Master of Science in Safety Management

The educational objectives of the MSSM program are to prepare graduates to become effective business managers in safety management. During their first five years after graduation, graduates will be able to:

1. Integrate global EHS management systems with best business practices and identify fundamental system safety characteristics and functions with the associated impacts.
2. Develop cost effective, safe operating procedures for operational controls, including interventions based upon functional mapping of EHS management systems and evaluation of system performance.
3. Work collaboratively and effectively with colleagues, managers and citizens in building a safe productive organization and community.
4. Be responsible citizens and effectively work with labor & management in addressing workplace EHS issues.
5. Apply sound design methodology in multidisciplinary areas to measure, evaluate and analyze EHS performance.
6. Uphold professional, environmental, cultural, diversity, ethical standards and contemporary knowledge in EHS practice.
7. Continue their professional advancement through life-long learning.
8. Enhance the community through civic responsibility and the promotion of economic development.
9. Apply business analytical tools and skills necessary for making sound management decisions in business and industry as they relate to occupational safety, health, and environmental issues.
10. Practice effective oral and written communication skills.
11. Demonstrate Leadership in the Profession by active participation in EHS organizations.

In order to meet program Educational Objectives of the Master of Safety Management program, students must be able to meet the following outcomes at the time of their graduation:

1. Communicate effectively with top management and cost justify interventions necessary to protect employees, property, and the environment.
2. Enhance management commitment to workplace improvements in safety and health through development of better management understanding of the safety and health.
3. Develop increased employee involvement in development of safety and health interventions through better understanding of the business ramifications and needs for safety and health.
4. Implement safety and health programs/interventions that optimize business and safety performance in unison.
5. Develop return of investment evaluations that demonstrate understanding for the financial and operational impacts of safety.
6. Effectively integrate occupational safety and health programs that play a significant role in business total quality management efforts and that enhance operational efficiency and productivity.
7. Translate moral, ethical, legal, and operational needs for safety and health program/interventions into terms that enable a business CEO or other corporate manager to recognize a valid business need.
8. Identify strategies that align safety and health improvements with organizational priorities.
9. Demonstrate that safety in the workplace makes good business sense.
10. Contribute as a key member of an organizational management team.
11. Apply strategies and tools to integrate Safety & Health into business management to drive an organization towards sustainability.

Applicants lacking appropriate experience or education in the field of safety and health may be required to take prerequisite undergraduate courses before being granted full admittance to the Master of Science in Safety Management program. The prerequisite undergraduate courses are as follows:

EHS 3250 Quantitative Methods for Environmental Health and Safety

EHS 2250 Environmental Health and Safety Methods

EHS 2350 Occupational Safety and Health Standards

EHS 3300 Safety and Health Administration and Programs

EHS 3380 Environmental Health and Safety Engineering and Technology

EHS 3350 Fundamentals of Occupational Hygiene

EHS 4410 Accident/Incident Investigation and Analysis

View the brochure for a program overview.

Recommended Course Sequence

The Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Program Industry Advisory Board is composed of EHS professionals from various industries and private sectors who provide input, guidance, and support for the EHS program and its students. These members are key constituents in the continuous improvement process for the program.

Malcom E. Dunbar, CSP, Vice President & Chief Safety Officer, Edward C. LEVY Co, Chair Industry Advisory Board

Jessica Jannaman, Senior Manager, Environmental Health & Safety NA, DURA Automotive Systems, Vice Chair Industry Advisory Board

Kathy Glodich, CSP, Senior Loss Control Consultant, Accident Fund Insurance Company, Secretary Industry Advisory Board

Patrick R. Frazee, CIH, CSP, EHS Program Director, Oakland University, Executive Committee Industry Advisory Board, Manager (retired), Health & Safety North America, General Motors

Charles W. McGlothlin Jr., Ph.D., P.E., Special Instructor in the EHS Program, Oakland University

Richard Olawoyin, Ph.D., CEP, Assistant Professor, Oakland University

Dave Andrews, CSP, ARM, Risk Manager, Amerisure

Julie Barbaro, Environmental Health and Safety - Assembly Division, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

Darryl C. Hill, Ph.D., CSP, Vice President Global Health & Safety, Johnson Controls Inc.

Thomas W. Schenk, Ph.D., Corporate Epidemiologist, General Motors

Thomas J. Martin, CIH, CSP, Manager, Safety & Industrial Hygiene, Ramboll Environmental

Wendy Burkett, Regional Safety & Security Manager, North America, Ford Motor Company

Ben Treppa, CSP, Operations & Safety Supervisor, County of Macomb

Linda Ritter, Graduate Student Representative, MS in Safety Management

Kevin Housner, Undergraduate Student Representative, BS in Environmental Health & Safety