Online Masters in Occupational Health and Safety

Download Seal

See Schools

Finding the best masters in occupational health and safety programs online is not an easy task. One must consider several aspects of the degree and the college providing the degree, such as the experience and quality of faculty, availability of student support services, accreditation, program structure, available courses, the college’s infrastructure, and more. Several teams at OMC have dived deep into these and other factors and found the best programs for students to choose from. Here are the best online masters in occupational health and safety degree programs in the United States: 

Link to This

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

Online occupational health and safety degree programs offer students effective health and safety practices integral to the success of any organization that has varying levels of safety procedures. The programs generally explore the scientific, health, and psychosocial factors, including health and safety, required by various organizations. This degree program offers an in-depth aspect related to the hazards of the workplace environment. Students interested in pursuing a career in industrial hygiene, safety engineering, public health, environmental health, industrial hygiene, and health and safety coordination are best suited for this degree. The course will equip them for careers in governmental and private occupational health and many safety sectors. 

The masters in occupational health and safety online can take two to three years to complete, which also includes practical experience like most professional degrees. Many online programs in this field require that students complete one to two years of education, with some requiring 50-60 credit hours for graduation. Some programs may require writing a thesis, although many schools also offer a non-thesis track. Many online programs also cover the latest developments in the health and safety of workers in their working environment, giving students an advantage with additional knowledge and skills required by any industry standards. 

Masters in Occupational Health and Safety Degree Types

Online masters in occupational health and safety offer programs usually as a Master of Science or MS degree, with the Master of Arts or MA being extremely rare. Some universities offer a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree too. 

Most master degree programs require a GRE or a GMAT score. However, online masters in occupational health and safety GRE score is not a requirement for many universities as an admission requirement or if the applicant has a high GPA. Here are a couple of online masters of occupational health and safety no GRE offerings:

1. Murray State University – offers a Masters in Occupational Safety and Health no GRE.
2. Georgia Tech – offers Masters in Occupational Safety and Health no GRE.

It is not uncommon for universities to offer an online master of occupational health and safety that can be completed in less than two years. Students can reduce the completion time by choosing a fast-track program or credit transfers. Some universities offer an online accelerated master’s degree in occupational health and safety to help applicants complete the program faster than the usual two-year schedule. An example of an accelerated online occupational health and safety is: 

Murray State University 

Murray State University offers an accelerated online masters in occupational health and safety and has a wide range of courses that provide students with practical experience for positions in the occupational safety, health, and environmental professions. The course is expected to finish in under two years. 

Many students are interested in finding a free masters in occupational health and safety degree online. Unfortunately, there are no free programs accessible online. However, there are numerous individual free online courses on various occupational health and safety topics. Although these free courses do not confer a degree or qualification, they help students understand what they can expect when enrolling in a master’s in occupational health and safety online. They can also help in exam preparation or with assignments. Here are some resources to find online masters in occupational health and safety free courses: 

1. Alison
   Alison is a free platform with a comprehensive range of topics in occupational health and safety, including sanitation practices for the hotel industry, occupational health and safety management systems, hazard recognition and risk assessments, and occupational hygiene. 
2. Udemy
   Udemy is a platform that offers several free courses, with many also available at reasonable rates, on various topics connected to occupational health and safety. 
3. Workhub
   Workhub offers free courses to health and safety professionals, which provide required information and training for occupational health and safety at workplaces. 

The online masters in occupational health and safety program is a much-sought degree. The tuition fees for this program run into thousands of dollars and increase with each passing year. Online students do have an advantage of not visiting the campus, so they save on travel, boarding, and school facilities, yet the tuition fees are pretty high. Fortunately, there are various sources of funding available that can significantly reduce the overall educational costs. Some such sources of funding are: 

Scholarships

Scholarships are usually awarded based on merit, so students who are good in academics, sports, or other skills are automatically eligible. Religious groups, communities, individuals, for-profit organizations, and universities offer scholarships to deserving students. The best thing about scholarships is that they are ‘free money’, in that the money students receive does not need to be paid back. 

Grants 

Grants are a form of assistance given to students based on their financial needs and are designed to support tuition fees. Like scholarships, grants do not need to be repaid as well. Grants can be used to cover any educational cost in addition to tuition fees.

Graduate Assistantships 

Graduate assistantships offer students the opportunity to take up part-time teaching or any other job at the university where they are studying in exchange for a rebate in college fees or a stipend. 

Student Loans 

Student loans or education loans are sums of money borrowed from banks or financial institutions to fund education-related expenses, which may cover the cost of tuition, books and supplies, and living expenses while the borrower is pursuing a degree. Loans will have to be paid back with interest, usually in equated monthly installments. 

FAFSA

Students can apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to check if they qualify for federal financial aid for grad school. 

 

Find out everything you need to know about the Cost of Master’s, Scholarship Scams, and Financial Aid to navigate college funding better. 

Students who have good grades and an excellent academic track record stand a chance for scholarships awarded by various institutions, individuals, and groups. Here are a couple of examples: 

3M PSD Occupational Health and Safety Scholarship Program 

Scholarships under the 3M PSD Occupational Health and Safety Scholarship Program are given out to deserving students attending universities in the United States to complete their graduate degrees in occupational health and safety or industrial hygiene.  

Award Amount: $5,000 x 3 Nos. | Application Deadline: Closed for 2023; TBA for 2023-23 

The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Foundation Academic Scholarship Program 

The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Foundation Academic Scholarship Program is awarded to students whose education is either directly relevant to the subject of occupational safety and health or who promote the field of occupational safety and health. 

Award Amount: Varies | Application Deadline: January 31, 2023 

Occupational health and safety professionals are often needed in on-site work and inspection industries such as manufacturing, construction, government, and hospitals. Employers prefer potential employees who care about the details of health and safety at the workplace, as a thorough inspection requires a keen eye. 

On completing an online master’s in occupational health and safety degree, students can expect excellent placement opportunities. There is always a demand for health and safety in every industry, as it is a necessity. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual wage of an occupational health and safety specialist is $74,870, with a job outlook of 7% between 2020 and 2030. Here are a few examples of career titles and brief job descriptions with average yearly remuneration for occupational health and safety online masters graduates: 

1. Safety Coordinator – $67,388
   A safety coordinator develops and oversees the company’s internal health and safety standards. They also ensure that employees follow local or federal guidelines regarding health and safety practices in their industry. Other duties of the safety coordinator include regularly inspecting worksites and ensuring equipment is in safe and always working condition. 
2. Construction inspector – $ 54,000 
   A construction inspector ensures that current or upcoming construction projects meet local and federal building codes, zoning regulations, contract specifications, and other legal guidelines. They can inspect a wide range of construction projects, including buildings, streets, drainage or water systems, and bridges. Building inspectors may perform a general or specialized inspection of a particular aspect of the building, such as heating or ventilation, exterior paintwork, and transportation equipment such as elevators or structures. And even the structure of the plumbing system. 
3. Environment Artist – $ 55,337
    An environmental artist assesses and monitors areas that may be contributing to climate change or pollution. Environmental artists, also known as environmentalists, work for local or federal government agencies responsible for monitoring private and public spaces, such as offices and manufacturing plants. They then help professionals in charge of these spaces develop more sustainable plans and operations. 
4. Safety Technician – $ 45,875
    Security technicians provide support services to security professionals. These support services may include collecting or analyzing data and performing tests to determine how to improve security practices within the organization. Safety technicians often assess potential occupational and environmental hazards, such as pollution, lighting, ventilation, or machinery. 

Because occupational health and safety can enhance a company’s reputation, which can lead to a positive brand image and a high level of employee satisfaction, most employers will insist on a license and certification in addition to a degree in occupational health and safety when hiring a candidate. While certifications lead to better and specific jobs, licensure is required and is mostly mandatory in most work settings and states. Some certifications lead to automatic licensure. Here are a few for students and graduates to consider: 

1. Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) Certifications 
   The Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) is a not-for-profit corporation that sets and certifies the technical competency criteria for safety, health, and environmental (SH&E) practitioners. Some of the certifications the organization offers are:
   • Certified Safety Professional (CSP) 
   • Safety Management Specialist (SMS) 
   • Associate Safety Professional (ASP) 
   • Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technician (OHST) 
   • Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) 
   • Safety Trained Supervisor (STS) 
   • Safety Trained Supervisor Construction (STSC) 
   • Certified Instructional Trainer (CIT) 
2. Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM)  
   The Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM) sets the highest professional standards for credentials and administers and promotes approved credential programs for professionals working in hazardous materials, health, safety, and dangerous goods fields. Certifications they offer include:
   • Certified Hazardous Materials Manager 
   • Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner 
   • Certified Dangerous Goods Professional 
   • Certified Dangerous Goods Trainer 
   • Certified Safety and Health Manager 
   • Student Certified Hazardous Materials Manager 
   • Certified Safety Management Practitioner 
   • Associate Safety and Health Manager 
   • Student Associate Safety and Health Manager 
3.  Board of Global EHS Credentialing (BGC
   The Board of Global EHS Credentialing (BGC) is the world’s leading certifying organization for professionals who work to safeguard and improve people’s health, safety, and environment at work and in their communities. Professionals working in the disciplines of environment, health, and safety (EHS) may demonstrate their commitment and competence to operate at the highest level thanks to BGC’s rigorous, dependable, and legitimate certification procedure. Certifications the BGC offers are:
   • Certified Industrial Hygienist 
   • Certified Professional Environmental Auditor 
   • Certified Professional Product Steward 
   • Certified Associate Industrial Hygienist 
   • Certified Process Safety Auditor 
   • Environmental Professional In-Training 
   • Qualified Environmental Professional 
4. National Association of Safety Professionals (NASP) 
   The National Association of Safety Professionals (NASP) offers safety professionals cutting-edge training that goes beyond basic OSHA compliance as well as professional certifications to help them carry out their safety-related responsibilities with confidence and competence. To this end, the organization offers professional, certificate, and specialist courses. Students can choose from two credentials:
   • Master Safety Professional (MSP) 
   • Certified Safety Director (CSD) 

Occupational health and safety is an extensive study, and students who have completed their master’s in this discipline need to update their knowledge regularly. With each industry having its specific requirements, professionals need to tap into resources that can help them understand those requirements and the industry hazards and find the right solution to problems. Here are a few resources that master in occupational health and safety online students and graduates can tap into: 

1. National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 
   The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is a research organization dedicated to studying worker safety and health and empowering businesses and employees to promote safe and healthy work environments. It is part of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The NIOSH site has various resources on hazards and exposures, chemicals, industries and occupations, safety and prevention, etc. 
2. American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)
   The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) provides advocacy, education, professional network, and standards development to help its members grow their careers and support the occupational health and safety profession. ASSP provides publications, certifications, journals, and more, to its members. 
3. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 
   Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a division of the U.S. Department of Labor. OSHA’s goal is to guarantee that workers are safe and healthy at work by establishing and enforcing standards as well as providing training, outreach, information, and assistance. The site provides help and resources in safety and health, data and statistics, and suicide prevention and has publications, training material, and videos. 
4. National Safety Council (NSC)
    The National Safety Council (NSC) is America’s top nonprofit safety advocate, working to eliminate the primary causes of preventable death so that people can live their best lives. NSC provides resources to workers to deal with risks they are actually facing or will be facing. These resources include a fatigue kit, opioids at work toolkit, safe driving kit, free posters, etc.