Purpose - SHS - Occupational Safety and Health

Purpose

The Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health degree program produces graduates who can function effectively as safety professionals on multidisciplinary teams that include occupational health physicians, occupational nurses, industrial engineers, environmental engineers, union representatives, hourly workers and corporate managers. This degree provides a strong health sciences core curriculum and general education component coupled with technical and professional knowledge required by individuals pursuing professional careers in accident prevention, loss-control management and supervision, inspection and control of industrial hazards, and industrial hygiene.

Career opportunities for graduates may be found in virtually every occupational setting, including heavy industry, light manufacturing, service industries, health care, insurance companies, labor organizations, and government service at the local, state and federal levels.

The Master of Science in Safety Management degree program aids graduates in making sound management decisions in the workplace as they relate to occupational safety, health and environmental issues.

A MSSM graduate will:

Possess the management skills crucial to protect employees, property and the environment. They will also be able to implement necessary interventions where appropriate to facilitate workplace safety in a cost effective way.

Demonstrate to top management and employees that safety in the workplace makes good business sense.

Contribute as a key member of an organizational management team.

Encourage employee participation by engaging them in the development of safety and health interventions, with the goal of improving safety and health in the workplace.

Implement safety and health programs and interventions that optimize unified business and safety performance.

Develop return of investment evaluations that demonstrate understanding for the financial and operational impacts of safety interventions on a business operation.

Identify strategies that align safety and health improvements with organizational priorities.