Bachelor/Master of Science Occupational Safety and Health

Offering career preparation in Occupational Safety and Health; Safety Compliance Positions with Federal, State and Local Agencies; Safety Management; Loss Control Specialists; Industrial Hygiene; and Environmental Operations.  

 The Department of Occupational Safety and Health is located in the Martha Layne Collins Center for Industry and Technology, completed in 1991. Facilities include specialized labs for study in Industrial Hygiene and Physical Agents, Physical Hazards and Product Safety, Ergonomics and Work Hardening, Emergency Medical Training, Hazardous Materials, and Fire Safety. In addition, students have the opportunity to work in various environmental labs, as well as the general computer and computer-aided design (CAD) labs.  All students participate in field work while serving as interns, and many avail themselves of the opportunity to study and work in our exchange program with the University of Tampere in Finland. 
  
One of the most important decisions to be made in your life is choosing a career. In making this decision, you must answer the question: What will be my profession, my life's work after I complete my education? Selecting a career in Occupational Safety and Health will not only provide a good income but will give you the added benefits of self-satisfaction and recognition in society. The primary responsibility of this profession is to protect our most precious resource - fellow human beings - by assuring every person a safe and healthful place to work. There is a projected strong demand for persons entering the profession. Graduates with a degree in Occupational Safety and Health may find challenging positions in industrial plants; factories; insurance; construction; commerce; and federal, state and local government. The job outlook for college graduates in Occupational Safety and Health is extremely good, and starting salaries are competitive with those of other fields 
  
The curriculum in Occupational Safety and Health at MSU provides a broad-based educational background designed to prepare individuals for entry level and advanced work in the field. Practicing safety professionals today must draw upon specialized knowledge in both the physical and social sciences. In performing their job functions, they will apply the principles of measurement and analysis to evaluate safety performance. They must have fundamental knowledge of statistics, mathematics, physics, and chemistry, as well as the fundamentals of the engineering disciplines. Safety practitioners will utilize knowledge in the fields of behavior, motivation, and communication. Knowledge of management principles, as well as the theory of business and government organization, is also necessary. It is essential for the practicing safety professional to acquire a unique and diversified type of education and training in order to meet the challenges of the future. The population explosion, energy crisis, advancing technology, problems of urban areas, future transportation systems, as well as the increasing complexities of everyday life, will generate many problems and hazards.