certificates

7. CUNY School of Public Health

The CUNY School of Public Health & Health Policy offers an Advanced Certificate in Industrial Hygiene that helps working professionals gain the skills they need to control, evaluate, recognize and anticipate occupational hazards. Students learn how to function in a variety of occupational settings, including corporate, industrial, environmental and public health agencies, academic, and medical environments. The curriculum is intended to get students ready for the Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) exam offered by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH).

CUNY SPH is dedicated to service, research, and teaching that makes New York City healthier and promotes evidence-based, efficient, and equitable solutions to public health problems in cities all around the world. Its mission is to improve social justice and health in New York City and all over the world.

Highlight: This program is made up of four courses: principles of industrial hygiene, environmental and occupational toxicology, and two electives.

Program: Advanced Certificate in Industrial Hygiene

8. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences offers a graduate certificate in Environmental and Occupational Health that addresses the need for workers trained in occupational and environmental health. This program gives students practical tools and knowledge that they can use right away in construction, hospital, manufacturing, and other occupational health settings. Graduates will be able to control, measure, identify and recognize biological, physical, and chemical hazards. The program meets the requirements for 12 hours of industrial hygiene coursework to sit for the CIH exam.

The Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health has a mission to show how public health can meet the health needs of the people of Arkansas by setting up model community programs and addressing the public health needs for the workforce of the future.

Highlight: This program requires 12 credit hours, which can be applied to the MPH in Environmental and Occupational Health if the student chooses to pursue the master’s degree.

Program: Environmental and Occupational Health Graduate Certificate

9. Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University Professional Development offers a Certificate for Occupational Safety Managers (COSM). This program is for safety professionals who need advanced training to advance their careers as high-level safety managers. The program is made up of five 8-hour modules that build competencies in the area of safety management. It explores current thinking and examines cutting-edge principles in safety theory, including how to apply those competencies, skills, and principles to competently manage safety departments within an organization.

LSU Online and Continuing Education has more than 80 online certificates, degrees, and MicroCred® programs in a variety of fields. The school’s online classes offer flat-rate tuition to all students regardless of residency. Online students receive the same diploma as on-campus students.

Highlight: This program requires just 40 hours (5 days) to complete.

Program: Occupational Safety Manager Certificate

10. California State University, Dominguez Hills

California State University, Dominguez Hills offers an Occupational Safety and Health for Managers and Supervisors certificate. This program offers an educational path for employees charged with responsibility for the health and safety of an organization. Students gain the skills and knowledge they need to be able to supervise other health and safety employees, manage potential OSHA cases, and mitigate risk. Typical students are human resource professionals, supervisors, managers, and directors. Graduates will understand basic accident investigation procedures.

CSU Dominguez Hills is a welcoming, diverse community of educators and learners who work together to change their communities for the better. The school offers relevant and strong academic programs, and its faculty and staff are supportive and dedicated. CSUDH is an important resource for leadership, skills, knowledge, and talent in the community.

Highlight: This certificate program consists of eight required courses and three electives.

Program: Occupational Safety and Health Manager Certificate

11. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona College of Engineering offers an online graduate certificate in Mining Occupational Safety and Health that is one of the best occupational health and safety certificate programs online. The program is designed to help mitigate the risks involved in mining operations. The Mine Safety and Health Administration inspects approximately 14,400 mines each year, and all of them need to train occupational safety and health personnel to ensure that the mines are as safe as possible. The curriculum covers chemical exposure, geomechanics, ventilation, and more.

The University of Arizona has always valued innovation and is proud to be able to offer focused, practical online programs to its students. Online education allows UA to offer its programs to students from all over the country and around the world.

Highlight: This program requires 15 credit units and 12 of those credits can be applied toward the Master of Engineering in Mining and Geological Engineering.

Program: Mining Occupational Safety and Health Graduate Certificate

12. Auburn University

Auburn University offers an Occupational Safety and Ergonomics graduate certificate. This program is offered by the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and is available to all students, whether they are seeking a degree or not. The program is especially suited to non-degree-seeking students who want to advance their education without pursuing a master’s degree. The curriculum covers occupational biomechanics, human factors engineering, ergonomics, risk quantification, safety engineering, and more. The program requires the completion of five graduate-level courses.

The Samuel Ginn College of Engineering has a history of providing outstanding engineering education. The school has the highest-ranked engineering program in Alabama and is one of the top engineering schools in the country. About a third of the engineering graduates in Alabama come from the school. Its alumni include Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, Inc. and four astronauts.

Highlight: There is no GRE requirement, but students must possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

Program: Occupational Safety and Ergonomics Graduate Certificate

13. University of Alabama

The University of Alabama offers a Health & Safety Management certificate that is one of the best occupational health and safety certificate programs online. The program is designed for full-time and part-time workers who have been placed in charge of occupational health and safety but have no formal training in the area. It is good for managers and supervisors who have recently moved into a health and safety management position. The core courses are an introduction to workers’ compensation, introduction to industrial hygiene, introduction to workplace safety, and introduction to OSHA.

UA SafeState is a division of the College of Continuing Studies. The division is committed to making sure that workers come home safe at the end of each day. With fewer environmental, safety, and health incidents, companies are more productive. UA SafeState wants to see families work, live, play, and learn in healthier, safer environments.

Highlight: There are electives available covering a variety of topics, such as mine safety, ergonomics, fleet safety, heat stress, and personal protective equipment.

Program: Health Safety Management Certificate

14. Tulane University

Tulane University’s School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine offers an online graduate certificate in Occupational Health and Safety Management. This is a great program for students who are looking for occupational health and safety certificate programs online. It provides management, leadership, and technical skills to industrial hygiene, environmental health, and occupational health professionals who want to advance in their careers. Students learn how to apply systems thinking, financial management, and project management skills to health and safety programs.

The Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine has taken a global view of public health throughout its 100-year history. The school is a leader in public health in the South.

Highlight: The program consists of six courses, including occupational health, occupational laws and compliance, principles of safety, and more.

Program: Occupational Health and Safety Management Graduate Certificate

15. Lamar Institute of Technology

The Lamar Institute of Technology offers an Occupation Health and Safety certificate program. This program helps meet industry demand for safety professionals and provides the knowledge and skills students need to enter the profession at the entry level. Certificate students may also choose to continue their education by pursuing an associate degree in Occupational Safety and Health. Students learn to manage and develop health and safety programs for a variety of industries and how to identify workplace hazards in any industry. They learn how to protect the environment and reduce the number of work-related accidents.

Lamar Institute of Technology encourages students to chase the American Dream. The school provides training that helps improve its student’s lives through hands-on training and world-class education.

Highlight: Students who complete this program may work in the construction industry, in a company’s safety department, or as a field safety technician.

Program: Occupational Safety and Health Certificate

16. Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester Institute of Technology offers a Safety and Health Specialist certificate that certifies students’ skills and knowledge related to solving workplace safety problems and understanding OSHA standards. The program can be customized to suit the student’s interests. The core courses include fall protection; electrical standards; and excavation, trenching, and soil mechanics. There are several electives available, including respiratory protection, principles of scaffolding, lockout/tagout, fall hazard awareness for the construction industry, and more.

Rochester Institute of Technology impacts the future through innovation and creativity. The school is a socially conscious, intellectually curious, and engaged community that uses design, arts, and technology to make the world a better place.

Highlight: Students with at least five years of safety experience who have already completed Course 510 or 511 can become OSHA-authorized outreach trainers by taking the 500 or 501 course.

Program: Safety and Health Specialist Certificate

17. University of West Florida

The Public Health Certificate in Environmental and Occupational Health from the University of West Florida is one of the best occupational health and safety certificate programs online. This program gives students a solid foundation in public health along with specialized coursework in risk management, environmental toxicology, disease monitoring, industrial hygiene, and occupational safety. The program is designed for working professionals in the natural and social sciences, business, government, education, and health sciences who deal with occupational health and safety.

The University of West Florida Online is a widely recognized, forward-thinking institution of higher education. The school is dedicated to training the next generation of thought leaders who will become contributors to society and to their professions. Students benefits from creative, innovative, and collaborative learning experiences.

Highlight: Students who complete the program can advance their careers and teach others how to keep their workplaces safe and keep the environment clean.

Program: Environmental and Occupational Health Graduate Certificate

18. Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University offers an online graduate certificate in Occupational Safety. This is another good choice for students searching for occupational health and safety certificate programs online. This program is a stepping stone for students who want to increase their knowledge and skills in the area of occupational safety. Students learn safety strategies that can help them advance their careers while keeping their fellow employees safe. Those who complete the program may find that they are sought after by employers in the occupational safety industry.

EKU Online offers a variety of emergency management, security, and safety programs that can help students prepare for emergencies in advance so they are ready when their skills are needed. Students learn to be strong leaders who can keep their organizations safe while ensuring compliance with regulations.

Highlight: This certificate program uses the same curriculum as is required for the master’s in Safety.

Program: Occupational Safety Graduate Certificate

19. Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University offers an undergraduate or graduate certificate in Occupational Safety and Health that is designed for students who want to improve their knowledge and skills in the field for personal and professional development. The program has qualified professors and is offered at the graduate and undergraduate levels. The certificate requires 12 semester hours of coursework, which amounts to four courses. The courses available for the undergraduate certificate include construction safety, OSHA standards, accident investigation, risk management, and more.

Columbia Southern University works to improve lives by providing higher education programs that help students maximize their potential. The school offers online certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate level programs in health care administration, human resource management, business administration, criminal justice, fire administration, occupational safety and health, and more.

Highlight: In addition to the certificate programs, CSU also offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in Occupational Safety and Health.

Program: Undergraduate Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health

20. Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University offers an Occupational Safety and Health undergraduate certificate that requires 15 hours of college credit. The program is focused on providing the skills and knowledge students need to succeed in careers that revolve around protecting workers from occupational hazards in a variety of environments. Students learn basic OSHA standards and principles and learn how to handle the challenges that may arise in the workplace. Students are prepared for many opportunities in business, environmental management, and safety and health.

WKU Online offers more than 50 different online degrees, plus a variety of certificate programs. The school provides support to its students to help them succeed on their academic journeys. The classes are on-demand, so students can design their own study schedules. Courses can be completed at the student’s own pace—from seven weeks to nine months.

Highlight: The Occupational Safety and Health certificate requires five courses for a total of 15 hours.

Program: Occupational Safety and Health Undergraduate Certificate

21. University of Findlay

The University of Findlay offers an Occupational Health and Safety Management certificate that saves businesses money by teaching their employees to implement good safety procedures. Safety personnel learn to work with human resources to protect their employees and keep them safe while on the job. This program is for people who are working in the field of industrial safety but don’t have specialized training in the field. This certificate is a good choice for students seeking occupational health and safety certificate programs online. It can be taken online, on campus, or a combination of both.

The University of Findlay is committed to helping its students achieve their full potential through its supportive community, transformative experiences, and academic excellence. The school was founded in 1882 and is known for its outstanding programs in equestrian studies, animal science, health professions, and science.

Highlight: This program can be completed in as little as three semesters.

Program: Occupational Health and Safety Management Certificate

22. Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University offers four occupational health and safety certificate programs. They are Safety and Health Specialist (SHS), Safety and Health Professional (SHP), Safety and Health Associate (SHA), and Public Sector Safety and Health Fundamentals. The SHA certificate has two concentrations: general industry and construction. The SHP program has a concentration in the general industry and can be completed online. The SHS certification has concentrations in general industry and construction, as does the Public Sector Safety and Health Fundamentals certificate.

Professional Programs and Training (PPAT) at Eastern Michigan University has been offering practical instruction in occupational, health, safety, and compliance for more than 35 years for a variety of industries. PPAT has partnered with the UAW Health and Safety Department and the University of Cincinnati to form the Great Lakes OSHA Education Center.

Highlight: Each of these certificates requires six to nine courses to complete.

Program: Safety and Health Associate, Professional, or Specialist

23. Barton Community College

The Midwest OSHA Education Center at Barton Community College offers two professional O.S.H. certificates, a 6.5 credit hour Specialist in Safety and Health certificate and a 14 credit hour Certified Safety and Health Official certificate. There is also an 18-hour occupational safety and health certificate that can be taken as a stand-alone certificate or as part of the Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational Safety and Health. Students who complete these certificates programs will stand out to employers when looking for work.

Barton Community College was established in 1969 and has more than 15,000 students each year. The school offers online classes, transfer options, GED courses, technical and career training, performing and fine arts, and general education courses.

Highlight: Students who pursue the Specialist in Safety and Health certificate or the Certified Safety and Health Official certificate can count the credits as electives toward the associate degree.

Program: Occupational Safety and Health Certificate

24. New York Medical College

New York Medical College’s School of Health Sciences and Practices (SHSP) offers an Advanced Certificate in Industrial Hygiene. This 15-credit program is for students who want to learn how to recognize, anticipate, communicate, evaluate, and control environmental stressors in the workplace. Students learn how to prevent impairments, illnesses, and injuries that may affect the productivity and well-being of workers. The program provides a multidisciplinary and integrated approach to safety management issues at work. Students learn how to use rigorous scientific methods to identify and evaluate potential hazards.

SHSP educates and inspires health professionals and improves the quality of life for individuals and communities. The school is dedicated to environmental and social determinants of disease and health and is especially committed to serving the underserved.

Highlight: This program fulfills the requirements to sit for the ABIH examination as well as the requirements for two other certification exams.

Program: Advanced Certificate in Industrial Hygiene

25. San Juan College

The Occupational Safety certificate from San Juan College is one of the best occupational health and safety certificate programs online. The program covers general safety management, cost analysis and budgeting, safety training, applying industry best practices and regulatory requirements, and hazard assessment in the workplace. The program addresses the need for more environmental, health, and occupational safety professionals in the workplace. Students are prepared to deal with changing regulations and technological advances in safety equipment.

The School of Energy, Manufacturing & Transportation at San Juan College offers programs in advanced petroleum production operations, auto body, automotive technology, building trades, commercial driver’s license training, diesel technology, energy production foundations, industrial maintenance mechanic, industrial process operator, instrumentation, natural gas compression technology, occupational safety, tribal energy management, welding, and industry training.

Highlight: This certificate program will help students who work in occupational health and safety, whether they are supervisors or human resource managers.

Program: Occupational Safety Certificate

What Can I Do with an Occupational Health and Safety Certificate?

With an occupational health and safety certificate, you can find any number of jobs working for organizations like OSHA. It is the job of OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, to oversee the health and safety practices employed by most businesses. They are responsible for ensuring that every employee has a safe and healthy work environment. OSHA inspectors are called in to evaluate accident scenes and equipment malfunctions to ensure the proper measures were taken to protect the workers.

With a certificate in occupational safety and health, you can begin to work in many different positions. In an entry-level position, you can start to work as a safety manager ensuring those who work within your company are adhering to OSHA guidelines and other safety practices put in place by the company. You will be in charge of maintaining a safe environment that is free of hazards. It will be up to you to provide employees with the equipment that is necessary to keep them safe while they are performing their duties.

If you would prefer, you could also work with organizations like OSHA and become a teacher. Teachers and inspectors both work to produce safe work environments. Inspectors maintain a safe environment by looking for hazards like bare wires, oil spills, or any other type of hazard that could lead to an accidental injury. Teachers, on the other hand, work to train employees on how to deal with hazards in the workplace safely and efficiently. Teachers use their training to ensure that others remain safe and productive while they are on the job.

If you plan on working with an agency like OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), find out what educational requirements their employees must have. You may be able to be hired on to OSHA in an entry-level position, giving you an opportunity to find out what you will need to move up within the organization. Doing your research as an employee will allow you to pursue the exact courses and certifications that are required to be effective at your job.

How Much Can I Make with a Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health?

The amount of money you can make with a health and safety certification will depend on how much experience you have as well as what type of degree or certification program you have completed. With less than four or five years of experience, a health and safety manager may be able to make around $66,000 or more a year, depending on their degree or certification program. It will also depend on the industry you work in. Even people with very little experience will be able to increase their earning potential if they enroll in a certification program.

Individuals who are working in the occupational health and safety field can earn approximately $78,000 per year if they have five to ten years of experience to draw from. Those who have completed a degree program or who have enrolled to earn a certificate can look forward to more opportunities for advancement. Even though they have years of experience, returning to school will always be beneficial. Earning a certification is another great way to keep up to date on the latest advancements in both technology and the best practices in the industry.

The growth for Occupational Safety and Health industry will continue to grow. Job openings will become more prevalent for all levels from entry-level all the way to upper management. Instructors, educators, and inspectors will also be in high demand as companies continue to move forward with advanced technology. With organizations like OSHA working to maintain safe work environments, most companies are hiring safety managers and specialists to ensure they are always in compliance with state and federal regulations. 

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