Mar 28, 2024  
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog

Occupational Safety Management, MS (53-257) (30-36 hours) [Also available as an accelerated program]


Student Learning Outcomes - The graduate with a Master of Science degree in Occupational Safety Management will use the knowledge and skills obtained in the programs to:

  • An ability to identify, formulate, and solve broadly defined technical or scientific problems by applying knowledge of mathematics and science and/or technical topics to areas relevant to the discipline.
  • An ability to formulate or design a system, process, procedure or program to meet desired needs.
  • An ability to develop and conduct experiments or test hypotheses, analyze and interpret data and use scientific judgment to draw conclusions.
  • An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  • An ability to understand ethical and professional responsibilities and the impact of technical and/or scientific solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
  • An ability to function effectively on teams that establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, and analyze risk and uncertainty.
  • An ability to develop a project or research activity resulting in a report that demonstrates both the mastery of the subject matter and a high level of communication skills.

This professional degree is offered to prepare students to assist management in the effective use of resources for the development, implementation and assessment of a comprehensive safety and health program in a variety of occupational settings.

Students are admitted into one of three areas based upon their education and work experience at the time of application. Students must specify which area they are seeking admission into. Once admitted into an area, students may not change areas without applying for a change of degree program through the Graduate School and being approved by Safety Sciences.

Admission requirements for all areas include possession of a bachelor’s degree from a Regionally Accredited University with a GPA of 2.50 or higher. Additional requirements by area are as follows:

Professional Certification Area - Possession of GSP, ASP, or CSP certification.

Work Experience Area - A minimum of 1 year of full time work experience with at least 50% safety related job duties. Work experience must be documented from one of the following:

  1.  Eligibility to sit for the ASP exam - eligibility letter from BCSP must be submitted with application to the program. OR
  2. Possession of current certification in good standing of any of the following certifications through the BCSP:
    1. Safety Management Specialist (SMS)
    2. Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST)
    3. Construction Health and Safety Technologist (CHST)
    4. Safety Trained Supervisor (STS)
    5. Safety Trained Supervisor Construction (STSC)

Foundation Area - one semester each of chemistry, physics, college level mathematics (e.g., algebra, geometry, mathematical analysis), and statistics at the undergraduate or postgraduate level. Students must complete SAFE 5100  prior to or concurrent with SAFE 5140 .  Student must complete SAFE 5140 , SAFE 5200 , and SAFE 5210  before they may enroll in any additional 5000 or 6000 level courses.

Applicants that do not meet all of the above-referenced requirements may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Students should be advised that courses will not be offered on an arranged basis to meet an individual student’s time/availability or desire for a particular course format.  Online courses are not self-paced and require weekly reading, writing, and participation.

Areas: 9-15 Semester Hours


Students must complete all requirements in one of the following areas

Professional Certification Area


Elect 9 hours from the following courses:

Work Experience Area


Elect 12 hours from the following courses:

Foundation Area


**Indicates courses that must be completed prior to enrolling in any additional 5000 or 6000 level courses.

Minimum Graduate Hour Total: 30-36 Semester Hours


Accelerated Program Notes:


The Accelerated model for this program designed for the BS Occupational Safety - Environmental Management Option or BS Occupational Safety - Occupational Health Management Option

Undergraduate UCM students with may consult with their faculty advisor and complete a school application to declare the accelerated BS/MS in Occupational Safety. Prior to beginning the graduate portion of the program, student in the accelerated program will need to apply to the UCM Graduate School for formal admittance to the Accelerated BS/MS program.

Courses that an accelerated student may be eligible to include up to 9 hours as overlap between the undergraduate and graduate programs:

SAFE 5001 - Ergonomics in Safety and Health (3)   (SAFE 4000)

SAFE 5050 - Food Safety (3)  (SAFE 4950)

SAFE 5150 - Noise Measurements (2)  (SAFE 4150)

SAFE 5160 - Industrial Ventilation for Environmental Safety and Health (3)  (SAFE 4160)

SAFE 5300 - Agricultural Safety (3)  (SAFE 4300)

SAFE 5425 - Safety and Health Legislation and Standards (3)  (SAFE 4425)

SAFE 5435 - Environmental Compliance (3)  (SAFE 4435)

SAFE 5440 - Environmental Air Quality and Pollution Prevention (3)  (SAFE 4440)

SAFE 5445 - Water Quality and Waste Water Management (3)  (SAFE 4445)

SAFE 5455 - Environmental Remediation (3)  (SAFE 4450)

SAFE 5510 - Loss Control (3)  (SAFE 4510)

SAFE 5515 - High Hazard Industries (3)  (SAFE 4515)


The Accelerated model for this program designed for the BS Environmental, Safety, and Risk Management

Undergraduate UCM students with may consult with their faculty advisor and complete a school application to declare the accelerated BS/MS in Environmental, Safety, and Risk Management/Occupational Safety. Prior to beginning the graduate portion of the program, student in the accelerated program will need to apply to the UCM Graduate School for formal admittance to the Accelerated BS/MS program.

Courses that an accelerated student may be eligible to include up to 9 hours as overlap between the undergraduate and graduate programs:

SAFE 5001 - Ergonomics in Safety and Health (3)   (SAFE 4000)

SAFE 5425 - Safety and Health Legislation and Standards (3)  (SAFE 4425)

SAFE 5435 - Environmental Compliance (3)  (SAFE 4435)

SAFE 5440 - Environmental Air Quality and Pollution Prevention (3)  (SAFE 4440)

SAFE 5445 - Water Quality and Waste Water Management (3)  (SAFE 4445)

SAFE 5455 - Environmental Remediation (3)  (SAFE 4450)

SAFE 5930 - Statistical Analysis for Risk Management (3)  (SAFE 4940)