Environmental Health and Occupational safety degrees allow for a professional account of the wellness of workers in an industry setting. From ensuring the building people work in is up to code, to making sure the chemicals they work with are safe, Occupational Safety and Health engineers are needed more than ever.

OSH is a relatively recent focus that companies and working people each can access to ensure that their job is not causing workers harm. Even at a bachelor’s level, graduates can enjoy a lucrative career in OSH, which is becoming rare these days. Along with more concentrated wealth, what the industrial revolution brought is a completely different set of concerns, including a safe workplace as the concern for the employer, and rights to safety for the worker. Workers’ access to safe workplace practices, is the responsibility of everyone from kitchen staff to construction crews.

Professional safety certifications do a lot to ensure that managers and bosses have a handle on safe practices. Certified safety professionals who earn a degree in occupational health and safety are often those who teach these certifications courses. They may also get a job as a consultant for a large factory, firm, or corporation that opts to employ a worker full-time on-site. Construction workers with a degree in Occupational Safety and Health might be promoted to foreman or manager, and OSH grads who are interested in Law or Policy may also be hired to develop or push new legislation for workers’ safety, safety regulations, and employers practices.

Why Get an Occupational Safety and Health Degree?

The field of Occupational Health and Safety as a focus represents a variety of majors you’ll find these in engineering departments alongside mechanical engineering and civil engineering. The field of Industrial Hygiene is also a similar field. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is the governmental body that works closely with the Department of Labor to ensure the safety of workers. Given the growth of global business, as well as the increasing technology and use of machines high-tech machines, the need for people who specialize in worker wellness, and safe industry growth will only increase as time goes on.

As mentioned above, there are several online occupational safety degrees for people who are already committed to a line of work and are looking to enhance their ability to influence that line of work in the direction of safety for others who do what they do. Anyone thinking about enhancing their career from this angle, ought to look no further than Value Colleges 25 Best Value Occupational Safety and Health Degrees. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the growth of the field of Health and Safety Engineers at 9% between 2016 and 2026. Some other careers that fall into this category include Construction and Building Inspectors, Fire Inspectors, Industrial Engineers, Mining and Geological Engineers, and Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians. Each of these is growing at a bit of a faster pace, a projected 10% by 2026.

Choosing the Occupational Safety and Health Degree for You

Many OSH degrees are housed in the university’s school of Public Health. Others are run by the Engineering department or the Environmental Science department of their school. The University of Central Missouri tucks theirs into the School of Geoscience, Physics, and Safety. Given how wide-ranging this degree and its central focus can be for individuals, it makes sense that different schools teach it from a different lens. We did our best to represent the best value programs from a range of perspectives.

What Is the Relationship Between Organizational Leadership and Occupational Safety?

The relationship between organizational leadership and occupational safety is crucial for maintaining a safe working environment. Professionals with organizational leadership master’s degrees play a vital role in establishing safety protocols, ensuring compliance, and fostering a culture of safety within an organization. Their expertise enables them to effectively lead and inspire teams, resulting in improved occupational safety practices and reduced workplace accidents.

Ranking the Best Value Occupational Safety and Health Degrees

We hope at Value Colleges, to give the kind of information students need to make the best decision for interests and needs, including their money. Students who care about the value of their education and the return on investment their degree will bring, are who we are hoping to reach. The Value College’s ranking of the Best Value Occupational Safety and Health Degrees provides a thorough survey of the most reputable, proven bachelor’s degrees in Occupational Safety and Health. The ranking order of this list is based on three metrics:

• Reputation (based on U.S. News & World Report)
• ROI (based on Payscale data)
• Cost (based on online tuition as reported to IPEDS)

All of the colleges and universities featured by Value Colleges are regionally accredited. Many of the programs in the Best Value Online Occupational Safety and Health Degree ranking are also recognized by the Institute of Safety and Health Management or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. These are the standards for OSH education in the United States. ISHM is an industry-recognized, third-party accredited certification for Environmental Health and Safety professionals.

Rank	School Name	Description

1

University of Houston-Clear Lake

The University of Houston- Clear Lake was established in 1971. Much of their mission came out of a request from NASA for more graduate studies that would relate to space industries. They are one of the four institutions that make up the University of Houston System. Their campus main campus sits on 524 acres of land on a nature preserve in Houston, Texas, and they have an additional branch in Pearland, Texas. US News and World Report ranked them number 74 among Regional Universities. The University of Houston at Clear Lake offers four distinct colleges which hold 90-degree offerings which include 40 bachelor’s, 44 masters, and two doctoral programs.

The Institute for Safety and Health Management at the University of Houston Clear Lake offers an online Masters of Science in Environmental Science Occupational Health and Safety. They also have a residential Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental Science. Both degree programs provide students an opportunity to study to the intersection where people and the environment come together. This includes a comprehensive study of both natural and unnatural processes. They foster an intimate educational environment with small class sizes and many opportunities for peer collaboration. Both of these programs are interdisciplinary and therefore offer many career possibilities in a variety of applicable fields.

• Program Cost: $$$$$
• Degree: Environmental Science Safety, BS

2

University of North Alabama

The University of North Alabama is often referred to as UNA and was founded in 1830. They first went by the name LaGrange College, which in French means “the barn.” The college began from an idea developed at the Methodist Church’s Tennessee Conference, where a collective visioned a college that would not base the study on religion or theology. They were re-established in 1872, as a Normal school with the intention of training teachers. Currently, they are a public institution of higher learning situated on a 130-acre campus in Florence, Alabama. The campus is across from the Seminary-O’Neal Historic District. They are known for being the oldest four-year postsecondary institution in the state of Alabama. Their total enrollment is close to 7,450 students.

The University of North Alabama is one of many schools offering innovative Health and Safety Degrees. Their offerings include offerings a BA and a BS in Industrial Hygiene Degree Program. Students in this course of study will grasp the underpinnings of scientific principles emphasizing chemistry, and the ways they are used to evaluate and anticipate health hazards in the workplace. Many of these hazards are a result of biological physical and chemical substance exposure. Students will be prepared to enter career paths related to industry, government, as well as related organizations, in the role of Industrial Hygienists. The prerequisites for this program include related courses in computer science, biology, physics, and mathematics.

• Program Cost: $$$$$
• Degree: Industrial Hygiene BA/BS

3

Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University was officially founded in 1960, though the vision of this four-year institution that would serve the Grand Rapids region began in 1958. Their primary campus sits on 1,322 acres of land in the town of Allendale, Michigan, just 15 minutes from Grand Rapids. They host additional classes at a site in downtown Grand Rapids and also have an international campus in Holland. Their total student enrollment exceeds 25,000, placing them into the category of one of the largest 100 universities in the country. Their program offerings include over 200 disciplines. They are classified as “more selective” concerning admissions by the US News and World Report.

Grand Valley State University offers a bachelor’s of science degree program in occupational safety and health management (OSHM). This program not only prepares students to achieve their professional certification, but it also positions participants to be able to obtain entry-level positions in safety management. The education at Grand Valley is steeped in values concerning ethical and professional behavior, as well as social responsibility, respect, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Students in the program will have the opportunity to participate in an internship that provides hands-on career-based training and experience. Students will have access to advisors that will support them throughout their academic experience.

• Program Cost: $$$$$
• Degree: Occupational Safety & Health Management, BS

4

Utah State University

Utah State University is often referred to colloquially as USU or Utah State, and it began in 1888. It was initially established to offer students in the state an agricultural college, though they have since taken on a more comprehensive list of program offerings. Currently, they are known for being the most prominent public residential institution of higher learning in the state. Twenty-three percent of their student body is from states other than Utah, making it the highest percentage in the state for any public institution. USU has the designation of offering a “higher research level” by the Carnegie Foundation.

Utah State University offers a Bachelor’s of Science program in Public Health that is comprehensive in its reach. It is one of the oldest public health programs in the country, and therefore, they have a lot of practice catering to the needs of students interested in a variety of relevant disciplines. Each student in the program will choose from one of three subjects including Industrial Hygiene, Public Health, and Environment Health. The Industrial Hygiene track prepares students to be experts in workplace hazards and their interventions. The ABET accredits the Associates of Applied Science course of study. Upon graduation from the Industrial Hygiene discipline, students will have the foundations to take the certification test to become an Industrial Hygienist officially.

• Program Cost: $$$$$
• Degree: Public Health, Emphasis: Industrial Hygiene, BS

5

The Johns Hopkins University

The Johns Hopkins University was established in 1876 and got its name from the benefactor that was first to support this institution. Johns Hopkins was a known abolitionist and entrepreneur, and he donated 7 million dollars to found the institution, which at the time was the biggest ever philanthropic gift in United States history. The campus is located in the center of Baltimore, Maryland, with an additional site in Washington DC and International sites in Singapore, Italy, and China. Many things make this institution notable, including the fact that they are considered the first research postsecondary school in the nation. They were also one of the founding members of the American Association of Universities.

The Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University offers a flexible Master’s of Public Health Program that students can take in part-time and online formats. The program is geared towards working adults who require flexibility to be successful in an academic path. Students can access recorded video lectures at their convenience. The program generally has cohorts of between 50 and 60 people, and the average student age is 36. The residential requirement is 1-2 weeks on campus per year, and the program can be completed in 2-3 years. There are over 100 courses to choose from, all of which are facilitated by faculty who are leaders in their field.

• Program Cost: $$$$$
• Degree: Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, BS

6

The University of Texas at Tyler

The University of Texas at Tyler is also called UT Tyler. Known as a component institution for the University of Texas System. They were founded in 1971 with the original name of Tyler State College. They had a few names before they connected with the University of Texas system in 1975. Their campus is situated on 204 acres of land in Tyler, Texas, and has been their site for 40 years. The campus is a refuge in its parklike setting, as it sits on the edge of Harvey Lake. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits this proudly Texan school. Total student enrollment exceeds 10,500, and they maintain intimate classes with a student to faculty ratio of 20:1.

The University of Texas at Tyler offers a Bachelor of Science program in Industrial Technology, which is also called Applied Engineering. Students in this program are trained to successfully achieve positions such as procurement manager, plant manager, safety manager, project and industrial engineer, among others. There is minor embedded into the program in Business Administration, which gives students an additional leg up with marketing, business, and finance skills. Close to 100 percent of students who have graduated from the program have entered a related career path upon completion. Many graduates work for companies such as Chicago Bridge and Iron, Trane Inc, Eastman Chemical and Lockheed Martin.

• Program Cost: $$$$$
• Degree: Industrial Safety, BS

7

Ohio University

Ohio University was founded in 1804 and was the first university in the state of Ohio. It was initially chartered in 1787 by the First Continental Congress, though did not officially open for students until 1809. The campus was built under the Jefferson presidency and was built only 20 years after the White House. Located in Athens, Ohio, it sits on the Hocking River and is a registered national monument. They are known for their selective admissions policies. Total enrollment for all of their programs exceeds 36,800 students. They have more than 250 fields of study, and The Higher Learning Commission is their accrediting body.

The College of Health Sciences and Professions at Ohio University offers an Industrial Occupational Hygiene and Safety Program. This course of study teaches students the foundations of the applied science related skills needed to ensure health and safety in the workplace. Students will learn innovative problem-solving skills that will ultimately be in service of protecting workers and community members. Many graduates achieve positions in the sector of manufacturing, industry, within insurance companies and corporations. Some graduates end up working within colleges and universities, construction, cruise ships, and natural resource departments. Students will study biological and physical hazards, ergonomics, EPA and Osha regulations.

• Program Cost: $$$$$
• Degree: Industrial Hygiene, BS

8

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania is also known as SRU and The Rock. They were established in 1889 and has always been coeducational. They are a public institution of higher learning that offers bachelor’s and masters degrees, as well as a few doctoral degrees. Their campus sits on 611 acres of land in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, and they have one of the largest campuses on the western side of the state. Though the rural, they are only an hour away from Pittsburgh. They have an active student life, and even offer an 82,000 square foot student recreation center on campus called the Aebersold Student Recreation Center.

Among Health and Safety, degrees is the Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Bachelor of Science program in Safety Management. This program offers an experiential approach to learning the practical and applied sciences concerning health and safety practices. The foundations of this course of study cover critical thinking skills used to ensure that students know how to become accountable and knowledgeable public safety professionals. Students will learn what it means to protect property, productivity, people and the environment. Safety Management techniques and elements are infused throughout the curriculum and academic experience. Each lab consists of no more than 24 students.

• Program Cost: $$$$$
• Degree: Safety Management, BS

9

Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University was established in 1906, initially under the name Kentucky State Normal School No. 1. The original intention of this institution was to train teachers in the state. It became a four-year institution of higher learning in 1922 and changed its name to the Eastern Kentucky State Normal School and Teachers College. Currently, they are fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Their primary campus sits in Richmond, Kentucky, with additional branch campuses Lancaster, Corbin, Manchester, and Hazard. The US News and World Report has ranked Eastern Kentucky University in many categories including Top Regional Universities in the South, and Best Graduate School in Occupational Therapy.

Eastern Kentucky University offers an online Bachelor’s of Science program in Occupational Safety. This path of study engages students in the skills to ensure workers are safe in their jobs and return safely home at night. This online format focuses on program requirement nontraditional students need. This population requires the flexibility to study as a result of their personal and professional commitments. This program can be completed in as little as 2.5 years. Many students in the program might take this program while already working in the field of personal safety. The program embeds opportunities for students in career development and internships as an experiential learning strategy.

• Program Cost: $$$$$
• Degree: Occupational Safety, BS

10

University of Wisconsin – Whitewater

The University of Wisconsin at Whitewater was established in 1868, and they graduated their first class of teachers to be in 1970. They are now a comprehensive four-year institution of higher learning and a member of the University of Wisconsin System. Their campus sits on 400 acres of land in the southeastern region of the state, in the rural town of Whitewater, Wisconsin. Over 11,000 undergraduates attend this residential school, and close to 1,200 postgraduate students are enrolled. Students have many opportunities, including an honors program that offers additional programming for those who qualify, and a robust student life involving many clubs and extracurricular activities.

The University of Wisconsin at Whitewater is one of many schools now offering occupational safety and health degrees. Their Department of Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health offers a Bachelor’s of Science in Occupational Safety. This course of study gives students the most up to date skills utilized to protect people at work and the environment. Students will learn the underpinnings of health, safety, and productivity, which include a plethora of biological, chemical, physical, and psychological factors. Coursework encompasses a holistic framework for accident prevention, as well as topics such as fire prevention, ergonomics, as well and an understanding of legal contexts.

• Program Cost: $$$$$
• Degree: Occupational Safety, BS

11

Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Millersville University of Pennsylvania is often called Millersville University. They are one of the fourteen schools that make up the University of Pennsylvania System. Established in 1864, with the original name Millersville Academy, they started out primarily offering teacher training series in workshop styles. It was not until 1983 that they took on their current name. Their primary campus sits in the small town of Millersville, Pennsylvania on 250 acres of rolling hills and picturesque land. They are a mere three miles from Lancaster City, and one and a half hours away from the city of Philadelphia. They have an additional campus in downtown Lancaster.

Millersville University of Pennsylvania is the home to the Department of Applied Engineering, Safety and Technology which offers many disciplines that result in a variety of occupational safety and health degrees. There are opportunities for students to achieve 2-year associates degrees as well as four-year bachelor’s degrees in related fields. The principles of professionalism, teamwork, leadership, and innovation guide the work in all of the programs. Many of them focus on health and safety in the workforce, and some have opportunities to tailor the course of study to meet specific student needs and career-related goals.

• Program Cost: $$$$$
• Degree: Occupational Safety & Environmental Health, BS

12

University of Central Missouri

People often call the University of Central Missouri simply UCM. They were established in 1871 with the original name Normal School No 2, and soon after Warrensburg Teachers College. Both original names referenced the early mission of the school which was to train high-quality teachers in the state of Missouri. They underwent many name changes and ratifications of their mission before becoming the University of Central Missouri in 2006. Warrensburg, Missouri is the home of their main campus, 1,561 acres of land. They also have several satellite locations, including in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. They have many online offerings as well as residential. Their total enrollment is over 14,000 students.

The School of Geoscience, Physics, and Safety has several majors that culminate in occupational safety and health degrees, including the Occupational Safety and Health Bachelor’s of Science degree program. Students in the program choose between three disciplines including Occupational Health Management, Environmental Management, and Safety Management. The theme that each subject has in common is the skills and tools to both keep people and the environment safe, especially in the workplace. Students will have lots of opportunities for hands-on engagement in the field. All graduates of the program receive the designation of Graduate Safety Practitioner (GSP), a highly respected title in the field.

• Program Cost: $$$$$
• Degree: Occupational Safety and Health, BS

13

Oakland University

Oakland University was founded in 1957, though the land where it sits began visioning the institution in 1908 when married couple Matilda and John Francis Hodge bought a 320-acre farmhouse. After John died, Matilda used his fortune with her new husband to build Meadow Brook Hall which was an anchor building the in the formation of Oakland University. Currently, the campus sits on 1,400 acres of land in Rochester, Michigan, which is part of the Detroit metro area. There is a second campus in Auburn Hills. Oakland is known for being the only institution of higher learning with high research activity in the county. Total enrollment includes over 20,000 students.

Oakland University has an environmental health and safety degree online program that meets the needs of busy professionals and adult learners who require flexibility. The online format does not require students ever to step foot on campus, and most of the learning is delivered asynchronously, except for some classes that will be scheduled far in advance and therefore, will be easy to put on the schedule ahead of time. The program dives into scientific themes, introducing students to occupational safety and environmental health. Students will learn to engage health and safety practices in workplaces such as hospitals, manufacturing, and construction.

• Program Cost: $$$$$
• Degree: Occupational Safety and Health, BS

14

Purdue University at West Lafayette

Purdue University was established in 1869, though their first classes began in 1874, to 39 students with facilitation from 6 faculty members. Currently, they are a renowned public research institution of higher learning with their flagship campus in West Lafayette, Indiana. Their 2,602-acre campus sits on the Wabash River, and on the other side, you will find Lafayette, which is a much bigger city. This main campus has over 200 majors which serve both graduate and undergraduate students. They offer over 69 doctoral and masters programs. They participate in the Big Ten Conference and with close to 40,500 students enrolled, they have the second largest student body in the state.

Purdue University at West Lafayette offers a Bachelor’s of Science degree program in occupational health sciences through their School of Health Sciences. Many students undertake this course of study to achieve a successful career as an Industrial Hygienist. Students will learn a variety of applicable skills including how to perform quantitative and quantitative assessments on workplace exposure. Students will know how to look for biological agents, radiology, physical and adverse chemicals. Students will receive rigorous training with the goal of injury and fatality prevention. There are many opportunities for students to engage in experiential learning in the program, and many companies participate in offering internships that provide on the job training.

• Program Cost: $$$$$
• Degree: Occupational Health Sciences, BS

15

Marshall University

Marshall University was established in 1837 as a private subscription school and was formed by those who resided within the nearby surrounding area. The school was named after the fourth United States Chief Justice named John Marshall. In 1937 the campus was a victim of a horrendous flood that forced them to rebuild many of the critical buildings as well as replace many books and academic artifacts. Marshall University is currently made up of nine colleges, all of which serve undergraduate students. Their primary campus sits on 100 acres of land in Huntington, West Virginia. They also have a nonresidential campus that serves graduate students, located in South Charleston. They are known for their sports teams, inter-collegiately known as The Thundering Herd.

Marshall University College of Information Technology and Engineering offers a Bachelor’s of Science Program in Safety Technology. The Applied Science Accreditation Commission accredits this program. “Safety Science” is an umbrella term for all of the disciplines that train students in the prevention of illnesses, fires, explosions, accidents, and other occurrences that might create damage to workers, people in general, property and the environment. Students focus their foundational skills in the area of safety science in this course of study. They will also learn how to achieve a career in the field of occupational health in sectors such as governmental, industrial, public or private.

• Program Cost: $$$$$
• Degree: Safety Technology, BS

16

Montana Tech of the University of Montana

Montana Tech of the University of Montana was established in 1889 with the original name Montana State School of Mines. It was not until 1944 that they joined forces with the University of Montana. Their campus is in Montana’s fifth largest city, Butte. They offer close to 45-degree programs, which include 11 certification degrees and several professional career programs. They were ranked by the Wall Street Journal as ninth in the country for best university for return on the investment. Several faculty members at Montana Tech have had partnerships with NASA related to academic endeavors in the state of Montana.

Montana Tech of the University of Montana offers occupational safety and health degrees, including a Bachelor’s of Science Occupational Safety and Health degree program. The program is within the School of Mines and Engineering Department. Students will dive into the disciplines that relate to occupational safety with a scientific lens. The curriculum is heavily structured ensuring that students will be adequately prepared to take on a related career upon graduation as an Industrial Hygienist or something similar. The foundations will be there for students to further their educational pursuits with a masters degree in a related field to achieve a leadership role in this unique profession.

• Program Cost: $$$$$
• Degree: Occupational Safety and Health, BS

17

Murray State University

Murray State University was founded in 1922 following the passage of Senate Bill 14 by Kentucky’s General Commonwealth Assembly. Initially, they created two institutions in responses to the states need for teachers; both were Normal Schools. Murray was the site chosen for the Normal School on the Western half of the state. They have since become a public four-year university with comprehensive academic offerings. They are consistently ranked by the US News and World Report, often among the top schools in the state of Kentucky. For 26 years they have been ranked among the “Best Colleges,” for regional universities.

Murray State University Department of Occupational Safety and Health offers a Bachelor’s of Science degree program in Occupational Safety and Health. This program provides students with the foundations for graduates to be successful in a career related to loss-control management and supervision, accident prevention, industrial hygiene, and occupational hazards. Students will be required to participate in the core courses of Murray State, as well as 51 credit hours of major requirement classes including Fundamentals of Management, and Processes and Materials. Students will be required to choose a track, and the options include Occupational Safety and Health, or Environmental Health and Safety.

• Program Cost: $$$$$
• Degree: Occupational Safety and Health, BS

18

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Indiana University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1875 by Indiana Charter Investors. It was initially created by the Normal School Act which established independent Normal Schools to train teachers. Indiana University was initially a Normal school serving 225 students. Currently, they are a comprehensive four-year public institution of higher learning. Their campus sits on 374 acres of land with mixed architecture representing old and new styles. One of their buildings named Sutton Hall is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The campus is just one hour from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the town of Indiana.

Among occupational safety and health degrees, you will find the Bachelor of Science in Safety, Health, and Environmental Applied Sciences at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. This program trains students to recognize and intervene regarding safety hazards both in the workplace and in the environment. This program is designed to be challenging, and involve experiential learning opportunities that can help students achieve a professional position upon graduation or continue to further their studies in a similar field. Students will have opportunities to work in laboratories and participate in internships. The faculty will be very involved in each student’s work and progress and provide tailored support.

• Program Cost: $$$$$
• Degree: Safety, Health, and Environmental Applied Sciences, BS

19

Odessa College

Odessa College is often referred to as OC. It was established in 1946 with the original name Odessa Community College. Situated on 80 acres of land, they are located in Odessa, Texas. They are a public two-year college, and they serve Permian Basin and Ecktor County. Total enrollment at OC is close to 5,000 students. Though they are a junior college, they take sports and student life seriously. They have many teams with a track record for winning, as well as student groups that cater to a variety of students needs and interests. They serve many students in adult basic education, community recreation, and continuing education classes.

Odessa College offers an online associates degree in occupational health and safety. This program was designed to meet the needs of students who are seeking employment in a lucrative field and are already working for a company and are interested in entering the safety department. Students will learn how to maintain health and safety compliance in a variety of environments. Students will gain foundational information that is rooted in the sciences, in support of safe environments and workplaces in particular. The program is two years in length and will result in an associates degree. Some students may wish to further their education upon graduating and pursue a bachelor’s degree.

• Program Cost: $$$$$
• Degree: Occupational Safety and Health Technology, AAS

20

Southeastern Louisiana University

Southeastern Louisiana University is located in Hammond, LA, 45 miles east of Baton Rouge and 45 miles northwest of New Orleans. They are the state of Louisiana’s third-largest public college or university, serving more than 15,000 students each year. They offer more than 150 programs of study and focus on giving personal attention to students in a close-knit community of learners. Of the many goals of each faculty member, providing students with a challenging college experience that empowers them with a lifelong education is the most important. With research centers and focused, on-campus study groups, students are given the academic resources to thrive in today’s competitive job market.

SLA offers a unique Bachelor of Science degree program in Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment (OSH&E) that is designed to provide an academically comprehensive curriculum. This program of study prepares graduates with the ability and competency to become a highly qualified safety, industrial hygiene, and environmental professionals. The program is accredited by the Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission of ABET and the outstanding faculty are engaged and focused on student success. Graduates will be able to apply knowledge and principles of mathematics, science, technology, and management in industry, business, or other related areas of employment as occupational safety, health, and environmental professionals;

• Program Cost: $$$$$
• Degree: Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment, BS

21

Missouri Southern State University

Missouri Southern State University was established in 1937 with the original name Joplin Community College. It was not until 1968 that they became a four-year institution of higher learning, and officially took on the name Missouri State University in 1977. Their campus is situated on 373 acres of land in the town of Joplin, Missouri. The campus includes a massive stadium and softball fields, accommodating their sports programming. Their mascot is known as the Lions. Their student life is active, with over 70 clubs and organizations that cater to their diverse student population. Their total enrollment is close to 5,700 students.

Missouri Southern State University offers a Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental Health and Safety. This course of study trains students to control and contain potential hazards in the workplace and beyond. This particular program is among 30 others in the country who are accredited by the National Environmental Health and Science Accreditation Council. Graduates of the program might go on to serve public health departments with the purpose of ensuring water and restaurants are safe for consumers and workers. Students will also train for careers as safety and health inspectors. Students will also be qualified to work for environmental protection agencies.

• Program Cost: $$$$$
• Degree: Environmental Health and Safety, BS

22

The University of Findlay

The University of Findlay was founded in 1882 as a result of a collaboration between the City of Findlay and the Churches of God General Assembly. They are a private comprehensive four-year institution of higher learning. Their crucial mission principles include knowledge, religion, and liberty. They are known for being the first postsecondary school in the country to offer a degree in Hazardous Waste studies, which has since turned into their renowned Safety and Health Management Degree program. This program helped initiate their ALl Hazards Training Center which offers hands-on learning opportunities for students in a variety of disciplines including government officials and industry leaders who are concerned with emergency response planning.

The University of Findlay offers occupational safety and health degrees, including a Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental and Health Management. Graduates have reported one hundred percent job placement following program completion. The coursework includes opportunities for experiential learning, including paid internship opportunities for students. Comprehensive job training is not only delivered in the classroom, but students will also have access to the All Hazards Training Center where they will be prepared to intervene and understand hazardous situations. Students will be at the front lines of the field with their inaugural Implementing Innovation Symposium that is structured to find best practices for workplace safety standards.

• Program Cost: $$$$$
• Degree: Environmental Safety and Health Management, BS

23

Trinidad State Junior College

Trinidad State Junior College was the first community college in Colorado. The school began serving students in 1925, and now has campuses in Trinidad and Alamosa, Colorado. Their primary focus is to provide students with an affordable and accessible education. From southern Colorado and beyond, students excel in unique academic programs in fields ranging from Aquaculture and Cosmetology to Welding and Massage Therapy. They offer associates degrees in applied science, in addition to traditional Arts and Sciences classes and a guaranteed transfer program through a partnership with four-year colleges and universities in Colorado. A program that is unique to Trinidad State is one of the first gunsmithing schools in the United States. They offer instructors with PhDs and boast the highest completion rates of any community college in Colorado.

TSJC students who are interested in improving the operations and safety of industrial spaces and services should consider the Occupational Safety and Health Technology Program (OSHT) which is available entirely online. OSH online courses and some required general education courses are offered via TSJC Online, while the remaining general education courses required for the degree are available through the Colorado Community Colleges Online (www.ccconline.org) consortium. Students may register for both TSJC Online and CCCOnline courses through Trinidad State. The Associate of Applied Science degree in OSH Technology is fully accredited by the Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission of ABET. The faculty prepares students for a professional career in the field of Occupations Health and Safety. They will perform the duties of anticipating, recognizing, and evaluating hazardous conditions and practices affecting people, property, and the environments of companies. They will then be able to apply appropriate strategies designed to mitigate risk, closely following Colorado State Labor laws.

• Program Cost: $$$$$
• Degree: Occupational Safety and Health Technology, AAS

24

Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University was established in 1993, and their inaugural degree programs were in Occupational Safety and Health, as well as Environmental Engineering. They expanded their offerings to Business Administration, criminal justice Administration, Health Administration and Computer Science. Their headquarters are located in Orange Beach, Alabama, but the majority of their programming is accessible online. They are fully accredited by the Distance Education Accreditation Commission, which was initially known as Distance Education and Training Council. Institutionally they have over 1,000 faculty members and staff that work on a full-time basis. There are over 26 degree offerings including bachelor’s, masters, and associates.

Columbia Southern University offers environmental health and safety degree online, culminating in a Bachelor’s of Science degree. The entire course of study is 120 credit hours with 90 credits that students can transfer in from another institution. The faculty is known for being experts in the field of health and safety. Graduates of the program will be equipped for leadership positions in the field, including chief safety officer, risk control consultants, as well as corporate safety directors, among other positions. The program is board-approved specifically by the Institution for Safety and health Management. They pride themselves on having many start dates, making it easy for students to matriculate when it is convenient for them.

• Program Cost: $$$$$
• Degree: Occupational Safety & Health, BS

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Fairmont State University

Fairmont State University was established in 1865 and was initially known as West Virginia Normal School at Fairmont. They were developed with the specific intention of training regional teachers. They are a public four-year institution of higher learning. Their campus sits on 120 acres of land in Fairmont West Virginia. In 1974 they developed a community college/ technical school arm, which still operates in tandem with the four-year institution; they are, however, independent schools that share a campus. They have additional regional campuses in Harrison County, the Gaston Caperton Center, which is in Clarksburg, and well as the Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center in Bridgeport.

Fairmont State University offers occupational safety and health degrees, including a Bachelor’s of Science degree program in Occupational Safety. The Applied Science Accreditation Commission fully accredits this program. The curriculum includes topics such as Safety Law and Compliance, Construction Safety and Law, Fire Prevention, Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology, Safety Management and Concepts in Accident Prevention. The foundations include hazardous waste, ergonomics, workers compensation, and regulatory compliance. Graduates are prepared to dive into careers such as fire inspector, building inspector, occupational health and safety technician, and agricultural inspector. Total student enrollment in the program has ranged from 30-90 students at any given time.

• Program Cost: $$$$$
• Degree: Occupational Safety, BS

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